FOOD SAFETY

Food safety is a major focus at Gills Onions. Our Quality Assurance team is lead by Nivia Santiago, who holds a Master's Degree in Food Science, specializing in microbiology. Our program includes:

• Third-party verification by Davis Fresh Technologies. Davis Fresh conducts annual audits of our GAP program, HAACP reviews a well as Annual Food Safety Inspections.

• Annual AIB inspections and certification. The AIB audit includes inspections of the plant, equipment, overall food safety program, maintenance, sanitation, employee practices and pest control, as well as ensuring Good Manufacturing Practices are in place. Each year since beginning inspections with AIB, Gills has received a "Superior" rating, which is the highest rating awarded.

• Annual Good Manufacturing Practices and Food Safety Systems Audit by Silliker. Gills received an "Excellent" rating on our most recent audit.

• Critical control point data is collected and stored throughout each day using FoodHorizon, a web site which provides easy tracking and accessibility for customers.

• In-house Laboratory-Microbiology and Chemical Physical Analysis performed on a lot basis to tailor lots to customer specifications. Microbiology testing consists on Total Plate Count, coliforms, E. coli, Yeast and Mold. Chemical Physical tests include Brix, Moisture, pH, Firmness.

• Kosher Certification by the Rabbinical Council of California.

• Quality Tracking from Field to Customer.