The International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) has selected Walmart Inc. as the 2024 recipient of the Black Pearl Award. Sponsored by F&H Food Equipment Company, the Black Pearl Award will be presented at IAFP’s Annual Meeting, taking place July 14 to 17, 2024 in Long Beach, California.

This honor is given annually to one company for its efforts in advancing food safety and quality through consumer programs, employee relations, educational activities, adherence to standards, and support of the goals and objectives of IAFP.

Each week, approximately 255 million customers and members visit more than 10,500 Walmart stores and its numerous eCommerce websites in 19 countries. When it comes to groceries, Walmart’s size and scale give the company a unique opportunity to engage with multiple elements of the global food supply chain. In Fiscal Year 2023, grocery sales accounted for 59 percent of net sales for Walmart U.S.

These impacts are not overlooked when it comes to public health. Food safety is a critical element of Walmart’s culture, and it is embedded within every aspect of its day-to-day operations. Walmart is proud to collaborate with others to drive positive impacts across the globe.