Sodexo Achieves Industry-Leading Certification in Food Safety

GAITHERSBURG, Md., March 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Reinforcing its commitment to the 10 million customers it serves daily, Sodexo, Inc., leading provider of Quality of Daily Life Solutions, recently obtained ISO (International Organization of Standardization) 22000:2005 certification for its food management systems in the U.S. and Canada, which focuses on ensuring food safety and quality from farm to fork.

ISO 22000:2005 Food Safety Management System certification requires proof of an organization's ability to plan, implement, operate, maintain and update a food safety management system aimed at providing food that is safe for the consumer. An ISO-certified food safety management system will realize continual improvement and updating as a result of required elements of interactive communication and system management and control of food safety hazards through required programs and Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans.

"Food safety is a critical element of our promise to our customers.  The food safety culture at Sodexo works continually to fulfill that promise.  This certification confirms our organization's food safety commitment, and recognizes that our management systems will support continuing innovation and leadership," said President and CEO of Sodexo North America, George Chavel.

Sodexo operates under a food safety system that advances the level of food safety to the highest industry standards. Developed by an in-house team of experts in quality assurance and food safety, the management system and governance procedures tie together the entire food safety program, including HACCP and product quality assurance. 

"Food safety today is more complex than ever. For our clients and customers, it is truly a matter of trust. In our quest for continuous improvement of our food safety processes, we sought to become ISO 22000:2005 food safety management system certified. In the spirit of progress, this recognition proves our ongoing commitment to ensure safe, high quality products and services for all the people we serve," said Senior Director of Quality Assurance & Food Safety, John Zimmermann.

For a more detailed explanation on ISO 22000:2005 standards visit http://www.iso.org/.

Sodexo in North America

Sodexo Inc. (www.sodexoUSA.com), leading Quality of Daily Life Solutions company in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, delivers On-site Service Solutions in Corporate, Education, Health Care, Government and Remote Site segments, and Motivation Solutions such as Esteem Pass. Sodexo Inc., headquartered in Gaithersburg, Md., funds all administrative costs for the Sodexo Foundation (www.SodexoFoundation.org), an independent charitable organization that, since its founding in 1999, has made more than $17 million in grants to end childhood hunger in America. Visit the corporate blog at www.sodexoUSA.com/blog.

Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Daily Life Solutions

Quality of Life plays an important role in the progress of individuals and the performance of organizations. Based on this conviction, Sodexo acts as a partner for companies and institutions that place a premium on performance and employee well-being, as it has since Pierre Bellon founded the company in 1966. Sharing the same passion for service, Sodexo's 413,000 employees in 80 countries design, manage and deliver an unrivaled array of Quality of Life Services. Sodexo has created a new form of service business that contributes to the fulfillment of its employees and the economic, social and environmental development of the communities, regions and countries in which it operates.

SOURCE Sodexo, Inc.