Interstate Cold Storage (ICS), a provider of cold storage warehousing, recently achieved Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification at its Columbus II facility in Ohio.
SQF certification is a globally recognized food safety standard administered by the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) that signifies the facility meets rigorous international benchmarks for food safety and quality management systems, specifically tailored for food storage and distribution operations, the company reported. The Columbus II facility received an “Excellent” rating, reflecting ICS’s commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
“Everyone at Interstate Cold Storage is delighted to receive not only SQF certification but an excellent rating as well,” Megan Beachler, ICS SQF practitioner, said in a news release. “This shows we’re committed to upholding the highest standards for food safety. It also shows our commitment to quality and dedication to meet and exceed our customer and industry standards.”
The audit, conducted in February, examined every aspect of the Columbus facility’s food safety management system, including risk mitigation, sanitation, traceability, training, pest control, and temperature monitoring.
“This was a complete team effort,” Beachler said. “Everyone at the facility was incredibly committed to making sure we’d have the best outcome, and it was rewarding not only to receive the award but also to work together toward a common goal.”
The Columbus II facility is one of five Interstate Cold Storage locations across Ohio and Indiana. Each facility offers a wide range of cold storage warehousing solutions and a variety of services, including temporary storage, quick-freezing, space-guarantee programs, and rail access.
