For Immediate Release:

Vanilla Manufacturer Receives SQF 2000, World Recognized Food Safety Certification

WAUKEGAN, ILLINOIS (March 15, 2012) – Nielsen-Massey Vanillas recently received certification from the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Institute Program. SQF Institute is an organization recognized by retailers and foodservice providers around the world that requires a rigorous, credible food safety management system.

The SQF Program is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative and links primary production certification to food manufacturing, distribution and agent/broker management certification. Administered by the Food Marketing Institute, SQF benefits from continual retailer feedback about consumer concerns. These benefits are passed on to SQF certified suppliers, keeping them a step ahead.

"We are proud to receive the national safety recognition from the SQF 2000 certification program," said Craig Nielsen, chief executive officer of Nielsen-Massey Vanillas. "Today's consumers are more interested and educated about the food they eat than ever and it's important to maintain the highest safety and quality standards."

Nielsen-Massey was previously audited annually by The American Institute of Baking, from whom it has received Superior ratings each year since 1990. This inspection involved a thorough review and analysis of the manufacturing policies and procedures throughout the production facility.

About the SQF Institute
The Safe Quality Food (SQF) program is recognized by retailers and foodservice providers around the world as a rigorous, credible food safety management system. It is the only certification system recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) that offers certificates for primary production, food manufacturing, distribution and agent/broker management. This enables suppliers to assure their customers that food has been produced, processed, prepared and handled according to the highest possible standards, at all levels of the supply chain. Additionally as a division of the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), the SQF program incorporates continual retailer feedback about consumer concerns. This information is passed on to SQF certified suppliers, keeping them a step ahead of their competitors.

About Nielsen-Massey Vanillas
Throughout its more than 100 year history, Nielsen-Massey Vanillas has earned its reputation as a manufacturer of the finest extracts in the world. The full line of Nielsen-Massey's Pure Vanilla products include: Vanilla Beans and Extracts from Madagascar, Tahiti and Mexico; sugar and alcohol-free Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Powder; Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste; Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Sugar and Certified Organic Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract and Beans.

Nielsen-Massey Vanillas recently introduced a line of Pure Flavors: Pure Chocolate Extract, Pure Almond Extract, Pure Orange Extract, Pure Lemon Extract, Pure Coffee Extract, Pure Peppermint Extract, Orange Blossom Water and Rose Water. All Nielsen-Massey products are Allergen-Free and certified Kosher and Gluten-Free. The company is headquartered in Waukegan, Illinois, with production facilities in Waukegan and Leeuwarden, The Netherlands.

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Photos are available upon request. For more information about Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, contact:
Gardi Wilks, gwilks@savoragency.com
Savor – the food agency, 847.556.7511