Railroads, ag shippers announce food-safety initiative

The Association of American Railroads (AAR), Railinc and a coalition of agricultural shippers yesterday announced a new partnership to provide shippers greater visibility into recent commodities carried by covered hopper cars.

The new resource will provide shippers with essential information to maintain the highest food-safety standards and help prevent potential cross-contact with food allergens, AAR officials said in a press release.

"This partnership means that agricultural shippers — and ultimately families at the grocery store — can have greater confidence in their products' safety," said AAR President and Chief Executive Officer Ian Jefferies. "As longtime, valued customers, railroads are proud to partner on this innovative solution and look forward to fully implementing the program."

Expected to launch late this year, the new online portal will enable agricultural shippers to better identify the last contents hauled in a particular rail car to continue to ensure the highest food-safety standards are met and to comply with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's food sanitary transportation rules under the Food Safety Modernization Act.

The secure, searchable user interface is being developed by Railinc.

The coalition includes representatives from the National Grain and Feed Association, North American Millers Association, National Oilseed Processors Association, Pet Food Institute and American Bakers Association.