The 'Right Way': Dietz & Watson's Commitment to Food Safety
For over 85 years, Dietz & Watson has built its brand on a foundation of quality and safety, a philosophy they call "The Right Way". The company understands that consumer trust is paramount, especially regarding deli meats, which are a common source of food safety concerns. To address these concerns, Dietz & Watson has implemented a multi-layered and proactive food safety system designed to exceed regulatory standards and ensure the safety of their products from sourcing to serving.
Rigorous Internal and External Audits
At the core of their safety program are several rigorous inspection and auditing processes. Federal inspectors from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA FSIS) are on-site daily at Dietz & Watson's production facilities. This constant federal oversight ensures all products meet or exceed federal standards for food safety. Additionally, the company participates in the Safe Quality Food (SQF) audit program, a stringent third-party review that verifies best practices in food safety. Achieving high scores in these independent audits demonstrates a consistent commitment to maintaining the highest standards.
Advanced Cleaning and Contamination Prevention
Dietz & Watson utilizes cutting-edge technology to prevent contamination. Their facilities employ advanced ozone and UV light technology to sanitize surfaces and free-flowing air, which is particularly effective at eliminating harmful pathogens like Listeria and Salmonella. This proactive sanitation approach includes not only their internal Quality Assurance and Sanitation teams but also external sanitation specialists who perform deep, thorough cleanings. This multi-pronged cleaning strategy minimizes the risk of microbial growth and cross-contamination in the production environment.
Ingredient Transparency and Product Recalls
Transparency is a key pillar of Dietz & Watson's brand. The company offers "clean-label" products with clear, honest nutritional information and ingredient lists. They have also responded to consumer demand for cleaner products by offering specific lines with fewer additives.
Naturals and Organic Lines vs. Traditional Products
While their standard products meet all regulatory requirements, Dietz & Watson provides a spectrum of choices for health-conscious consumers. This is most evident in their Naturals and Organic product lines, which have different ingredient standards.
| Feature | Traditional Dietz & Watson Products | Dietz & Watson Naturals / Organic | What it Means for Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrates/Nitrites | May contain added nitrates/nitrites for preservation. | No nitrates or nitrites added. | Both types are considered safe when consumed as part of a balanced diet, but the 'uncured' options appeal to those avoiding these additives. |
| Antibiotics | Standard meat sourcing practices are followed. | No antibiotics ever used on the animals. | While standard products are safe, the 'Naturals' line offers an option from animals raised without antibiotics. |
| Artificial Ingredients | No artificial flavors, fillers, or MSG ever. | No artificial flavors, fillers, or MSG ever. | A consistent commitment to avoiding artificial additives across both product lines, which is a major quality differentiator. |
Addressing Past Recalls
It's important for any consumer to be aware of product recalls. In February 2024, Albertsons Companies recalled store-made items containing Dietz & Watson charcuterie meat due to a potential Salmonella contamination. The source of the contamination was traced back to products from Fratelli Beretta, a third-party supplier, not Dietz & Watson's own production facilities. This highlights a key aspect of food safety: supply chain management. In a separate incident in 2017, a recall was issued for Dietz & Watson mortadella because of undeclared pistachio nuts due to mislabeling by the manufacturer, Fratelli Beretta USA Inc.. In both cases, the issue was with a third-party product and was addressed transparently and effectively to remove the affected items from shelves. Dietz & Watson demands the same high standards from its partners that it holds for itself.
Food Safety Practices that Inspire Confidence
Dietz & Watson's factory tour reveals several of the company's internal food safety procedures. These practices include:
- Hourly swabbing and microbial testing of equipment and production spaces.
- Barcode system for full traceability, allowing any product to be traced back to its raw material sources and production details.
- Regular taste testing to ensure product consistency and quality.
- Separation of raw and cooked product areas to prevent cross-contamination.
- Environmental sampling programs to control microbial growth.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice
So, are Dietz and Watson meats safe? The evidence suggests that for consumers, the answer is a resounding yes. Dietz & Watson is a reputable, family-owned company that has invested heavily in a robust and transparent food safety program. While the deli meat industry as a whole can face risks, as seen in past recalls involving third-party suppliers, the brand's proactive measures, on-site USDA inspection, and commitment to advanced sanitation technology provide a high degree of assurance. For those concerned about specific additives like nitrates, their 'Naturals' and 'Organic' product lines offer excellent, clearly labeled alternatives. By following basic food handling guidelines at home, such as consuming opened packages within 3-5 days, consumers can enjoy Dietz & Watson meats with confidence.
Visit Dietz & Watson's official food safety page to learn more
