US-based berry producer Naturipe Farms has announced the appointment of Donna Lynn Johnson as its new director of food safety and social responsibility, effective 2 July.
In her role, the group said, Johnson will work to ensure that the essential elements of the company’s products are monitored including social responsibility, food quality, food safety, food security, GAP farm practices and customer food safety compliance.
"Donna Lynn brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the entire Naturipe Farms organisation," said Dwight Ferguson, CEO of Naturipe Farms. "She has a keen understanding and appreciation for the complexities, challenges and systems that we manage in order to deliver safe, healthy and great tasting berries."
Johnson has worked in a variety of food safety and quality assurance positions at companies including Safeway, Dole and Greenline Foods, and has operated most recently as an independent food safety consultant to clients in the US and Mexico.
"I am delighted to join Naturipe Farms with their global focus on the berry category," said Johnson. "The great health and taste attributes of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries make them a favourite for consumers, and, as a result, retailers and restaurant operators continue to expand the category. It’s exciting to have an opportunity to work with the grower owners of Naturipe Farms and to be a resource for the customers who continue to capitalise on the popularity of berries.
"I am truly excited to work for a company that authentically cares about being on the forefront of food safety and social responsibility. I am looking forward to working with all the growers worldwide and helping them, or I should say us, be the best we can be."
