Alchemy Systems, the market leader in food and workplace safety for production workers, announced today that it has been acquired by The Riverside Company, a global private equity firm. The investment will enable Alchemy to expand its training platform and enter new markets.

“Alchemy provides an exceptional service for a field in which we anticipate sustained growth,” said Loren Schlachet, Riverside Managing Partner. “Laws and regulations around food safety are becoming increasingly stringent, and Alchemy’s cost-effective and proven training solutions are ideal for meeting those growing needs.”

The Alchemy platform provides an interactive learning experience that ensures comprehension and simplifies regulatory documentation. In 2012, Alchemy’s innovative SISTEM® platform generated nearly six million training records at over 1,400 facilities of such leading companies as ConAgra Foods, JBS and Kellogg’s.

“We are focused on helping our customers build a food and workplace safety culture that makes food safe for consumers across the globe,” said Jeff Eastman, Alchemy’s Chief Executive Officer. “Alchemy will continue its support of food companies to deliver training required for compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).”

“Riverside will help us to further invest in developing innovative solutions that meet the growing needs of our customers and the industry as a whole,” Eastman said. “Together, we are working on strategic, long-term solutions to further enhance the food safety culture essential for all segments of the food industry.”

Studies show that most food safety issues are due to improper food handling by workers. For companies that process food - from the farm to the table - a single incident can damage the brand or even destroy the company. The Alchemy solution helps food companies effectively train employees to reduce safety incidents, increase productivity and comply with government and industry regulations.

“Consumers and governments around the world are concerned with the safety of their food supply as well as the safety of workers throughout the food chain,” said David Acheson, M.D., former FDA Associate Commissioner for Food, and now Partner at Leavitt Partners. “Alchemy understands this urgent need and has provided the food industry with a valuable platform for improving food and workplace safety.”