1. Scope and core commitments
This Food Safety & Quality Assurance Policy applies to all food products grown, processed, packed, or distributed through HEADTURNED vertical farming systems and associated facilities. It covers day-to-day operations, system design, and collaboration with partners involved in handling our produce.
Our core commitments are to:
- produce food that is safe to eat and legally compliant;
- maintain clear traceability from seed to harvest and distribution;
- uphold consistently high quality standards; and
- act quickly and transparently if something goes wrong.
2. Food safety management and standards
We operate a documented food safety management system based on recognised standards and risk-based principles (such as HACCP-style analysis), adapted to controlled-environment agriculture.
Procedures are maintained for key processes including seeding, growing, nutrient management, harvesting, washing (where applicable), packing, storage, and dispatch. These procedures are reviewed periodically and when significant changes are made to equipment, layouts, or product lines.
3. Hygiene, training & access control
All staff and volunteers involved in food production or handling receive appropriate training in hygiene, contamination risks, and site procedures.
Growing areas, packing rooms, and storage spaces are managed as controlled environments, with:
- clear rules on clothing, footwear, and personal hygiene;
- cleaning and sanitation schedules for equipment and surfaces; and
- restricted access to sensitive zones, monitored through sign-in procedures or similar controls.
4. Product quality, grading & monitoring
We define quality standards for each product type, including appearance, size ranges where relevant, taste, and shelf-life expectations. Produce is inspected during harvest and packing to identify defects, spoilage, or damage.
Environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, light, and nutrient levels are monitored and recorded, helping us to maintain consistent growing conditions and quickly investigate any quality issues that arise.
5. Traceability and record-keeping
We aim to maintain end-to-end traceability from seed or propagation material through to final customers or distribution partners. Batches are identified and logged at key stages, including planting, harvesting, packing, and dispatch.
Records are kept for an appropriate period to support investigations, audits, and regulatory requirements. Traceability systems are tested periodically so we can confirm that we are able to track products quickly in the event of a concern or recall.
6. Allergen and contamination controls
Where allergenic ingredients or materials are present on site, we take steps to segregate them and to prevent cross-contamination. Labelling and customer information are kept accurate and up to date.
Physical, chemical, and microbiological contamination risks are assessed and managed through design (for example, protected growing systems), sanitation routines, and regular maintenance of equipment.
7. Incidents, recalls & continuous improvement
If we become aware of a food safety concern affecting our products, we act promptly to investigate, contain the issue, and, where necessary, withdraw or recall affected batches. We cooperate with regulators, partners, and customers to communicate clearly and reduce risk to the public.
Every incident or near-miss is treated as an opportunity to improve. Findings feed back into training, procedures, and system design, so that the same issue is less likely to arise again.
8. Review and governance of this Policy
This Policy will be reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes in regulation, guidance, or our operations. Updated versions will be published on this page.
Concerns or complaints about food safety or product quality can be raised through our usual contact routes or, where appropriate, handled under the Foundation's Complaints & Feedback Policy.