With the implementation of the FreshQC™ traceback system, Wishnatzki Farms is taking quality control to a whole new level. It is the first grower/shipper in the country to use a system that can accurately trace a clamshell of strawberries all the way from the consumer back to the individual who picked those strawberries in the field. Wishnatzki Farms began beta testing the technology in March 2008. The system will be fully operational on all of the company’s farms, and by all of its growers, by December 2008. That means every Wishnatzki Farms clamshell will have a sticker with the FreshQC “seal of approval” and a unique identifying number on the lid. That number can be linked to very specific information about those strawberries, including field, picker, time of harvest, checker and block, as well as variety, planting date, nursery source and more.
If there should ever be a food safety issue, fast and accurate traceability is an extremely important aspect of the system, but Wishnatzki Farms hopes it will never be needed for that purpose.
“What’s most exciting is that we now have full accountability,” says Gary Wishnatzki, president of Wishnatzki Farms. “We will use this system every day for quality control. It gives us the ability to relate feedback from consumers and retailers to a particular grower, field and picker with pinpoint accuracy. That gives everyone added incentive and ability to stay focused on quality.”
“Now when we receive positive feedback, we’ll be able to recognize and reward the individuals responsible,” says Wishnatzki. “At the same time, if we receive negative feedback, we’ll be able to identify and address the problem in the field. That’s how you improve the quality of your produce.”
As consumers become more aware of food safety, retailers see the need for traceability. The FreshQC system provides that. The FreshQC seal also gives consumers confidence and encourages their feedback.
The FreshQC system is available with a payroll module. The integration of data collection, payroll and traceability into one system simplifies operations. And, since each clamshell can be accounted for only once, payroll inaccuracies are minimized. As quality and efficiency improve, so will profits.
FreshQC was developed by VirtualOne, based in Plant City Florida. VirtualOne provides technology to solve safety and business challenges for the produce industry. It offers data collection, payroll, traceability and quality control solutions.
“Strawberries have become a staple in many Americans’ diets,” says Wishnatzki. “When consumers get good fruit, they come back for more. The pleasure and positive health benefits of eating good berries is undeniable, and that will ensure that the berry market continues to flourish.”
Wishnatzki Farms is proud to continue its tradition of providing high-quality produce since 1922. With the implementation of FreshQC, the company will continue to build its reputation as one of the finest strawberry growers in the U.S.
