Offering food that is safe to eat is one of Walmart's main commitments in providing service and showing respect for its customers. As part of this pledge, it continued with its Programa de Qualificação e Certificação de Fornecedores de Alimentos (Retail Supplier Qualification Program) in 2014 which included around 60% of target suppliers in the first stage of the program.
The year was also marked by the adoption by fruit and vegetable suppliers in seven states of the Programa 3P (3P Program). The initiative was called 3P, as it is based in three pillars: Management of crop protection products waste, Tracking and Qualification audits. The company monitors points that are regarded as critical in terms of receiving, stocking, producing and sale of these items that represent 30% of the categories sold in the stores.
The stores undergo monthly audits of all the critical points. In 2014, 86% of the audited stores were approved. Expiry Brigades are also maintained and are responsible for ensuring that products which have passed their expiry date are disposed of and items about to pass the expiry date are identified. Expiry Brigades operated in line with the company's processes in 86% of stores at the end of 2014.
The Centrais de Distribuição de Perecíveis do Brasil (Perishable Goods Distribution Centers in Brazil) check 100% of the products received against the quality and food safety requirements. The company also revised and improved the internal audit processes in the Distribution Centers in 2014, with the main focus on hygiene, structural conditions, control of pests and temperature. At the end of 2014, 63% of the centers conformed to the requirements.
Around 60% of target suppliers were included in the first stage of the Retail Supplier Qualification Program
100% of the products received in the Perishable Goods Distribution Centers were checked to ensure they met the quality and food safety standards
The 3P Program, for fruit and vegetable suppliers, got underway