NOVI, MI—The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA), a regional dairy marketing cooperative and dairy ingredient processor, announced today that it has been awarded SQF Level 3 certification by the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI), a globally trusted, recognized and accepted food safety and quality program. The cooperative received “excellent” ratings at both processing facilities, the highest ranking awarded by SQFI.
“MMPA is committed to quality: quality milk and quality products. It took cooperation and dedication from everyone within the system to achieve this highest level of SQF certification and showcase our product quality,” Joe Diglio, MMPA general manager said. “SQF certification grants us the ability to compete effectively in the global dairy marketplace and builds new opportunities for the future.”
Last summer, MMPA’s Constantine and Ovid manufacturing plants successfully obtained Level 2 SQF Certification after over a year streamlining processes, updating facilities, reorganizing traffic patterns and evaluating food safety at every step of the production process. Thousands of pages of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans and standard operating procedures were created to train employees and prepare for the rigorous auditing process. The past year was spent focusing on the additional requirements to achieve Level 3 SQF Certification.
SQF is a Global Food Safety Institute (GFSI) benchmark recognized by retailers around the world as a meticulous, credible food safety management system. Many national retailers and grocery store chains require their suppliers have SQF Level 2 certification, with a growing number looking for Level 3 SQF Certification.
“Level 3 SQF Certification distinctly sets MMPA apart and receiving this accreditation shows that we are committed to food safety and quality,” MMPA Director of Quality Amandeep Dhillon said. “Our dedicated staff worked tirelessly to make this prestigious goal a reality. This achievement demonstrates our commitment to excellence and will provide our customers with an even higher quality product.”
MMPA is a member owned and controlled dairy cooperative and dairy ingredient processor serving approximately 2,000 dairy farmers in Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio and Indiana.