The Equitable Food Initiative
Processing & Packing Standards
VERSION 1.1, DECEMBER 15TH, 2017
Contact Details
Equitable Food Initiative
1875 Connecticut Ave NW
10th Floor
Washington, DC 20009
USA
[Link]
Email: info@[Link]
TM
Equitable Food Initiative | [Link] | 202.730.6672
1875 Connecticut Ave. NW, 10th Floor, Washington, DC 20009
Copyright Notice
The Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) “Processing & Packing Standards” and its content is copyright of “Equitable
Food Initiative” - © “Equitable Food Initiative” 2017. All rights reserved.
Any redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the contents in any form is prohibited other than the following:
• You may print or download to a local hard disk for your personal and non-commercial use only.
You may not, except with the written permission of EFI, distribute or commercially exploit this document or its
content.
Requests for permission to reproduce all or part of this document should be addressed to EFI at the address
below:
Equitable Food Initiative
1875 Connecticut Ave NW
10th Floor
Washington, DC 20009
USA
[Link]
Email: info@[Link]
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Responsibility for these Requirements
The EFI Standards Committee has responsibility for this document, and will periodically review and update it.
Users should verify that they are using the latest version by checking on the EFI website at:
[Link].
Versions Issued
Version No. Date Description of Amendment
First public-facing version of the EFI Packing House
v1.0 September 1st, 2015
Standard.
The document’s introduction and formatting have
been changed to reflect EFI’s revised branding
guidelines. Copy edits were made to improve the
clarity of the document.
Processing Facilities were included in the scope of
v1.1 December 15th, 2017
this document. Definitions of Qualifying Facilities
were added, and MS 1.5 and 1.6 were added to the
Standards.
The document name was changed to Processing &
Packing Standards.
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Equitable Food Initiative, 2017
About the Equitable Food Initiative (EFI)
EFI is a non-profit skill-building and certification organization that brings growers, farmworkers, retailers, and
consumers together to create a safer, more equitable food system. This unique approach sets standards for
labor practices, food safety and pest management while engaging workers at all levels to address issues and
challenges in the produce industry.
Our Mission Statement
To bring together growers, farmworkers, retailers and consumers to transform agriculture and the lives of
farmworkers.
We Believe:
• That being a farmworker is a valuable and honorable profession.
• The skills and contributions of farmworkers create a healthier work environment and produce safer
food.
• The future of agriculture lies within the collaboration among growers, farmworkers, retailers and
consumers.
• By transforming agriculture, we will transform lives.
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Introduction
The purposes of the EFI Processing & Packing Standards [this document] are:
1. To provide standards and indicators that must be conformed to in order for a qualified processing
and/or packing facility to receive and maintain EFI certification; and
2. To provide guidance and interpretations for auditors, growers, and Leadership Teams (LTs) on each
indicator in order to add clarity to the required performance thresholds and to increase the quality and
consistency of the auditing and certifying process.
Growers should read this document in conjunction with the EFI Standards and the EFI Certification Program
Summary. Certifying Bodies (CBs) should read this document in conjunction with EFI’s Certification Program
Requirements and Certification Program Summary.
Scope
The EFI Processing & Packing Standards apply when certified product is processed and/or packaged in a
qualifying facility:
1. Whose workforce has representation on an EFI Trained Leadership Team; and
2. Which is also being audited against the core EFI Standards.
Qualifying Facilities
Processing Facility
A qualified Processing Facility is engaged in preparing, treating, modifying, or manipulating EFI-certified
products. Examples include: cutting raw agricultural commodities, extracting juice, peeling, trimming, or
shredding.
Packing Facility
A qualified Packing Facility is engaged in preparing EFI-certified products for commercial sale.
Examples include: cooling, washing, packaging into clamshells, bags, boxes, etc., re-work, and
repackaging.
It is expected that processing and packaging activities will frequently occur in the same qualified facility.
Guidance & Interpretations
The Guidance & Interpretations in this document are intended to set clear expectations for growers, LTs, and
auditors about how conformance with an indicator can be met and measured.
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Processing & Packing Facility
Guidance and Interpretations
Standards_v1.1
Fire Safety (FS)
Standard FS-1The facility shall have adequate fire safety equipment installed, inspected, and accessible.
