Wal-Mart toughens food rules

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is adopting new global safety standards for its private label and other foods at a time when analysts say that the public is more concerned than ever about food safety.

The Bentonville, Ark.-based retailer said Monday that it would require audits using safety standards at thousands of factories worldwide that produce its house brands.

Wal-Mart said it is the first national grocery chain in the U.S. to adopt the Global Food Safety Initiative standards for its private-label products.

Analysts said the move could give Wal-Mart a pro-safety image boost that would help its grocery business, already one of its strongest sales areas along with home electronics, pharmacy and the health and beauty aisles.

“Food safety is at the top of consumers’ minds like never before,” said Ted Taft, managing director of Meridian Consulting in Westport, Conn. “There is an opportunity to stake out a position as a leader.”

Wal-Mart said it would require suppliers to be certified by programs under the umbrella of the Global Food Safety Initiative, a group created in 2000 to set common benchmarks for national and industry food safety programs.