Quality & Food Safety |

Quality and Food Safety

At IML we concentrate on quality. Our quality systems aim to provide the customer with product that meets or exceeds their specification and is delivered on time every time. In addition we strive for high quality service throughout our organisation.

In today's world food safety is a major issue for manufacturers and consumers. In order to provide our customers with peace of mind IML has implemented a HACCP system and world class good manufacturing practice. In addition we have constructed our factory to the very highest standards. How do we know? AIB International, a company recognised throughout the world for its high standard of food safety auditing, inspects our premises annually and they have awarded us the highest possible rating of "Superior".

Our control of quality and food safety starts on the farm where our grower services team provides feedback and advice to growers on producing the very best macadamias. We have an approved supplier programme that ensures growers comply with strict guidelines regarding the usage of agricultural chemicals and other issues of critical importance to food safety. We take care to ensure that our kernel has a long shelf life. Much of our nut-in-shell is stored in cool rooms prior to cracking. During nut-in-shell drying temperatures are restricted to ensure less damage to the oils within the kernel.

Kernel damage minimised

We take care to maintain the appearance of our kernel by minimising the damage through careful handling at every stage throughout the process.

Industry leading kernel specifications ; we remove more rejects

IML concentrates on providing customers with the very best kernel. Our specifications are more stringent than many other processors which means that when you buy our kernel you are receiving more premium quality kernel for your money resulting in less wastage and more profit for you.

High sampling rate

After sorting, our kernel is collected in 350 kg tote bins. Each of these bins is representatively sampled. The sample is tested to ensure the kernel meets our specification for moisture %. Kernel that does not meet our stringent specification is resorted. The net result is a low defect level and you get more of the good quality kernel that you paid for.

Whole kernel specifications

Macadamia whole kernel is more expensive than halves and pieces so customers should expect to get the quantity of whole kernel that they have specified. In many cases IML whole kernel style specifications ensure that you receive a higher content of whole kernel than other processors can provide.

Sizing

At IML we specialise in providing kernel that meets your requirements. If you have machinery that requires accurately and consistently sized kernel we can supply what you need . We have the widest range of tight size specifications in the industry to meet every need.

Foreign object removal

Our extensive sorting system including screens, tilt belts, magnets, aspirators, colour sorters, hand sorting and metal detectors gives the end user confidence that foreign objects have been removed.

Low residual oxygen and cool storage of kernel

Our kernel is packed in foil pouches that have been flushed with nitrogen to ensure the oxygen content is less than 1.5%. The finished product is then kept in cool storage. These steps ensure the product remains fresh and tasty for the whole of its shelf life.

Microbiological testing

At IML we take no risks when it comes to microbiological contamination. We test representative samples of our packed product at least once per day and no product is released to customers until we have received results that meet our specifications. All our testing is carried out by a NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities) accredited independent laboratory.

We specialise in ensuring that you get exactly what you order.

There is always scope to improve and at IML we have systems in place that ensure that we continuously review and improve our performance. We are focused on providing the customer with the product and services they require. In this way we make the purchase and use of macadamias easy for our customers.

Provision of technical advice

The depth of experience in our company enables us to provide technical help and advice to our customers when it comes to the handling, storage and usage of macadamias. If we don't know we will find it out for you.

Response to problems

AT IML we believe in long term relationships with customers. If you have a problem with our product or service we will address it in a courteous, efficient and timely manner. Customer service carries through to you even after you've paid your account because we want you to buy from us again and again.