Last updated on March 25th, 2021
Merchants Distributors LLC (MDI)—a full-line grocery and perishable distributor that also offers third party logistics services such as storage—has become SQF Level 2 Certified after receiving a rating of “Excellent” during a recent audit. MDI says it is the only full-line grocery and perishable distributor in the Carolinas to receive the SQF Level 2 Certification.
“Safety is a priority at MDI, and this includes ensuring the safety of the food we store and distribute. We are proud to have a proven HACCP-based food safety program under the SQF guidelines,” said Bob McTeir, president of MDI.
SQF Code Edition 7.2, Level 2 Certification is a certified Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP)-based food safety and quality management system that is benchmarked by the Global Food Safe Initiative (GFSI). Products produced and manufactured under the SQF Code certification retain a high degree of acceptance in global markets by retailers, consumer brands and food service providers.
It is the only standard that applies to the entire supply chain from primary production through manufacturing, distribution and food packaging. To qualify for the SQF Certification for Level 2 Food Safety, MDI had to demonstrate that its programs identify hazards, minimize food safety risks and ensure the quality of products it distributes. According to the company, this included creating procedures for all elements of food warehousing related to safety and quality, continuous verification and validation, and an ongoing commitment from management to support the food safety initiatives.
Founded in 1931, MDI is a privately owned wholesale grocery store distributor headquartered in Hickory, North Carolina. MDI supplies more than 600 retail food stores with food and non-food items in the Carolinas, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, Alabama, West Virginia, Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Kentucky. It also exports to more than 20 countries. MDI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alex Lee Inc., which also is the parent company of Lowes Foods and Just Save food stores.
Keep reading:
IGA Honors Merchants Distributors With U.S. President’s Cup Award
