As today marks World Food Safety Day, it is crucial to recognise the pivotal role retailers play in ensuring the well-being of customers. Food safety refers to the proper handling, storage, processing and distribution of food products, an especially critical concept when dealing with food that spoils easily. Food safety is not merely a concern for producers and suppliers; it extends to every stage of the retail process, from farm to fork. As a leading grocery retailer, Carrefour – owned and operated by Majid Al Futtaim in Georgia – has grown to identify and implement the best practices in food safety.
With a rising interest in organic products and an increased awareness of food sources, customers are better equipped to make healthier food choices for their families. Modern shoppers know that seeking out food retailers with a proven track record in food safety is critical. At Carrefour, each employee understands the importance of building customer trust. Our commitment to food safety begins with sourcing ingredients and products from trusted suppliers who share its passion for excellence.
Carrefour’s objective is to minimize the impact of any safety incidents, an achievement the brand is proud to say has been its priority throughout years of experience as one of the world’s leading grocery retailers.
Here are five key takeaways to consider as Carrefour navigates the path towards a safer and more sustainable future for food.
1. Collaborating with Local Farmers and Suppliers
The foundation of food safety lies in the hands of the producers, and as such, retailers actively collaborate with their suppliers to ensure the implementation of robust food safety practices at the source.
At Carrefour, we’ve learned that establishing a rapport with farmers and manufacturers creates high expectations for food quality and handling. They work side-by-side with suppliers from all over the world to implement proper sanitation protocols, provide ongoing training, and deliver consistently excellent quality.
One of the most vital aspects of this is partnering with local farmers to understand local regulations and promote best agricultural practices. By investing in the well-being of farmers in Georgia, Carrefour fostered a sustainable supply chain whilst supporting the local economy. This local approach also ensures that our customers have access to sufficient affordable and nutritious food for an active and healthy life – and aiding in national food security is one of the government’s key priorities.
2. Developing Safe Shipping Practices
Efficient shipping and logistics are critical to preserving food safety during transportation, and partnering with suppliers who adhere to strict standards is a big part of this. This element of food safety becomes especially necessary when dealing with the high temperatures of Georgia in the summer.
By partnering with reputable suppliers and well-established logistics services, retailers can deliver the freshest and best-preserved products to their customers. Temperature controls and effective tracking systems are imperative in reducing the risk of contamination and ensuring that consumers receive fresh and safe products.
3. Prioritising In-store Safety
Once food reaches a store, proper storage and display become crucial for food safety. Staying current with Georgia’s regulations ensures continued awareness of food safety techniques. Spoilage can happen across a wide range of products and avoiding the ‘danger zone’ of high temperature is essential.
As part of its food safety processes, Carrefour prioritises well-maintained refrigeration systems, regularly monitors temperature controls, and enforces proper rotation of perishable items to minimise the risk of bacterial growth.
4. Recognising the Importance of Sustainability
These days, food safety and sustainability are inherently intertwined. Farm-to-fork sourcing has become an industry buzzword, and many restaurants have espoused this trend.
Highlighting seasonal products brings awareness about sustainability and food freshness into customers’ hands. One vital tool in achieving sustainability is reducing food waste. For retailers, this means implementing strategies such as product rotation, inventory management, and collaborations with food banks or other charitable organisations.
Minimising waste not only benefits the environment but also ensures that customers are not exposed to potentially hazardous products. As many customers seek retailers who commit to sustainable practices, sharing their food-waste reduction protocols not only contributes to a healthier planet but can also go a long way to fostering customer trust and loyalty.
5. Continuing Commitment to Excellence
Food safety is not just a legal obligation for retailers; it is an ethical responsibility that directly impacts the well-being of customers. As a leading grocery retailer, Carrefour’s dedication to food safety must, and has continued to be, our top priority. Protecting customer health is more than an ideal – it is a constant imperative.
As part of our commitment to excellence, we constantly seek to improve our routine testing programmes for our fresh food, consumer goods and hygiene standards, ensuring regular testing through third-party accredited labs.
Similarly, empowering our customers to make informed choices that protect their health is incredibly important.
On World Food Safety Day, retailers must drive food safety to the forefront of industry conversations. By demonstrating its commitment to the highest standards of food safety, Carrefour will continue to strengthen its position as a market leader, while fostering brand loyalty and building enduring relationships with customers. Food safety goes beyond profit margins, becoming a fundamental duty to society. Redefining its role in the food ecosystem and working together to prioritise customers’ health enacts positive change across the entire supply chain. A safer food future begins with Carrefour’s unwavering dedication in championing food safety as a core value.
