A SmartFresh apple certification programme is set to launch in the US, according to AgroFresh Inc.

Those who use SmartFresh technology and who choose to be certified will be independently audited, says Scott Chapman, vice president of global marketing at AgroFresh.

Suppliers who meet the safety and quality requirements will be able to use a ‘SmartFresh Certified’ logo on materials such as their websites and boxes.

The certified apples will be traceable to growers, says Raphael Crawford, vice president for the Americas at AgroFresh.

The system will stop buyers having to repeatedly check supplier’s operations, and they will know which suppliers are independently certified, says Jill Hollingsworth, group vice president of food safety for the Food Service Marketing Institute in Washington DC.

AgroFresh plans to offer free training in food safety to all growers, packers and shippers who participate in the programme.

SmartFresh was introduced to the industry in 2002 to extend the shelf life of apples by slowing their production of ethylene, which causes them to ripen.

The certification programme represents a partnership with growers and retailers to supply high quality apples.