Food Safety - Darden Restaurants

Key Initiatives
New Technology: Darden is converting our food
traceability data system to a fully automated one,
using the GS1 barcode system. GS1 barcodes have
been used on packaged goods for decades, but
have only recently begun being used for fresh food
products. The conversion is expected to be complete
by 2015. The new technology will make the data we
track more real-time and accessible, ensuring that we
quickly locate and remove from the Darden supply
chain any product that does not meet our standards
for wholesomeness. The automated system will also
enable us, over time, to expand the amount and type
of data we track. For example, we are exploring how to
incorporate nutritional data into the system.
Darden is transitioning our entire supplier base to
Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) Third Party Audits.
While we have long conducted food safety audits
of our suppliers utilizing Darden TQ personnel and
third-party auditors, our objective is to harmonize
the process, ensuring that we are applying the same,
internationally recognized food safety standards
across our global supply chain. This action will better
ensure that our supplier base is in full compliance
with the new food safety regulations under the Food
Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). The new FSMA
importer accountability provisions require importers
to implement a foreign supplier verification
program and GFSI is well recognized and respected
for providing the necessary assurance regarding the
safety of globally traded food.
While Darden’s centralized, contracted, fresh produce
sourcing goes through a very rigorous preventive and
verification process, locally sourced items will involve
utilizing Darden’s internal team to assess regional
suppliers’ best food safety practices and rely on the
newly harmonized third-party Fresh Produce Safety
audit as a verification step.
Plate – Food Quality & Safety
Food Safety
Food Safety
Farm Plant Distribution Restaurant
50 biologists,
food scientists
and public health
professionals
implementing and
improving our
industry-leading
food safety program
20 field plant
inspectors who
inspect food, plants,
processes and
products to verify
they meet our
standards
18 field total
quality managers
who review and
certify in-restaurant
food processes to
ensure the integrity
of the system
2012 Darden Sustainability Report
51