Lawrence Foods achieved an “Excellent” score during the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Certification-Level 3 audit for the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI), a globally trusted and accepted food safety and quality program.
SQF Level 3 is the highest level of certification, and is recognized as a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) benchmark, meeting international food safety requirements. GFSI is the result of collaboration between some of the world’s leading food safety experts from retailers, manufacturers and foodservice companies.
Lawrence Foods (LFI) is a full-line manufacturer of bakery ingredients. LFI serves a broad customer base from supermarket bakeries through CPG industrial customers. Production capabilities include fruit fillings and toppings, icings and glazes, confectionery ingredients such as fondant and rolled fondant, dips and spreads, and dry mixes. The company is headquartered in Elk Grove Village, Ill.
In order to achieve this level of excellence, suppliers must demonstrate a comprehensive implementation of safety and quality management systems that includes rigorous training and audit processes covering GMP’s, Document Control and Records, Food Safety Fundamentals and Plans, Verification and Validation, Product Identification and Traceability, Site Security, Allergen Management and Training, Supplier Audit and Approval, Customer Complaint Documentation, Production Control, Sanitation, Material Management, and Shipping and Receiving.
“Achieving an Excellent score at this highest level of certification demonstrates the commitment our team has to the initiative,” says Les Lawrence, chairman. “Safe, wholesome food is a critical component of our responsibility as a manufacturer. In this regard, we are a family-owned business that treats the people that eat our products as family!”
Marc Lawrence is the company’s chief operating officer.
“For four generations, our culture has always been built around continuous improvement with safety as a preeminent focus,” he adds. “Every member of the Lawrence Foods team is committed to the effort because we all understand that food safety must be our top priority.”
