Hermann Services East Sam Houston Warehouse Achieves AIB Superior Rating and USDA Organic Handler Certification

Dual certifications position Houston facility as premier Gulf Coast solution for food-grade and organic storage

Hermann Services Inc. is proud to announce that our East Sam Houston Parkway warehouse has achieved an AIB Superior rating of 930 and USDA Organic Handler certification, establishing this facility as a comprehensive solution for food and beverage manufacturers requiring both food-grade and organic storage in the Gulf Coast region.

Meeting the Highest Standards for Food Safety in Houston

Achieving an AIB Superior rating of 930 represents a significant milestone for food-grade warehousing. The American Institute of Baking (AIB) International sets rigorous standards for food safety and quality management, with a passing score of 700 and Superior ratings starting at 930. Our East Sam Houston facility exceeded this benchmark, demonstrating Hermann Services’ commitment to maintaining clean, quality-controlled warehouses that protect the integrity of food products throughout the supply chain.

A passing score is above 700, while scores above 900 are exceptional. Achieving a Superior AIB rating of 930 demonstrates the high standards Hermann Services maintains across all facilities, allowing us to partner with organizations that need clean, quality-controlled storage for their food-grade products.

During AIB inspections, facilities are evaluated across five critical categories:

• Operational Methods and Personnel Practices – Ensuring trained teams follow standardized procedures
• Maintenance for Food Safety – Maintaining equipment and facilities to prevent contamination
• Cleaning Practices – Implementing rigorous sanitation protocols
• Integrated Pest Management – Preventing and controlling pest activity
• Adequacy of Prerequisite and Food Safety Programs – Demonstrating comprehensive food safety systems

By achieving a Superior rating in all five categories, Hermann Services’ East Sam Houston warehouse provides food and beverage manufacturers with the confidence that their products are stored in a facility that meets the most stringent food safety standards in the industry.

USDA Organic Handler Certification: A Gulf Coast Differentiator

In addition to the AIB Superior rating, our East Sam Houston warehouse has received USDA Organic Handler certification, positioning it as one of the few facilities in the Gulf Coast region offering both certifications under one roof. This dual certification is increasingly critical for food manufacturers and distributors navigating the growing organic market, which represents more than $52 billion in annual sales in the United States.

USDA Organic Handler certification ensures that organic products maintain their integrity throughout the warehousing process. The certification requires:

• Documented organic system plans detailing all handling procedures
• Prevention of cross-contamination between organic and non-organic products
• Approved cleaning and pest control methods that comply with organic standards
• Complete traceability from receipt through shipping
• Annual inspections to maintain certification compliance

For food and beverage companies with organic product lines, working with a USDA Organic Handler-certified warehouse eliminates supply chain complexity. Rather than managing separate facilities for conventional and organic products, manufacturers can consolidate their Gulf Coast storage with Hermann Services’ East Sam Houston location.

FDA FSMA Compliance for Complete Food Safety

Hermann Services maintains compliance with the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), which represents the most significant food safety legislation in decades. FSMA shifts the focus from responding to foodborne illnesses to preventing them through comprehensive supply chain controls.

Our East Sam Houston facility complies with all seven FSMA components:

1. Produce Safety
2. Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP)
3. Sanitary Transport Rule
4. Protection Against Intentional Adulteration
5. Accredited Third-Party Certification
6. Preventive Control Rule for Human and Animal Food
7. Voluntary Qualified Imported Program (VQIP)

The combination of AIB Superior rating, USDA Organic Handler certification, and FSMA compliance allows Hermann Services to accept food imports through the Port of Houston, store them safely, and transport them to distributors nationwide—all while maintaining the highest standards of food safety and organic integrity.

Comprehensive Food-Grade Storage Solutions

Hermann Services’ East Sam Houston warehouse provides food and beverage manufacturers with flexible storage options designed to meet diverse product requirements:

Temperature and Humidity Control

Climate-controlled storage maintains consistent conditions for temperature-sensitive food products, protecting quality and extending shelf life.

Bulk and Rack Storage

Whether storing palletized products or bulk commodities, our warehouse management system (WMS) tracks inventory in real-time, providing complete visibility and control.

Cross-Docking and Transloading

For time-sensitive shipments, our cross-docking capabilities move products quickly from inbound to outbound transportation, reducing handling time and maintaining product freshness.

Value-Added Services

From re-palletizing and load consolidation to ensuring weight compliance with certified weighmasters and on-site truck scales, Hermann Services provides the support services food manufacturers need to keep their supply chains moving efficiently.

Why Food & Beverage Companies Choose Hermann Services

With nearly a century of logistics experience, Hermann Services understands the unique challenges food and beverage manufacturers face. Our people make the difference—trained teams who understand their roles and responsibilities in maintaining food safety standards every day.

“Setting and maintaining quality practices starts with our people,” says Jennifer Berglund, Warehouse Manager at one of Hermann Services’ Delaware facilities, which also maintains AIB Superior certification. “People that understand their roles and responsibilities. At Hermann, we have the right people, a great team working together, and that’s how we get it done.”

This commitment extends across Hermann Services’ entire network, which includes facilities in New Jersey, Delaware, and Houston, Texas—strategically positioned near major highways and ports throughout the East Coast and Gulf Coast regions. Our 2 million square feet of warehousing capacity provides food manufacturers with the scale and geographic reach to support growing distribution networks.

Your Gulf Coast Food-Grade Warehousing Solution

Hermann Services’ East Sam Houston warehouse represents a significant expansion of our food-grade and organic warehousing capabilities in the Gulf Coast region. With AIB Superior rating of 930, USDA Organic Handler certification, strategic location near the Port of Houston, and comprehensive value-added services, this facility provides food and beverage manufacturers with a complete solution for their Texas warehousing needs.

Whether you’re importing food products through the Port of Houston, distributing to Texas markets, or serving the broader Gulf Coast region, Hermann Services combines world-class facilities with experienced teams who understand the critical importance of food safety and quality.

For everything food grade and organic—leave your logistics to us.

Ready to Tour Our East Sam Houston Facility?

See firsthand how Hermann Services’ AIB Superior-rated, USDA Organic Handler-certified warehouse can support your food and beverage supply chain. Our team is ready to discuss your specific warehousing requirements and design a customized solution for your business.

Request a Facility Tour Today →

Contact us to learn more about warehousing availability in Houston and how our strategic location, dual certifications, and comprehensive services can strengthen your Gulf Coast operations.