NewCold Tacoma earns top food safety score in record time

NewCold’s Tacoma facility has achieved the highest possible score of AA with zero deductions on its scheduled BRCGS audit, completed in under eight hours. This exceptional result marks a major milestone for Tacoma and is a strong example of the high standards being achieved across the organization. 

“These results are the result of a deeply embedded culture of food safety, accountability, and focused leadership,” said Graham Harvey, Vice President Global Quality, Safety, and Sustainability. “Tacoma’s achievement reflects the standard we strive for at every site globally.” 

The BRCGS Global Standards audit evaluates facilities on a range of criteria related to food manufacturers’ adherence to internationally recognized food safety standards. The audit is typically a full-day process, but Tacoma’s result was delivered in record time. 

According to NewCold Tacoma QESH Manager Eva Gendron, the site’s success is the result of daily discipline, team-wide accountability, and attention to the smallest details. “The preparation requires all team members to do their part to keep the warehouse clean every single day,” said Gendron. “We put extra emphasis on cleanliness before an audit, but we are prepared year-round.” 

This year’s audit was especially rigorous due to a focus on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP). While frozen product storage usually presents lower HACCP risk, certain areas of the Tacoma facility operate at chilled temperatures and include hands-on services. Adhering to these standards is essential in providing the highest levels of customer service and food safety. 

“We must take care not to damage any of the interior packaging and ensure all product is kept at acceptable temperatures while performing any services in this area,” said Gendron. “We were very prepared for this aspect of the audit, as we are also audited quarterly during our NOAA Seafood Inspection (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).” 

“To see the team achieve this milestone is incredibly rewarding,” said NewCold President of North America Mike Shawgo. “It is more than a badge of honor—it’s a testament to our warehouse’s relentless pursuit of excellence. Their leadership, attention to detail, commitment to sanitation, safety, and continuous improvement sets the standard for operational integrity across our region.” 

Located near the Port of Seattle, Tacoma plays a key role in NewCold’s North American operations. It provides critical frozen storage and logistics solutions for seafood and other temperature-sensitive goods, helping customers maintain compliance, reduce waste, and improve traceability throughout the supply chain. 

This achievement not only reflects the site’s internal standards but reinforces NewCold’s reputation as a trusted global partner for food safety and logistics excellence. 

“I have never worked with a more capable group in my life. It is truly magical how this team has come together and how they step up every day without being asked,” said Gendron. “The Tacoma team knows that NewCold is the future of cold storage. We support each other because we know that it takes all of us to achieve greatness. Through quality, integrity and automation, we will achieve great things together.”