Publix earns Black Pearl Award from International Assn. for Food Protection, given to one company each year that demonstrates outstanding commitment to and achievements in food safety, quality

Cindy Allen

LAKELAND, Florida , May 20, 2013 (press release) – The International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) named Publix the winner of the 2013 Black Pearl Award. The IAFP helps promote protection of the food supply and enables food safety professionals to collaborate worldwide.

“It’s such an honor for Publix to receive this award”

This award recognizes one company each year that demonstrates outstanding commitment to, and achievement in, corporate excellence in food safety and quality. The criteria for this prestigious award requires companies to

demonstrate evidence of promoting ethical and fair business practices
participate in community and consumer promotion of food safety
contribute to public health principals and food safety
focus on food safety education
promote food safety within the company
design stores and facilities with food safety and sanitary control and
adhere to food safety regulatory requirements.

“It’s such an honor for Publix to receive this award,” said Publix CEO Ed Crenshaw. “This award shows the dedication and commitment Publix has to providing our customers safe, high quality food.”

More information about the IAFP and the Black Pearl Award can be read by visiting www.foodprotection.org.

Publix is privately owned and operated by its 158,000 employees, with 2012 sales of $27.5 billion. Currently Publix has 1,069 stores in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee. The company has been named one of FORTUNE’s “100 Best Companies to Work For in America” for 16 consecutive years. In addition, Publix’s dedication to superior quality and customer service is recognized as tops in the grocery business, most recently by an American Customer Satisfaction Index survey. For more information, visit the company’s website, www.publix.com.