Interviews with Processing & Packing Facility Workers (PWIs)
Workers shall be trained in the use and location of fire shall verify that that packing house workers can identify the
FS 1.1
extinguishers. location of fire extinguishers and can describe the proper
operation of them.
There shall be at least one fire extinguisher for every 3,000 feet2
Visual observation shall verify that the OSHA minimum
FS 1.2 (279 meters2) of the facility and near chemical and hazardous
referenced in the indicator has been achieved.
materials storage and along emergency exit routes.
There shall be fire extinguishers and/or other fire suppression Visual observation shall verify that the OSHA minimum
FS 1.3
equipment within 75 feet (23 meters) of all employee work areas. referenced in the indicator has been achieved.
Fire extinguishers shall be mounted in a location and at a height
FS 1.4 Visual observation shall verify unblocked access.
that provides unblocked access at all times.
FS 1.5 Fire extinguisher locations shall be clearly marked. Visual observation shall verify that locations are clearly marked.
A review of maintenance records shall verify that inspection and
All firefighting equipment shall be inspected monthly and
FS 1.6 maintenance protocols have been followed and inspections
maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
conducted at least monthly.
Visual observation shall review that emergency alarms are
The facility shall be equipped with functioning emergency alarms
FS 1.7 accessible. A review of maintenance records shall verify that
that are free of obstructions and detectable in high noise areas.
inspection and maintenance protocols have been followed.
Emergency Exits (EX)
Standard EX-1 The facility shall provide emergency exits that are easily accessed by all employees and visitors in an emergency.
Workers shall be trained on the how to identify and use PWIs shall verify that that packing house workers can identify the
EX 1.1
emergency exits. location of emergency exits.
There must be a sufficient number of emergency exits on each
floor to allow for the prompt evacuation of all employees with a Visual observation shall verify that the number and placement of
EX 1.2
minimum of two emergency exits located as far away as practical emergency exits allows for a prompt evacuation.
from each other.
PWIs and visual observation shall verify that exits remain
Exits shall remain unlocked, unblocked, and accessible during all
EX 1.3 unlocked, unblocked, and accessible during all hours of
hours of operation.
operation.
Emergency exit doors and stairways shall open outwards, Visual observation shall verify that correct design of the
EX 1.4
towards the exterior of the building. emergency exits.
EX 1.5 Exits shall be clearly marked with visible signs. Visual observation shall verify that exits are clearly marked.
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Guidance and Interpretations
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Evacuation Paths (EV)
Standard EV-1 The facility shall provide evacuation paths that are easily accessed by all employees and visitors in an emergency.
Workers shall be trained on the facilities' current evacuation plot PWIs shall verify that that packing house workers can describe
EV 1.1 plan and have access to posted copies in employee areas and the evacuation plan for their work location and can identify where
along emergency exit routes. to access posted copies.
The work floor shall have emergency exit routes marked with
Visual observation shall verify that exits doors have
EV 1.2 direction of travel and lighted at all times and which lead to a safe
corresponding emergency lines.
assembly area.
Aisle space between workstations shall be clear of obstacles and
Visual observation shall verify that workstations are designed and
EV 1.3 allow free body movement and adequate room for the prompt
operated in a manner that allows for a prompt evacuation.
evacuation of workers during an emergency.
Machine and Cutting Instruments Safety (MS)
Standard MS-1 Machinery and cutting instruments shall be maintained and used in a manner that reduces the risk of injury.
Workers who operate machinery and cutting instruments shall be PWIs shall verify that packing house workers have been trained
MS 1.1 trained in safe operating procedures and have access to safety in and retain an understanding of safe operating procedures for
manuals. machines they operate.
Machinery shall have guards in place to protect workers from Visual observation shall verify that required machine guards are
MS 1.2
rotating and moving parts that could cause injury. in place.
Machines that could cause injury are marked with safety signs Visual observation shall verify that emergency shut-off buttons
MS 1.3
and equipped with emergency shut-off devices. are available on required machinery.
Machinery is subject to routine inspection and maintenance in
A review of maintenance records shall verify that inspection and
MS 1.4 accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and as needed
maintenance protocols have been followed.
to ensure safe operation.
A review of the RMI elimination plan required by Indicator HS 7.1
Processes involving handheld cutting instruments shall be of the EFI Standards shall verify that all processes involving
MS 1.5
included in the Repetitive Motion Injury (RMI) Elimination Plan knives, corers, and other handheld cutting instruments have been
assessed for risk of RMIs.
