Glanbia Nutritionals Inc., Fitchburg, WI, which specializes in value-added protein, flaxseed, chia, and ancient grain ingredients, has opened a new food-grade Next Generation Grain processing facility in Sioux Falls, SD. Setting higher standards for food safety, product quality and ingredient innovation in grain and oilseed processing, the 63,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art ingredient plant produces industry-renowned MeadowPurequality flaxseed ingredients, as well as a growing portfolio of chia, quinoa and other ancient grain ingredient solutions.                                                                   
 
The Next Generation Grain facility is a fully enclosed site with closed-loop processing to eliminate any foreign material or contaminants from entering the facility or process. In line with this, grain handling is entirely internal, with no external grain unloading or grain bin storage. This dramatically reduces the risk of exposure of raw material to potential contaminants. Safe Quality Food (SQF) 2000 certified, the plant accepts and handles only 99.9% pure, food-grade raw material, supported by a series of mandated quality checks and balances to ensure the quality and stability of the finished ingredients. The site is impenetrable to pests and rodents, thanks to its sanitary and solid slip form concrete construction.
 
Designed to exceed the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act, the facility uses MERV 15 filtered positive pressured air to eliminate outside air from entering the building, further protecting and preserving product quality. Special segregation zones ensure additional food safety and quality control through positive pressure HEPA filtered air. Furthermore, the facility stipulates specific entry criteria, which include dedicated uniforms and footwear, and cleaning tools within the rooms. The facility is also designed with distinct areas for deliveries, keeping the inside environment entirely separate from the outside.
 
In terms of food quality, Glanbia’s patented MeadowPure quality process (US Patent #6368650, #7,048,960, #7,399,496) of sourcing, sorting and milling ingredients protects flaxseed’s and chia’s omega-3 fatty acids from oxidation, which preserves nutrition and flavor and ensures the most stable oilseed ingredients in the industry. Glanbia’s MicroSure Plus 5-log validated heat treatment process ensures exceptional food safety, as well as stability and consistency in a variety of products. The plant also features an on-site laboratory for inline, real-time product quality testing and monitoring.
 
Matt Healy, director of operations at the facility, commented, “We’re excited to have the plant officially open and are looking forward to creating even more innovative ingredient solutions for our customers. We’ve adapted very tight quality practices from exceptionally hygienic industries that have not been seen in the grain industry, and have drawn on our long experience in Canada and with our customers to create the most food-safe grain processing plant in existence. The technology we’ve incorporated into this facility also provides us with the ability to customize products and find new ways to create value for our customers from an expanding list of raw materials.”