Global food brand, Kerry, has lived up to its philosophy of Safety First, Quality Always with the awarding BRC Global Standard for Food Safety certification at its new Hammarsdale plant in KwaZulu Natal.
Working closely with the British Standards Institution (BSI) South Africa the plant achieved an impressive AA rating for its efforts to uphold the highest standards and ensure the sustainability of its taste and nutrition products for the local industry.
“We are extremely proud to have achieved an AA grade and consider it an endorsement of our beliefs. As a critical link in food and beverage supply chain, it is our responsibility to put all controls in place with best-in-class practices to guarantee product safety and quality,” says Lebo Mathebula, quality manager at Kerry South Africa
The new Hammarsdale facility in KZN was awarded an AA Grade following an in-depth audit in May this year. The BRCGS certification body audited the factory to inspect the facility for compliance with the requirements of the standard.
It recognized all at the plant are vigilant, monitored their own work, and complied with policies, procedures and standards. The plant remains key to providing sustainable nutrition solutions to be consumed across the African continent and is one of Kerry’s most environmentally efficient manufacturing sites worldwide.
Richard Werran, BSI food and retail supply chain director, says “food safety is critical to food security, if it’s not safe it’s not food and without food security there is no national security. The BRCGS Global Food Safety Standard has set the benchmark for almost a quarter of a century and in achieving certification, Kerry has demonstrated to the world that it is embracing global best practice”.
BSI audited the factory to inspect all aspects of Kerry’s facility regarding Kerry’s capability to effectively manage product safety, integrity, legality and quality and the operational controls for those criteria in food and food ingredient manufacturing.
“BRCGS Global Food Safety certification, benchmarked by the Global Food Safety Initiative, major brands and all retailers worldwide powerfully demonstrates and communicates Kerry’s ongoing commitment to food safety and quality”.
