FFSA promotes food hygiene

FSSA PROMOTES FOOD HYGIENE

Timed to coincide with the European Union’s Month of Food Safety, the official launch of the Fiji Food Safety Association (FSSA), a non-profit organisation that brings together a group of professionals to represent the interests and views of everyone involved in food hygiene, across all disciplines.

The formation of the FFSA is the result of the series of training and coaching sessions organised under the European Union’s Improvement of Key Services to Agriculture Project, implemented under the International Trade Centre (ITC).

The FFSA consists of food manufacturers, retailers, caterers, Environmental and Health Officers, consultants, research organisations, training bodies and students.

“Our focus is to integrate local know-how with international standards and best practices, to deliver safe and quality products and services that meet local and international requirements, ” said FFSA President, Ms Deepa Lal.

At a symposium that preceded the launch event, Mr Kofi Essuman, ITC Programme Coordinator in Fiji, spoke on the topic of ‘Food Safety and Food Security’ saying that the formation of FFSA as a competent body to support national initiatives to protect food products, brands and public health is “a giant step in the right direction.”

Ms Lal said that FFSA would hold extensive consultations with industry and other stakeholders on the food safety framework and that the Association will engage with and assist micro and small businesses across the country to meet and follow the required food safety guidelines.

“The Association is ready to provide the types of tools, guidance resources and support that will assist these businesses in producing safe and compliant food,” said Ms Lal.

ENDS

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