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Certified Food Protection Manager (which begins enforcement, March 1st, 2023) is part of Washington State's 2022 update to the retail food code that requires every foodservice operation to have at least one person trained and certified as someone with "Active Managerial Control". In this interview, our Restaurant Consultant, Andy Cook sits down with Washington State DOH's Public Health Advisor, Susan Shelton to discuss in plain speak what many restaurant operators are wondering: -Where does one go to receive certification? -What skills and knowhow will certification impart? -How does a foodservice operation ensure compliance? -What responsibilities will a Certified Food Protection Manager have? -How will this affect our relationship with our local health inspector? Listen To The Podcast Here

Today, Harbor Wholesale, the Northwest's top family-owned, independent distributor, acquired Modesto, CA-based MTC Distributing Co. The combined 200 years of market leadership forms the premier customer-focused and family-owned distribution company on the West Coast. Justin Erickson, Harbor Foods' CEO and 4th generation owner, states, "this is an incredible opportunity to bring our family companies together into the 4th generation and beyond, maintaining and enhancing the culture that's made MTC and Harbor successful for a century. MTC celebrated 100 years in 2021, and Harbor will join them in 2023. We look forward to entering our next 100 years with an incredible team of industry professionals who share common values and a similar obsession with our customers' success." Tom Eakin, CEO & 3rd generation owner of MTC Distributing said, "with the industry constantly evolving; we are taking the opportunity to bring two like-minded, independent companies together. I trust Harbor to carry on the MTC legacy and provide the solutions our retail and foodservice customers need today and into the future. Harbor's extensive experience in foodservice, branded programs, fresh foods, and innovative marketing and technology will allow our incredible team to bring even greater value to our customers." The combined companies operate four distribution centers on the West Coast, servicing customers from the Canadian border to just north of L.A., CA. With more than $1 Billion of collective purchasing power, Harbor and MTC are well equipped to offer competitive programs to customers while generating strong returns to reinvest in facilities, technology, and innovative solutions for our customers. MTC Distributing will remain independently operated in Modesto, with the current leadership team in place. Tom Eakin remains with the new company in an advisory capacity to ensure a smooth transition and continued commitment to team members and customers. About Harbor Wholesale  Founded in 1923, Harbor Wholesale is dedicated to supporting the local entrepreneurs that provide jobs in their communities, bring convenience to busy lives, and invite us all to experience life around the table. Every day. Harbor is proud to have received one of the coveted 2022 Washington's Best Workplaces Awards, as well as one of Washington's Fastest-growing Private Companies. As the largest independent 4th generation family-owned distributor in the west, Harbor Wholesale now employs over 800 team members, and serves over 6,000 convenience stores, independent grocers, and quick-serve restaurants with a great selection of products. These include Harbor-owned brands held under Real Fresh Brands™, such as Mountain Fresh™, Via Vita Pizza®, Split Shift®, Watertown Craft Roasted®, Mein Street®, and Skippers®. Harbor Wholesale operates distribution centers in Lacey, WA, Portland, OR, Roseburg, OR, and the newly added Modesto, CA. Harbor Wholesale is a subsidiary of Harbor Foods. For additional information, please visit us at harborwholesale.com or harborfoods.com. Harbor Wholesale is the owner of all trademarks referenced herein. About MTC Distributing Co.   In 1921, Herbert P. Eakin founded Modesto Tobacco Company. A little over ten years later, William, Herbert's son, took over the business and renamed the company Modesto Tobacco and Candy. In 1986, the business was purchased by William's son, Tom Eakin.  Tom renamed the company MTC Distributing to reflect the significant growth in various categories. After 100 years in Modesto, MTC is looking forward to beginning a new chapter by staying true to what made them one of the largest independent distributors west of the Mississippi—remaining open to innovation, keeping the prices and products competitive, and putting the customers' satisfaction first. For additional information, please visit us at mtcdistributing.com.  

