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Shipping Policy

At Southern Culture LLC (operating as Southern Culture Cuisine), we specialize in the wholesale distribution of sustainable and locally sourced perishable items, such as fresh produce, dairy, and meats. Our shipping and delivery processes are designed to ensure the safe, prompt, and efficient transportation of your products while maintaining the highest standards of food safety and compliance. Delivery Process Throughout the shipping process, Southern Culture prioritizes the safe and prompt delivery of your products with utmost care and diligence. Upon placement of your order, you will promptly receive a confirmation email verifying its receipt.

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  • Deliveries to Restaurants: These are meticulously coordinated according to our daily schedule to align with your operational needs.

  • Deliveries to Wholesale Market Resellers: These are handled in strict accordance with the terms outlined in our agreement, ensuring customized and reliable service.

As a delivery service specializing in the transportation of perishable items, we do not manufacture, store, or hold products but focus solely on safe and efficient delivery. We adhere to FDA guidelines for temperature control, vehicle sanitation, and proper loading to ensure perishable goods remain safe throughout transit. Compliance and Safety Measures We employ rigorous protocols to safeguard against any potential legal actions, ensuring full compliance with all applicable regulations and standards. Our commitment to food safety includes:

  • Operating in strict compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and its Sanitary Transportation of Human Food Rule, which mandates sanitary practices during transport to prevent food contamination.

  • Maintaining a comprehensive food safety management system, including Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) protocols, regular employee training, supplier vetting, traceability measures, and a written recall plan to swiftly address any potential issues.

  • Exclusively partnering with shippers, suppliers, and receivers who demonstrate compliance with FSMA and related regulations, including traceability, sanitation, and preventive controls.

  • Holding all necessary licenses and registrations, as well as carrying comprehensive liability insurance to protect our operations, customers, and supply chain in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

Our practices are guided by industry best practices and a dedication to continuous improvement, with annual reviews of our policies to align with the latest scientific, regulatory, and legislative requirements. HACCP Protocol Integration To support safe shipping, our deliveries follow our HACCP Protocol, which includes: Preliminary Steps:

  • HACCP Team: Composed of the HACCP coordinator, drivers, a food safety consultant (if available), and representatives from partner suppliers/receivers. The team develops, implements, and reviews the plan annually or after changes (e.g., new routes or vehicle types).

  • Product Description: Perishable items such as fresh produce, dairy, meats, and seafood, sourced from FSMA-compliant suppliers. Products are packaged and ready for transport; no processing occurs during delivery.

  • Intended Use: Products are intended for immediate use or further distribution by receivers (e.g., restaurants, retailers). Vulnerable populations (e.g., elderly, children) may consume them, so controls focus on preventing biological growth (e.g., Listeria in fruits).

  • Flow Diagram:

    • Step 1: Receive/load products from supplier (verify temperature and packaging).

    • Step 2: Transport in vehicle (maintain temperature, prevent contamination).

    • Step 3: Deliver to receiver (verify condition upon arrival).

    • Confirm this diagram on-site during a typical delivery.

  • Prerequisite Programs: Vehicle sanitation schedules (cleaning after each load), driver training on food safety (annual, documented), supplier agreements requiring FSMA compliance, calibration of temperature monitoring devices (quarterly), and a recall plan for rapid response if contamination is suspected.

The 7 Principles:

  • Conduct a Hazard Analysis: Identify biological (e.g., pathogen growth), chemical (e.g., residues), and physical (e.g., foreign objects) hazards. Controls focus on transport-specific risks.

  • Determine Critical Control Points (CCPs): CCP 1 (Loading), CCP 2 (Transportation), CCP 3 (Delivery).

  • Establish Critical Limits: Based on FDA/FSMA guidelines, e.g., temperatures ≤ 41°F for refrigerated items.

  • Establish Monitoring Procedures: Continuous checks with data loggers and records.

  • Establish Corrective Actions: Isolate products, notify parties, and document if limits are exceeded.

  • Establish Verification Procedures: Daily reviews, monthly audits, annual full plan review.

  • Establish Record-Keeping and Documentation: Maintain records for at least 2 years, stored securely.

Implementation and Training: Staff training within 30 days, quarterly audits, and integration with recall plans. Recall Procedure In the event of a shipping-related issue, our Recall Procedure ensures rapid response:

  • Applies to hazards detected via HACCP, supplier-initiated recalls, or customer complaints.

  • Classified per FDA guidelines (Class I, II, III).

  • Managed by a dedicated recall team with defined roles.

  • Involves traceability, notifications within hours, product removal, effectiveness checks, and documentation for 2 years.

  • Prioritizes public safety and FSMA compliance.

 

 

Wholesale Inquiries and Custom Terms We are a wholesale distribution company serving commercial business owners in the food & beverage or agricultural fields. Shipping terms can be custom-fitted for your business via a commercial account. Please request one at your convenience. Contact Us If you have any questions about our shipping policy or food safety protocols, please contact us at info@southernculturellc.com.Effective Date: October 22, 2025

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