Our Beginnings
Following a series of E. coli outbreaks in the 1990s, which sickened many and resulted in several deaths, the beef industry worked to develop preventive measures to eliminate E. coli O157:H7. VeriPrime™ founder, Dr. Scott Crain, was among those who joined the fight. By the late 1990s, numerous measures had been introduced, but E. coli remained a threat due to gaps in the supply chain, leaving certain adults and children - who are most susceptible to bacteria – at risk.
Dr. Crain explained that we knew the science was there, but people were still becoming sick and dying because there wasn't a comprehensive operational model to make it work. VeriPrime’s commitment is to apply the science and implement a continuum of strategies to make it work.
From this foundation, VeriPrime™ was established and has built a comprehensive business model that ensures safety and quality protocols are properly implemented at each stage of the food supply chain. The approach reimburses producers to participate.
The VeriPrime™ Structure
VeriPrime™ is a member-owned federation of cooperatives. Under this business structure, producers, processors, distributors, and retailers -- in other words, all members of the food supply chain -- become members of the VeriPrime™ cooperative and are reimbursed for their contributions to safer food.
All participants must pass an audit performed by Agri Food™ Certification, a certifying body accredited by the USDA-AMS for Certified Traceable feed and food under the ISO Guide 65 program. These audits are conducted at least once per year, to confirm conformance.
The VeriPrime™ Food Safety System subscription fees are used to reimburse participants in the supply chain for the costs of the food safety protocols.
Contact Information
| We are located at: 200 Douglas Ave., Wichita, Kansas, 67202 |
Please contact us at: Phone: 316-265-2654 E-mail: info@veriprime.org |