Canada: Alberta potato growers hit back over safety claims
David Swann had already voiced his opposition to current practices and announced he would be putting pressure on the industry. As has been previously reported he has also sent a letter to Frito Lay/Pepsi Co aimed at encouraging them to also find alternative suppliers.
The Potato Growers of Alberta, which represents growers in the region, said that farmers follow national standards for safety.
"The Potato Growers of Alberta prides itself on being a grower organization that has led the way in Alberta with On-Farm Food Safety of national food safety regulators, CanadaGAP protocols as well as many other initiatives in an effort to be responsive to our customer’s concerns," said Rob Van Roessel, chair of the growers group, in a statement. "The PGA has been involved in discussions with the Albertan government concerning worker safety and support increased worker safety training in our industry."
Pepsi Co has already stated its intention to honour its current contracts with Alberta growers.
"PepsiCo is very proud of our heritage in Alberta and our longstanding relationships with local potato growers. These growers all have a track record of delivering top quality potatoes and maintaining safe workplaces," said Megan Johnson, a spokesperson for Fleishman-Hillard, the company which handles PepsiCo’s press.
Source: ohscanada.com
