Report by Ben LARYEA
As part of the drive to promote food safety for consumers and to enhance quality food delivery in the food value chain, JobTrust Services Limited has unveiled the “Angalia Food Safety Alliance (AFSA) certification scheme at a launch in Accra.
The scheme seeks to engage stakeholders in the food industry notably food producers, processors and retailers, among others to ensure the provision of safer foods for consumers across the country.
The Alliance certification is geared towards the regulation of food safety issues and requirements which enables buyers to demonstrate due diligence and be committed to food safety and address also concerns for safe and fair working conditions and operations in the industry.
Speaking at the launch, Food Safety Consultant, Mr. Emmanuel Quaye urged stakeholders in the food value chain to embrace the certification scheme and however explained that the gesture will help protect their respective brands, increase consumer confidence and loyalty in the food industry.
“It will enhance confidence in food safety, quality and scale up marketing strategies and the recognition of operational works as well as broad coverage of acceptability as activities of certified organisations will be featured in AFSA newsletters and bulletins”, he said.
According to him, AFSA certification scheme allows food safety and quality systems be verified and validated in the food value chain and added that the move will add value to brands protection since the Alliance creates a platform for food retailers, service providers, consumers among others which requires food safety and quality management systems and assurance by their suppliers.
AFSA, he said makes it easier for buyers to identify qualified suppliers by providing online services to a cross section of food producers, processors and retailers along with their certification profile and bookkeeping operations.
“Beneficiary organisations operating in line with the AFSA certification stands to gain tremendously in safety and quality services in line with food safety compliance, requirements and regulations”, he said adding further that the initiative helps to explore new grounds in food safety and rely also on feedbacks of consumers and retailers which forms part of the effort to promote the food industry.
JobTrust Services is the manager for Angalia Alliance Quality Control Schemes including Angalia Food Safety Alliance (AFSA), it facilitates the development of standards based solutions by engaging players in the food industry to improve standards in produce, processes and products.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
