Assessors have awarded P&O Ferrymasters' temperature controlled reefer operation an internationally recognised food safety quality standard.
The temperature controlled team based in Europoort has received certification to the Dutch food safety standard HACCP RvA (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) following an assessment by Det Norske Veritas (DNV).
Frank Hesketh, P&O Ferrymasters' Group Quality and Audit Manager, said: "Achieving certification to the internationally recognised HACCP RvA standard is very important for P&O Ferrymasters as it gives us a real competitive edge in a demanding industry sector. It shows existing and potential customers that when they choose us to transport their foodstuffs or food packaging the highest standards of safety are always applied."
During the two-day audit in August assessors scrutinised the company's reefer business policies, procedures and records and also looked at how they work in practice against the HACCP standard.
The department will be audited again in February 2009 to retain the certification.
The company's reefer operation consists of a fleet of 70 modern reefer trailers which are specifically designed for temperature controlled movements, using subcontract hauliers, as well as P&O Ferrymasters' own fleet.
P&O Ferrymasters is a market leader in the provision of integrated transport solutions and freight management services for European industry.
The company is part of P&O Ferries, which is owned by Dubai World. P&O Ferrymasters employs 900 people at 29 strategic locations across 11 European countries.