Company joins one percent of food processing companies in province
Fine Choice Foods, a prominent producer of Asian-inspired foods across North America, has announced its achievement of the Occupational Safety Standard of Excellence (OSSE) certification for manufacturers and food processors in British Columbia.
This certification, obtained by only one percent of food processing companies in the province, positions Fine Choice Foods' as an industry leader when it comes to safety.
"A key component of our ongoing plans for growth is centered around social accountability, which includes creating and maintaining a healthy work environment, and this certification highlights the commitment we’ve made to keeping our employees safe,” says Jason Longden, CEO of Fine Choice Foods.
“As a leading employer in the region, and as we continue to penetrate the US retail market, the benefits of OSSE certification are substantial and we’re proud to have reached this goal and for the effort required by everyone at Fine Choice Foods to achieve this," adds Longden.
The Occupational Safety Standard of Excellence certification is awarded by the Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC to companies that demonstrate a comprehensive safety management system, including policies, procedures, training programs, and incident reporting.
“Achieving the Occupational Safety Standard of Excellence sets Fine Choice Foods apart as a leader in their industry,” says Lisa McGuire, CEO of the Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC.
“Earning this certification would be impossible without committed and caring leadership, and the buy-in of the whole team,” adds McGuire. “This pinnacle achievement demonstrates that people are a clear priority at Fine Choice Foods. We are beyond pleased to celebrate their success as a company that lives its brand values."
Dr. Sean Tucker, a researcher from the Centre of Management Development at the University of Regina, compared the average injury rates of manufacturing companies before and after OSSE certification. Preliminary results reveal an approximately 50 percent reduction in time-loss injuries in OSSE certified companies from three years before certification to three years after.
Following the vibrant rebranding of its SUMM! line of products in 2022, Fine Choice Foods opened a second state of the art facility to support the company’s continued growth strategy with existing customers and new strong relationships with national retailers in the United States.