SAN ANTONIO, TX - From growers to suppliers to retailers, the safety of fresh produce is of the utmost importance. In ensuring only the highest quality standards are met and the safest produce makes it to the aisles of H-E-B, the company’s Danielle Mesa, Product Quality Manager for H-E-B Brand Quality Assurance, and her colleagues pay close attention to related research.

“We are the last step in the process before the customer. Everything that happens upstream affects the products we receive,” says Danielle, before adding that food safety “is part of our culture; it’s top of mind regardless of which company leader you speak with. Each partner understands they have a role in bringing produce safety to life.”

H-E-B’s quality assurance experts engage with leading food safety organizations to learn, guide, and influence. Danielle sits on the Center for Produce Safety’s (CPS) Technical Committee, which oversees CPS’s produce-specific research program. She notes volunteering helps her make connections with the industry and other retailers.

“CPS makes information sharing even between retailers a lot more comfortable,” relays Danielle. “CPS enhances produce safety … by targeting the needs of industry. Their process allows for research that is realistic and feasible for suppliers of all sizes.”

The retailer utilizes CPS research and research data in its own programs, and shares projects with and makes introductions for H-E-B suppliers.

“H-E-B is grateful to have a seat at the table with CPS,” Danielle adds. “Their research drives change to impact how safe the product is when it arrives to us, the retailer, throughout the supply chain, and in the last mile.”

So, what recent CPS research is notable to Danielle? She points to a 2023 symposium report about biobased, food-grade antimicrobial coatings for harvest equipment surfaces written by Nitin Nitin, Ph.D.

“These coatings stand up to harsh conditions,” explains Danielle. “And like many CPS projects, [findings] can also be used in other areas.”

In addition to this report, Danielle also refers to recent findings from Kristen Gibson, Ph.D., regarding CEA.

“We’re very interested in all things CEA,” Danielle notes. “Controlled environment agriculture does not mean risk-free,” she adds, referring to the report.

Danielle will be listening attentively to researchers’ reports when the Center for Produce Safety’s Annual Research Symposium convenes June 18–19, 2024, in Denver, Colorado.

Click here for details and to register. Past events’ Key Learnings are available for free here.