WA Food Code Updates Pt 5: In the final of this series, Andy and Susan include a few extra restaurant specific topics including acceptable under cooking of fresh seafood, pets in dining areas, customer provided containers, dating of mollusks & shellfish, and more. ALL the details from WA's Department of Health: https://bit.ly/3DdZNl5 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Td4QIwuzYno

WA Updates Food Code/Health Inspections: Making such a mess "go away" isn't enough, you have to have a plan that accounts for the various surfaces of your operation, the right tools, proper protection for your staff, a disinfectant that kills norovirus, and (ideally) a kit at the ready.Listen to DOH's Susan Shelton & Harbor's Andy Cook discuss the practical application of your plan. ALL the details from WA's Department of Health: https://bit.ly/3DdZNl5 https://vimeo.com/704599502

WA Updates Food Code/Health Inspections: DOH's Susan Shelton and Harbor's Andy Cook discuss the symptoms that employees now MUST report to management, the responsibility of management, how thoroughly this change in policy needs to be communicated, as well as tips and tricks to ensure compliance. ALL the details from WA's Department of Health: https://bit.ly/3DdZNl5 https://vimeo.com/704599356

WA Updates Food Code/Health Inspections: After a 1 year education period, EVERY foodservice establishment in WA State will be required to have a Certified Food Protection Manager to oversee, coordinate, and ensure food safety compliance and comprehension.Susan and Andy discuss what everyone should know about this new rule including where and how to obtain certification as well as how many of these certified people are needed in an operation (HINT: as little as 1)Helpful Links:Specific info on Certified Food Protection Manager with list of approved providers: http://ow.ly/ZnEN50IuboE ALL the details from WA's Department of Health: http://ow.ly/Nz0C50IuboF https://vimeo.com/704597391

NEW FOOD CODE CHANGES IN EFFECT MARCH 2022 Harbor's Andy Cook speaks with DOH's Susan Shelton about new rules around Date Marking for ready to eat foods: Now referred to as Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) Andy & Susan discuss when the date tracking begins, how to manage the procedure, what future health inspectors will be looking for, and why this is important. https://vimeo.com/704596756

LACEY, Wash., Jan. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Harbor Wholesale, the Northwest's top family owned, independent distributor, acquired the brand and intellectual property of the 52-year-old iconic northwest based Skippers Seafood & Chowder from Starway Restaurants, LLC.  In assuming the rights to the brand, Harbor will support the (5) remaining retail locations (licensees), online retail business and 128 quick serve restaurant locations found in convenience stores and grocers throughout the Northwest. Skippers Starway Restaurants LLC acquired the Skippers Seafood & Chowder intellectual property in 2007.  Scott Way and team began working with Harbor in 2013 when they realized Skippers would bring a delicious quick service restaurant (QSR) opportunity to store owners. Scott believes, "with their shared northwest roots and passion for customer service, quality, and value, Skippers and Harbor are the perfect fit.  Over the last 8 years Harbor has gotten to know Skippers and its customers.  Nobody is better positioned or better suited to carry the Skippers brand into the future than Harbor." When Rick Jensen, President of Harbor Wholesale, joined the team nearly two years ago, Harbor saw an opportunity for Skippers to join an already robust portfolio of Harbor owned brands.  "We are excited to be the stewards of this nostalgic brand and further develop the concept in the northwest and beyond. We see a lot of opportunity to build on the signature fish & chips and clam chowder that Skippers is known for with our team of experts, that is 100% focused on our customers' success."  The transaction will close on January 14, 2022, and transition over the following months.   About Harbor Wholesale Founded in 1923, Harbor Wholesale delivers fresh, convenient solutions for people on the go. As the largest independent 4th generation family owned distributor in the Northwest, Harbor Wholesale serves 4,500 convenience stores, independent grocers, and quick serve restaurants with a great selection of products. These include Harbor owned brands, held under the Real Fresh Brands™, such as Mountain Fresh™, Via Vita Pizza™, Split Shift®, Watertown Craft Roasted®, Mein Street®, and now Skippers®. Harbor Wholesale operates distribution centers in Lacey, WA, Portland, OR and Roseburg, OR. Harbor Wholesale is a subsidiary of Harbor Foods. For additional information, please visit us at harborwholesale.com or harborfoods.com. Harbor Wholesale is the owner of all trademarks referenced herein. Contact Taber Lee, Director of MarketingTaber.Lee@harborfoods.com(800).624.3614 ext.1363