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Q: How do I address a specific question or concern about a Publix brand product?
A: The Publix Corporate Quality Assurance department will address these concerns on a case-by-case basis. Call Publix corporate headquarters (863-688-1188) and ask for Corporate Quality Assurance. It is always helpful to have available the product or a description of the product.
Q: Why is a product discontinued?
A: There could be several reasons: the product may no longer be manufactured; Publix may have decided to carry a similar product; or the product may not be available from the supplier or manufacturer.
Q: Does Publix have a stance on Bovine Somatotropin (BST)?
A. Publix milk is rbST-free. (No added artificial hormones.) However, the FDA has stated that no significant difference has been shown between milk derived from rbST-treated and non-rbST-treated cows.
Q: Does Publix have a stance on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)?
A: Scientific research conducted over the years has lead to many ways of growing and manufacturing food in the United States, including genetic modification. Even though the American public has been consuming these agricultural products for years, the composition of these foods is now being questioned, including their lack of labeling. In fact, most products derived from gene technology are not required to be labeled.
Publix, much like American consumers, is asking for some answers and guidelines from the governmental agencies that oversee our food supply so we, too, will know what products have been genetically modified. Publix relies on these regulatory agencies to set the product and labeling standards to which we comply. The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture has appointed an advisory committee to advise the government on the development and use of genetically modified crops.
One of the largest food industry associations, the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), is calling for education, labeling and standards for genetically modified foods. Publix supports the following policy positions of FMI:
Q: Does Publix have a position on animal welfare?
A: Publix requires animals used to provide food to Publix be raised, handled, transported and processed using procedures that are clean, safe and free from cruelty, abuse or neglect. At all times, these procedures shall be consistent with industry “Best Practices” and comply with all animal handling / animal welfare guidelines established by each respective species industry organization.
Suppliers provide third party audits to Publix on a regular basis, validating their animal handling practices. Many of our suppliers are leaders in their respective industry and have developed nationally recognized animal well-being programs.
Q: What is food irradiation?
A: Food irradiation is a process designed to kill harmful bacteria which cause food-borne illnesses with a controlled amount of radiant energy. The process can also control insects and parasites, and reduce spoilage. It has been endorsed by food and nutrition professionals including the American Dietetic Association, the American Medical Association and the World Health Organization.
Q: Has Publix been affected by the recent discovery of "Mad Cow" disease or BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy) in Washington State?
A: Publix remains very vigilant in its procurement and handling of all meat products. Compliance with the BSE firewalls initiated by federal government are reviewed during food safety audits of our suppliers. We also continue to monitor the BSE situation and we stay in contact with our suppliers in order to help ensure the safety of the meat.
Q: Do I need to be concerned about mercury in seafood?
A: You may have heard some concerns about mercury in certain species of fish. By understanding the facts, you can ensure that you minimize any risk and get all of the many health benefits that seafood has to offer.
The mercury precautions issued by the FDA and EPA apply only to:
Q: What type of packaging does Publix use?
A: Publix is sensitive to the environmental impacts of our packaging. However, we also must ensure that the quality and integrity of the products are protected. Recyclable packaging is used wherever possible. In some cases, it is either unavailable or does not meet our standards for safety and quality. We are continually working with our suppliers to identify the most environmentally responsible packaging while maintaining our high standards for safety and quality.
Q: My store recently began labeling some foods with country of origin information. Why?
A: A new law requires country of origin labeling information to appear on certain foods that are produced or packaged after September 30, 2008. However, the government is allowing a six-month grace period to allow suppliers and retailers to have time to label the foods because the law was approved in August 2008.
Q: Will all foods be labeled?
A: The law applies only to the following foods: beef, pork, lamb, chicken, goat meat, seafood, fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, pecans, peanuts, macadamia nuts, and ginseng. The law doesn’t apply to processed foods or foods that are sold by restaurants, food-service establishments, butcher shops, seafood stores, or very small grocery stores. Processed foods include products that are cooked, smoked, cured, roasted, or combined with other foods.
Q: What differentiates Publix Premium Certified Beef from other store brands?
A: Publix has strict standards, and less than 7% USDA Choice beef actually qualifies as Publix Premium Certified Beef. Our process in selecting the beef includes establishing and documenting stringent specifications while abiding by humane animal treatment procedures, auditing beef suppliers, constantly testing our Publix Premium Certified Beef, inspecting the shipments, and monitoring continual inspections.
Q: Where can I get more information on the country of origin labeling requirements?
A: You may visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture website at ams.usda.gov/cool/.
Q: How do I find product recalls that might affect my family?
A: Visit publix.com/recalls for a list of product recalls and warnings pertinent to our customers.
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