(MENAFN- Digital solutions)
OSI Group is a premier food supplier that partners with many of the world’s leading foodservice and retail food brands to provide concept-to-table solutions for consumers. It’s one of the largest privately held food providers in the world, allowing OSI to source, develop, produce and distribute these solutions just about anywhere around the globe. Agility and an entrepreneurial passion are at the heart of OSI’s culture, bringing a can-do work ethic to its collaborations with customers.
Food safety is a non-negotiable part of OSI’s mission to deliver food of the highest quality. Its safety requirements are high for both the company and its suppliers, including an insistence on the use of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) programs. This prevention-based approach allows OSI to manage risks to food safety in its supplying facilities, all of which maintain Global Food Safety Initiatives (GFSI) certification or other globally recognized certifications in food safety. OSI also conducts third-party audits on human rights and social welfare at many of its facilities.
The following OSI policies illustrate its commitment to food safety and quality assurance:
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Environmental, Occupational Health and Safety (EHS) Policy
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European Environmental Policy
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Human Rights Policy
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Animal Welfare Policy
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Antibiotic Usage
History
Otto Kolschowsky founded Otto & Sons in 1909 as a family-owned butcher shop and meat market in the Chicago area. McDonald’s selected Otto & Sons as its first supplier of ground beef in 1955, and the firm opened a dedicated facility for McDonald’s in 1973. Otto & Sons was renamed OSI Industries in 1975, and the firm began expanding into Europe in 1978. This expansion has continued in the decades since, resulting in multiple acquisitions, including the food supplier Flagship Europe in 2016 (since renamed Creative Foods Europe) and Rose Packing in 2019. OSI partnered with Impossible Foods in 2019 to co-manufacture plant-based protein items.
EHS Policy
OSI’s EHS policy affirms its commitment to protecting the world’s environment, its people and communities. Furthermore, the company considers all its products and services to be within the scope of its EHS management systems. OSI is dedicated to protecting the health and safety of workers and visitors to its sites. Core sustainability priorities of OSI include environmental stewardship, social responsibility and sustainability in its supply chain. OSI also maintains a set of core values for the company. It expects its staff to act with integrity, strive for continuous improvement, explore innovative solutions and work together as a team.
European Environmental Policy
OSI’s European facilities manufacture fresh and frozen food products from both meat and vegetables. It recognizes that these operations affect the environment, making environmental management an essential part of the business. OSI carries out these operations sustainably, including continuous improvements in energy and environmental performance, including the reduction of pollution. OSI’s environmental policy in Europe also ensures its facilities comply with all legislative, regulatory and non-regulatory requirements.
Human Rights
OSI believes that human rights are universal and intrinsic to all human beings. Respect for individual people and communities is, therefore, one of OSI’s fundamental values, in accordance with the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. OSI’s human rights policies are also guided by other principles such as the International Bill of Human Rights, the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. OSI’s workplace rights include freedom from slavery and child labor, equal opportunity for everyone, and collective bargaining.
Animal Welfare
The raw meat that OSI uses to create value-added food products is usually sourced from external suppliers, although the source may be OSI’s own processing facilities in some parts of the world. OSI is dedicated to the humane treatment of animals at all times, regardless of their specific source. This requirement is a core component of the company’s business practices and supply chain. In addition to regulatory compliance, OSI also respects the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) Five Freedoms for animals under human control.
Antibiotic Usage
Maintaining optimal animal health benefits the entire food production chain and is essential for ensuring safe, affordable food. This practice includes the prudent and judicious use of antibiotics by livestock producers in conjunction with veterinarians. The facilities that OSI buys animal products from are approved by OSI Group and inspected by third parties. In these facilities, all animals undergo inspection before and after slaughter to ensure that animals are not introduced into the food supply unless they are clear of any medically required medicines they may have received. OSI is also actively involved in programs to educate farmers and ranchers on the best practices for quality assurance.
Summary
OSI has a long history of using unique approaches to bring new ideas for food products to life. The company develops products to provide consistent quality through the combination of a global supply chain and quality control mechanisms that protect its customers’ brands. OSI also employs experienced product developers who work with outstanding chefs to provide food products from around the world. OSI’s global presence is particularly beneficial for large clients that are looking to expand their market reach. Its teams can also drive improvements in costs and processes in addition to commercializing new product ideas efficiently.
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