| Ishan Ibrahim |
DARe (Darussalam Enterprise) has invited food and beverage (F&B) manufacturers seeking wider markets to take part in its new Standards Consultancy Programme (SCP).
A seminar on the topic of DARe’s SCP was recently held at the Design and Technology Building in Jalan Anggerek Desa, where guest experts delivered briefings on key areas of the programme.
Ram Desai of Bureau Veritas delivered a briefing on the importance of standards, while DARe Executive Officer Syarifah Syazwana spoke on what companies can expect when signing up for DARe’s SCP.
There was also a sharing session by a Western Foods and Packaging Sdn Bhd representative.
The programme will begin its first cycle this November by targetting F&B producers, who will be guided by an experienced standards consultant hired by DARe, towards achieving Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) 22000 certifications.
HACCP identifies ‘critical control points’ in an operation where hazards – which can potentially cause food to be unsafe – are evident. HACCP-certified companies mostly showcase systems which reduce hazards to a safe level.
ISO 22000, which also incorporates HACCP principles, is a broader Food Safety Management System (FSMS) that is internationally adopted through auditable standards. Launched in 2005, ISO 22000 was developed as a complete FSMS that goes beyond the physical processing of food.
ISO 22000 also incorporates management review, as well as the setting up of communication channels internally and externally, with suppliers and regulators to ensure food safety.
Producing with HACCP and ISO 22000 certifications will reduce technical barriers for Bruneian companies looking to expand their market by enabling them to meet foreign regulations, as well as increasing the confidence of overseas buyers in their products.
After the training and consultancy for HACCP and ISO 22000 under DARe’s SCP, the participating companies are expected to follow through by engaging an independent certification body to carry out an audit within six months.
The cost for the audit and implementation of changes to attain certification will not be borne by DARe. However, SCP participants will have the opportunity to apply for additional assistance from DARe separately, which include grants and other market access-related assistance.
