Our company history dates back to 1980, and our own food philosophy and company vision is reflected in our approach to food and distribution.
Real Foods Pty Ltd is an Australian company producing, marketing and distributing popped-grain crispbreads for the Australian and export markets.
The company was founded in 1980 by Michael Pels, the current owner and Managing Director, and employs 100 people in its manufacturing facility in Sydney, Australia.
Real Foods has experienced rapid growth since the development and launch of its major product line branded CORN THINS™ in 1997, a natural, low-fat crispbread/popped corn cake made from popped grains of corn.
Real Foods is strongly focused on innovation and technical development, having developed, in-house, the unique technology used to produce the CORN THINS™ range. This technology is subject to patents in Australia, the US, the EC and other countries around the world.
Real Foods have asked for and received assurances from our suppliers of maize, soybeans, rice, buckwheat, millet, sorghum, sesame seeds, chia seed, seasonings and sunflower oil that none of the products sourced from them contain genetically modified organisms.
Maize and soybeans are the foods most subject to genetic modification in the United States and are therefore of primary concern. None of our Maize or soybeans are sourced from the United States. Real Foods have implemented a rigid Vendor Assurance Program, requiring written confirmation from each supplier, that the ingredients supplied are free from Genetic Modification. Further to this, we conduct random sampling of our raw materials and have these samples tested by an independent laboratory to confirm the genetic status of the raw materials purchased, are GMO free.
Real Foods recognises that this issue is of concern to many worldwide. We strongly support the principle that the consumer has the right to make an informed choice as to whether they wish to consume foods containing genetically modified ingredients. We therefore support full and comprehensive labelling of all food products containing genetically modified ingredients.
We will continue to make regular, ongoing inquires of our suppliers in order to stay informed of the possible presence of any GMO ingredients and if necessary, to switch our source of supply so that those products which are GMO-free remain so.
Real Foods manufacture a variety of traditional and flavoured CORN THINS™, and 2 varieties of RICE THINS™. All these products are gluten free.
Real Foods recognizes that it is important for our consumers who have been medically diagnosed with gluten sensitivity, or have dietary concerns about gluten, to have accurate information to help make informed choices about our products. It is Real Foods policy to ensure that our products are gluten free and to clearly identify the Gluten Free status of our products.
Real Foods have implemented a rigid Vendor Quality Assurance Program, requiring detailed written confirmation from each supplier, that ingredients supplied are free from gluten. Further to this, we conduct random sampling and independent testing of finished products to confirm our products are gluten free.
We will continue to make regular, ongoing inquires of our suppliers in order to stay informed of the possible presence of any gluten and if necessary, to switch our source of supply to ensure our gluten free status is maintained.
The following products manufactured by Real Foods contain no known allergens:
Real Foods CORN THINS™ Original
Real Foods CORN THINS™ Multigrain
The following products manufactured by Real Foods contain allergens as identified beside each product:
Real Foods CORN THINS™ Soy & Linseed: Soybean
Real Foods CORN THINS™ Organic With Sesame: Sesame Seed
Real Foods CORN THINS™ Tasty Cheese: Milk & Soy
Real Foods CORN THINS™ Sour Cream & Chives: Milk & Soy
Real Foods' Quality Department is dedicated to minimising the opportunity for cross contamination of allergens. When manufacturing any of these products our Quality team ensures that our specific clean down procedures between product change-overs are implemented. These clean down procedures ensures that lines, equipment and all surfaces that are in contact with product are adequately cleaned down.
Real Foods has implemented a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point system (HACCP) to support this claim.
Real Foods respects the environment and accepts our responsibility to conduct all our activities with due concern for the environment.
We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our business operations, while continuing to provide high quality products and services that meet consumer and customer needs.
In addressing environmental issues we shall:
Comply with all applicable environmental laws, regulations and standards
Seek continuous improvement; via planning ways to further enhance our energy efficiency and working to minimise the generation, and environmental impact, of waste on land, air and water.
Ensure that significant plant and process changes are assessed in advance to prevent adverse environmental impacts
Act as an environmentally responsible neighbour
Implement corrective actions in a timely manner
Minimise, wherever practicable, the environmental impact of packaging while maintaining quality and safety standards.
Give preference throughout our business to purchasing products and materials made of recycled content if these products and materials satisfy current performance, safety, regulatory and cost requirements.
Managers are responsible for ensuring that the commitments of this policy are met and adequate resources are made available; that employees are made aware of this policy, are appropriately trained and encouraged to fulfil their environmental responsibilities. All employees have a responsibility in achieving the goals of this policy.
Managing Director
Michael Pels
September 2016
Real Foods has been certified to SQF Food Safety Code for Manufacturing (Ed. 8.1). This includes certified HACCP based food safety plans.
Additionally Real Foods has been certified to SQF Quality Code; Edition 8.1. This includes a comprehensive Quality Management System
SQF is a GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) internationally recognised Food Quality and Safety standard.