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Q: How do I address a specific question or concern about a Publix brand product?
A: The Publix Corporate Quality Assurance department will address these concerns on a case-by-case basis. Call Publix corporate headquarters (863-688-1188) and ask for Corporate Quality Assurance. It is always helpful to have available the product or a description of the product.
Q: Why is a product discontinued?
A: There could be several reasons: the product may no longer be manufactured; Publix may have decided to carry a similar product; or the product may not be available from the supplier or manufacturer.
Q: Does Publix have a stance on Bovine Somatotropin (BST)?
A. Publix milk is rbST-free. (No added artificial hormones.) However, the FDA has stated that no significant difference has been shown between milk derived from rbST-treated and non-rbST-treated cows.
Q: Does Publix have a stance on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)?
A: Scientific research conducted over the years has lead to many ways of growing and manufacturing food in the United States, including genetic modification. Even though the American public has been consuming these agricultural products for years, the composition of these foods is now being questioned, including their lack of labeling. In fact, most products derived from gene technology are not required to be labeled.
Publix, much like American consumers, is asking for some answers and guidelines from the governmental agencies that oversee our food supply so we, too, will know what products have been genetically modified. Publix relies on these regulatory agencies to set the product and labeling standards to which we comply. The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture has appointed an advisory committee to advise the government on the development and use of genetically modified crops.
One of the largest food industry associations, the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), is calling for education, labeling and standards for genetically modified foods. Publix supports the following policy positions of FMI:
Q: Does Publix have a policy on animal welfare?
A: Publix developed its own Animal Welfare program some years ago. We take this issue very seriously. We certainly understand the desire to be able to identify products by their labels. However, because most retailers like Publix sell many types of meat products, which are not necessarily natural or organic and are from many different countries, there is a need to broaden the scope of such animal welfare guidelines. As an example, it is unlikely that you will find the specific label you refer to identifying the meat atop a frozen pizza or in a potpie. But yet, customers buy and consume these as well as many other types of meat products.
We feel our program is more comprehensive than just one organization's label, and we stand by it. Our manufacturers, ranchers, growers and suppliers know our program, and they have complied with it.
Publix Animal Welfare Statement
Publix believes animals should be raised, transported and processed using procedures that are clean, safe and free from cruelty, abuse or neglect. We do require third party audits from our suppliers for animal handling and food safety.
We want to strengthen food quality and safety and ensure animal well being at every step of the production process.
We also support the efforts of our suppliers to consult regularly with experts in animal husbandry, veterinary medicine and agricultural production in order to obtain measurable indices of desirable practices in the growing, handling and processing of animals for food production. These measurable indices are incorporated into the third party audits of our suppliers.
Furthermore, we urge the appropriate state and federal government agencies to strictly enforce animal protection laws.
Q: What is food irradiation?
A: Food irradiation is a process designed to kill harmful bacteria which cause food-borne illnesses with a controlled amount of radiant energy. The process can also control insects and parasites, and reduce spoilage. It has been endorsed by food and nutrition professionals including the American Dietetic Association, the American Medical Association and the World Health Organization.
Q: What irradiated products will Publix sell?
A: Publix offers frozen burger patties.
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Q: Will Publix still sell non-irradiated meats?
A: The majority of meats that Publix sells will remain non-irradiated. Publix will offer irradiated frozen burger patties as an additional choice to consumers. The irradiated meats will be clearly marked so consumers can distinguish them from non-irradiated meats.
Q: Has Publix been affected by the recent discovery of "Mad Cow" disease or BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy) in Washington State?
A: Publix remains very vigilant in its procurement and handling of all meat products. Compliance with the BSE firewalls initiated by federal government are reviewed during the third party audits of our suppliers. We also continue to monitor the BSE situation and we stay in contact with our suppliers in order to help ensure the safety of the meat.
Q: Do I need to be concerned about mercury in seafood?
A: You may have heard some concerns about mercury in certain species of fish. By understanding the facts, you can ensure that you minimize any risk and get all of the many health benefits that seafood has to offer.
The mercury precautions issued by the FDA and EPA apply only to:
Q: What type of packaging does Publix use?
A: Publix is sensitive to the environmental impacts of our packaging. However, we also must ensure that the quality and integrity of the products are protected. Recyclable packaging is used wherever possible. In some cases, it is either unavailable or does not meet our standards for safety and quality. We are continually working with our suppliers to identify the most environmentally responsible packaging while maintaining our high standards for safety and quality.
No matter where you are in the Southeast, there's always a Publix nearby. Our Store Locator offers driving directions and phone numbers to any of our stores.