A review of the RMI elimination plan shall verify that all processes
For all processes involving handheld cutting instruments deemed
involving handheld cutting instruments that are deemed to cause
MS 1.6 in the RMI Elimination Plan to cause RMIs. there shall be a
RMIs have a mitigation workplan that is conformant with HS 7.2
workplan to correct or minimize injuries.
of the EFI Standards.
Electrical Safety (ES)
Standard ES-1 Electrical equipment shall be maintained and used in a manner that reduces the risk of injury.
Workers that carry out inspections and repairs of electrical
A record review shall verify that workers responsible for electrical
equipment have a current government certification that is
ES 1.1 machinery are properly accredited in that jurisdiction for their job
applicable to the location of the facility and the type of electrical
functions.
work being performed.
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A review of maintenance records shall verify that inspection and
Electrical equipment and wires are checked monthly, repaired as
ES 1.2 maintenance protocols have been followed and inspections
needed, and do not present a trip hazard.
conducted at least monthly.
Electrical panels with circuit breakers are covered and properly Visual observation shall verify that panels are covered and
ES 1.3
labeled to identify the source. labelled.
Access to electrical panels are clear from obstructions, with 36
ES 1.4 Visual observation shall verify the proper placement of panels.
inches (91 centimeters) of clearance on front and sides.
Electrical cords and outlets are inspected monthly, maintained in Visual observation shall verify that cords and outlets are in good
ES 1.5
good condition, and do not present a trip hazard. condition.
Noise (N)
Standard N-1 Noise levels shall be measured and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) provided.
Aural observation shall identify machines that require monitoring.
The facility shall regularly monitor the noise level in work areas
N 1.1 A record review shall verify that the noise level in the work areas
where loud machinery is in use.
around these machines was monitored.
PWIs and visual observation shall verify that PPE is provided free
Workers exposed to noise levels above 85 dB for continuous
N 1.2 of charge to workers exposed to noise levels above 85 dB for at
periods of eight hours or more shall be provided with PPE.
least eight hours.
Lighting (L)
Standard L-1 Illumination shall be appropriate for both normal working conditions and emergencies.
All work areas shall be well illuminated with natural and/or Visual observation shall verify that there is adequate illumination
L 1.1
artificial light. during all hours of operation.
Adequate emergency lights shall be provided along emergency Visual observation shall verify that emergency lights are installed
L 1.2
routes, at emergency exits, and throughout the work floor. and functioning.
Maintenance & Cleaning (MC)
Standard MC-1 The work environment shall be maintained in a manner to reduce injury.
Workers who use cleaning chemicals shall be trained in the
PWIs with workers that use cleaning chemicals shall verify that
MC 1.1 proper handling, storage, disposal, and spill procedures of the
they have been trained in the safe use of the chemicals.
chemicals.
PWIs with workers that use cleaning chemicals and visual
Workers who use cleaning chemicals shall be provided PPE that
MC 1.2 observation shall verify that PPE is available and in use
mitigate safety risks.
whenever cleaning chemicals are being used.
Visual observation shall verify that the work floor does not
MC 1.3 Work floors are free from dangerous bumps, holes, and slopes.
present any safety hazards.
Platforms, stairways, ramps, and landings which are located
Visual observation shall verify that guardrails are installed where
MC 1.4 more than 30 inches (76 centimeters) above the ground shall be
needed.
equipped with guardrails.
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Guidance and Interpretations
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Air Quality (AQ)
Standard AQ-1 Equipment shall be in use to exhaust chemical odors from the facility.
Visual observation shall verify that exhaust hoods are installed
Exhaust hoods and PPE are effectively used on operations that
AQ 1.1 and in operation where needed and that workers are provided
emit chemical odor and/or fumes that affect health.
with and use PPE.
Segregation (S)
Standard S-1 Product that is EFI-certified is not mixed with non-certified product.
Visual observation and a record review shall verify that certified
Management and handling systems are in place that ensure EFI-
product is identified and kept separate from non-certified product
S 1.1 certified product remains segregated from non-certified product
and is not mixed for the entirety of the time it is in the custody of
throughout all handling, processing, and packing processes.
the facility.
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