Biosecurity and Quality Assurance

The foundation that supports Griffin Industries' success in producing consistent, quality products is a commitment to biosecurity, safety and quality assurance.

The implementation of prevention-based programs as defined by the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) food safety model ensures the products are contaminant-free and safe to use.

Plant personnel at each facility monitor the control points and compliance to critical limits, verified by audits conducted by Plant Management and the Director of Quality Assurance. HACCP training is included in the pre-employment training of new employees. Current employees are also required to receive annual HACCP awareness training.

Products manufactured by Griffin Industries are produced using Good Manufacturing Practices in compliance with all applicable provisions of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations. These agencies routinely audit each plant facility to monitor compliance. All operations are in compliance with the FDA's Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy prevention regulations as defined under 21 CFR 589.2000. All products also comply with the requirements of the Association of American Feed Control Officials.

All finished feed grade fats, tallows and animal protein meals undergo extensive testing to comply with standards set by the following organizations:

Suppliers are evaluated prior to the purchase of raw materials to ensure the safety and integrity of materials entering the product stream. Only materials from approved suppliers are used for processing at our plants. Raw materials are inspected during unloading for any physical or chemical contamination. Records are maintained to trace materials through the production process to customer receipt, ensuring a transparent supply chain at all times.

Samples from all rendered fat production runs and incoming shipments are routinely tested using gas chromatography for the presence of chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides and PCBs.

All Griffin production operations are secured facilities with perimeter fencing, restricted-access entrances and exits and video monitoring that ensure product safety and security. Visitors are allowed to enter company property and production plants by appointment only and are accompanied by management personnel at all times.

Griffin's quality assurance commitment is further demonstrated by the certification of all rendering and bakery operations through the American Feed Industry Association's (AFIA) Safe Feed/Safe Food program. Certification signifies that all Griffin production facilities have embraced feed-based safety programs, reduced food safety risks and are actively participating in an approved risk management program. AFIA's CEO, Joel Newman, commended Griffin “for showing leadership in this important program and offering customers further reason for increased confidence in the products they provide.” Bob Griffin, President & CEO of Griffin Industries states, “We're proud of being a charter member in AFIA's program. As always, our commitment is to produce quality products backed by an unparalleled approach to quality assurance and biosecurity.”

For more information on specific programs and agencies mentioned above, see our Affiliations page.