Zep Inc. Enhances Commitment to Food Safety with New Technology Platform from GFSC Group Inc.

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Zep Inc. ZEP, a leading consumable chemical packaged goods company that manufactures a wide variety of high-performance cleaning and sanitation chemicals today announced that it is further enhancing its commitment to food safety by offering its customers a customized sanitation technology platform from GFSC Group.

The Zep Inc./GFSC collaboration is designed to help food companies develop and implement a world-class safety and sanitation program managed with a customizable web-based document control system.

“Food safety and detailed sanitation procedures are a top priority for food processors,” said Tammy Nichols, Food Marketing Manager, Zep Inc. “Our collaborative approach enables effective implementation of the sanitation program at every level, providing peace of mind and assurance for upcoming audits.”

Zep Inc. customers will be able to utilize GFSC to help them write and audit their HACCP plans, validate their critical control points and prepare for SQF audits and certifications. This program is further assurance to customers and consumers that their food has been produced, processed and handled according to the highest standards.

Zep Inc. is dedicated to protecting its customers' brands through the professional support of its Food Safety Consultants, as they help food processors deliver high quality, safe food in their facilities on a consistent and continuous basis.

Zep Inc.'s primary food safety customer commitment starts with its own education. Zep Food Division management has developed a superior educational system which qualifies its technical representatives to obtain the certification of “Food Safety Consultant”. To obtain this prestigious certification, qualified representatives undergo extensive multi-level training programs, including: 1) Food Safety/Sanitation Pre-Requisite Program, 2) Food Sanitation Certification School, 3) AIB Food Safety Essentials' Training Program, 4) Application Equipment and Microbiology Program, and 5) GFSI/SQF/HACCP Training School.

Courses covered under these programs include but are not limited to Food Microbiology, Microbial Testing, Food-Borne Illnesses, HACCP and GMP programs, Chemistry of Cleaning, Cleaning Methods, Safety with Cleaning Chemicals, Personal Hygiene, Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP), SQF, as well as Antimicrobial Interventions and their application procedures. Zep Inc. is committed to providing ongoing training to keep Food Safety Consultants up-to-date on food industry regulations, research studies and new technologies.

Zep Inc. Food Safety Consultants are strategically located across North America and readily available to serve food processors on a local level,” said Steve Nichols, Group President of Zep Inc. “When customers see their Zep Inc. Food Safety Consultant, they know the entire Zep Food Division is at their disposal, providing training, products and systems – adding another layer of protection for your business and getting the job done.”

About the Zep Food Division

Zep's Food Division - a Black Pearl Award winner by The International Association of Food Protection (IAFP) - has been a true partner in food safety and sanitation for more than 70 years, offering a comprehensive line of products for all segments of the food industry. The company offers a variety of high quality cleaners and sanitizers, drain maintenance, biofilm removers, hand care and janitorial products; as well as antimicrobial chemicals for direct applications on meat, poultry, seafood, fruits and vegetables. For more information, visit www.zepfooddivision.com.

About Zep Inc.

Zep Inc., with fiscal year 2013 net sales of approximately $690 million, is a leading consumable chemical packaged goods company selling a wide variety of high-performance chemicals that help professionals and prosumers clean, maintain and protect their assets. The company is focused on the attractive industry dynamics of the transportation market and the industrial maintenance and repair operation ("MRO") market, which together now comprise approximately 60% of its revenue with the balance derived from sales into the facilities maintenance vertical. Zep markets these products and services under well recognized and established brand names, such as Zep^®, Zep Commercial^®, Zep Professional^®, Enforcer^®, National Chemical™, Selig™, Misty^®, Next Dimension™, Petro^®, i-Chem^®, TimeMist^®, TimeWick™, MicrobeMax^®, Country Vet^®, Konk^®, Original Bike Spirits^®, Blue Coral^®, Black Magic^®, Rain-X^®, Niagara National™, FC Forward Chemicals^®, Rexodan^®, Mykal™, and a number of private label brands. Some of Zep Inc.'s brands have been in existence since 1896. Founded in 1937, Zep Inc. is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Visit the company's website at www.zepinc.com.

About GFSC Group

GFSC Group has worked with some of the largest packers and producers in the world, successfully creating and implementing multiple world class food safety management systems. Our team brings years of experience designing and implementing Food Safety and Quality programs for Field (GAPs) and Food Manufacturing (GMPs) in 15 different HIGH RISK Food Sector Categories. We have helped numerous companies implement SQF Levels 2-3. Visit the company's website at www.gfscgroup.net.