Why Food Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility

Written by Brian Ricciardo, Vice President of DNO’s Operations

Food safety isn’t just the concern of a quality department or auditors; it’s a shared responsibility across every role in the organization. From the production floor to the executive offices, each person has an impact on whether products reach customers safely. Every action, whether it’s following sanitation procedures, maintaining accurate records, or making decisions about suppliers, contributes to the integrity of the produce we deliver. By treating food safety as part of daily work rather than a separate task, we build a culture of accountability and trust that protects consumers.

At its core, food safety is about protecting human health.

A single error in hygiene or temperature control can cause illness, recalls, or even long-term damage to consumer trust. When each Associate takes ownership, such as washing hands properly, following cleaning schedules, reporting issues; we can reduce risks before they reach the public.

When everyone treats food safety as part of their daily responsibilities, small habits add up to a culture where safety is second nature. Regular training, constant communication, and quick recognition of good practices all help to instill the desired culture.  The food safety training is created in-house here at DNO.  This allows the training to be specific to our needs and focus on what’s important to our processes and facilities.

At DNO, each huddle and meeting starts with food safety topics. We discuss any concerns or policy updates to make sure the entire team is aligned and then cascade that information throughout the organization. This consistent focus keeps food safety top of mind and ensures that small issues are addressed before they become bigger risks. By making it a standing agenda item, we reinforce that protecting our consumers is a daily priority, not an occasional reminder.

All employees need to have the power to speak up if they see something unsafe.  When everyone feels empowered, we create the culture that we desire.  Food safety is not a department; it’s a mindset that all Associates need to have.