Tree nuts are widely recognized for their great taste and new studies continually bolster the nutritional profile and health benefits of multiple varieties. Yet like any agricultural crop, quality standards need to be instituted from the start to ensure product quality, safety and consistency. C.J. Dannemiller Co. is committed to supplying the highest quality products to its customers. This means controlling procedures that begin even before shipments arrive at its processing facility, with these controls instituted through to the end of the production line.
Within the past year C.J. Dannemiller Co. achieved SQF certification through the Safe Quality Food program, recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). This certification program is designed to meet exacting specifications of food processing firms and satisfy regulatory requirements for all sectors of the food supply chain, from farm to shelf. The rigorous process demanded a thorough audit and examination of the company, from receiving docks and procedures to its facilities, storage, manufacturing and shipping.
“C.J. Dannemiller Co. started as a mom and pop operation, but that’s not the world we live in today,” said John Dannemiller, president of the firm. “We strive to stay ahead of the curve and worked to attain SQF certification to reassure our existing and future customers that they can buy product with full confidence in our safety and quality standards.”
From the start, C.J. Dannemiller Co. has only used approved suppliers who are open to regular audits themselves, to ensure processes, methods and equipment meet expectations. Nut crops are harvested just once per year. Each crop year generates a code and each lot from that crop year that arrives in the plant is assigned a lot number, with these codes used to help product traceability.
When trucks arrive, all shipments are inspected prior to entering the facilities for appearance and any off-odors or smells that might indicate deficiencies. Once approved, product then enters environmentally stable storage, with temperature and humidity controls helping to preserve product for the next step in processing. The type of storage depends on product turnover and product type.
Storage placement also accounts for allergen separation. Those products with like allergens are stored together, but never near a different type of allergen source. That allergen control is maintained through the manufacturing process. This even encompasses employee uniforms and attire. Raw product is separated from roasted. Designated lines also help separate potential allergens with peanuts on one dedicated line and tree nuts on another. The products are then packaged and sorted and shipped according to customer needs.
Tree nuts and peanuts are both extremely versatile in a wide variety of applications including confections, snacks (in protein bars, mixes and blends), in cereal and granola, baked goods, keto or vegetarian products, and even main meals or beverages.
C.J. Dannemiller Co. supplies whole, broken pieces or chopped nuts in bulk to food processors or to wholesale establishments. The company combines its newly obtained SQF certification and quality standards with quick turnaround times and devoted customer service. For information about bulk orders contact C.J. Dannemiller Co. at cjdannemiller.com or call 800-624-8671.
