Friday March 5, 2010

Atkinson Audit Gets High Marks

Lufkin, TX — Atkinson Candy Co. exceeded all requirements of its first Silliker Good Manufacturing Practices and Food Safety Systems audit, scoring 97 percent and achieving a rating of “Excellent.”

Independent Silliker, Inc. inspected the company’s manufacturing facilities and food safety practices in Lufkin, TX, earlier this year.

Earning perfect marks in processing, plant sanitation, receiving, storage and shipping, and employee practices, Atkinson scored 708 out of a possible 730 points.

Quality Assurance Manager Nancy Ballenger says the company works tirelessly throughout the year to achieve its own high standards for the upkeep, cleanliness and safety of its facility, grounds and processes.

“We have put together some very good programs including HACCP, Master Sanitation, and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures,” Ballenger remarked.

Atkinson President Eric Atkinson, added: “While it is no surprise our operation performs at the highest level of safety and cleanliness, the Excellent rating proves our efforts meet with the rigors of objective, unbiased scrutiny.”