Every bite of a Big Mac, every crunch of a Chicken McNugget, or enjoying a Sausage McGriddle for breakfast isn’t just a meal—it’s a story, a shared experience, and a celebration of taste and trust. From the warm embrace of a drive-through to cherished family dinners that create lifelong memories, these moments are fuelled by the promise of fresh, safe, and high-quality ingredients. But have you ever wondered what makes McDonald’s and other global brands stand so tall in a world where food safety reigns supreme?
The answer is Lopez Dorada, a Hispanic-owned company that has transformed the protein-processing industry with its unwavering commitment to food safety and quality. This dedication goes hand in hand with its commitment to the people who make it all possible—their employees. Lopez Dorada understands that delivering exceptional products starts with a happy, healthy workforce. By fostering a culture of respect, inclusivity, and growth, the company ensures its team feels just as cared for as the food they produce.
A Legacy of Trust and Dedication
Founded with a vision to exceed expectations, Lopez Dorada is a leading supplier of beef, pork, and poultry products to global icons like McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Tyson. Its operations combine a rich heritage of excellence with forward-thinking strategies, setting a new benchmark for food safety and quality.
“Our mission is to exceed our customers’ expectations with the highest quality food and to enhance our employees’ safety and well-being. We believe that through our people and sustainable business practices, we will be our customers’ most trusted supplier,” says John Patrick Lopez, Vice President of Strategy, Communications & Government Affairs at Lopez Dorada.
The company operates with a simple yet powerful philosophy: it views itself as the very brand it represents. This mindset drives an unrelenting focus on protecting and elevating the reputations of its partners, delivering not just products but also trust, security, and pride in every partnership.
Food Safety First: A Relentless Pursuit of Perfection
At Lopez Dorada, food safety isn’t just a box to check—it’s the foundation of its operations. The company adheres to a meticulous, multi-tiered approach that begins with leadership setting rigorous safety protocols and extends to plant-level execution. Every facility follows a structured process involving internal audits, surprise inspections, and annual third-party audits aligned with the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). Training programs keep employees updated on evolving federal regulations, while compliance is continuously monitored.
The mantra? Do it right the first time. This disciplined approach ensures Lopez Dorada is always ready to tackle the unpredictable challenges of manufacturing.
Ingredients That Define Excellence
At Lopez Dorada, quality begins with sourcing. The company collaborates with top-tier suppliers who share its commitment to food safety and quality, avoiding cost-cutting measures that might compromise product excellence. Every ingredient undergoes rigorous checks, including microbial testing, before entering the production process. Advanced safety measures like x-ray inspections, metal detection, and innovative foreign object prevention systems ensure products meet or exceed federal and USDA standards.
Our mission is to exceed our customers’ expectations with the highest quality food and to enhance our employees’ safety and well-being. We believe that through our people and sustainable business practices, we will be our customers’ most trusted supplier
Collaboration for Continuous Improvement
Lopez Dorada’s commitment to excellence doesn’t end at its facilities. Regular meetings with client leadership teams facilitate collaborative reviews of incidents, best practices, and potential risks. The company shares insights across the supply chain, ensuring its products and processes are continually refined. This approach supports safer products, improved training programs, and heightened awareness throughout the supply chain.
“We all know what we need to do. The expectations are clear, and it’s on us to follow through every single day. What happens in our facilities impacts everyone in the supply chain, and we take that responsibility seriously,” says Lopez.
Safety Above All: Protecting Workers and Plants
Producing millions of pounds of food annually is no small feat, but Lopez Dorada prioritizes workforce safety with equal vigor. The company’s comprehensive safety program includes training, instructional videos, and regular testing. Plant safety leaders frequently meet to share innovative solutions that are then scaled across facilities.
State-of-the-art technologies like heat source mapping help identify and mitigate risks. From proper PPE protocols to addressing common hazards like slips, trips and falls, every effort ensures employees return home as safely as they arrived.
Employee involvement is integral to the program. The company fosters dialogue by actively seeking employee input, ensuring they have a voice in safety strategies. This engagement, paired with decisive action, builds trust and reinforces the company’s focus on safety.
Innovation, Expansion, and a Commitment to Diversity
Lopez Dorada isn’t just staying ahead—it’s leading the way. With investments in developing new products, expanded operations, and global markets, the company continues to grow while staying true to its roots. Its dedication to diversity and inclusion ensures that everyone—employees, customers, and consumers—feels valued and represented.
So, the next time you sink your teeth into a Big Mac, or enjoy a Starbucks breakfast sandwich, remember this: behind every bite is Lopez Dorada’s commitment to safety, quality, and innovation.
For Lopez Dorada, excellence isn’t just a goal—it’s the only standard they know.
