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Manicaland Correspondent
GOVERNMENT has pledged to adopt policies and statutory instruments that promote the implementation of international food safety standards and increase food exports.

In a speech read on her behalf by director in her office, Mr Lucky Basopo, at the launch of the Associated Foods Zimbabwe (AFZ) ISO 22000 certification last week, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba said Government would promote the adoption of international standards through enabling policies that support companies using the standards and increase export earnings for the country.

“As Government we certainly need to ride on both local and foreign investors,” she said. “My office is overwhelmed with a number of potential investors who have shown great interest in Manicaland. Those keen to invest in the province are most welcome.

“Food manufacturing company, AFZ, which is targeting the export market, has implemented and been certified with the ISO 22 000 food safety management system to ensure its products conform to international standards.

“This system is expected to build consumer confidence, increase brand equity and ensure reduced or no food-borne illnesses from AFZ products.”

Dr Gwaradzimba encouraged companies in food business to follow suit to promote the development of the nation.

“There can be no development if our people are exposed to unsafe food,” she said. “International standards like these, ISO 22000, therefore, become critical to make sure our people eat food that is safe in any country across the globe.”

Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) director-general Dr Eve Gadzikwa, who was represented by Mr Maxwell Nyanungo of Mutare SAZ office, said the implementation of ISO 22000 certification had benefits to companies looking for international recognition due to the integration of a number of food safety management systems.

“ISO 22 000 certification has benefits to companies looking for an internationally recognised food safety management system,” she said. “The ISO 22000 series integrates the principles of the HACCP system with prerequisite programmes such good manufacturing practices (GMP) and good hygienic practices (GHP), thus ensuring that there are no weak links in the food supply chain.

“The certificate being awarded today to AFZ by the Standards Association of Zimbabwe is internationally recognised due to the fact that the SAZ is a member of ISO. This means that certification to ISO 22000 independently assures conformity to globally accepted best practices in the food safety management system.”

Food products are susceptible to contamination, hence certification to ISO 22000 standard is a preventive approach to that contamination.

The food industry is of major economic importance in Zimbabwe in terms of both domestic and export markets, and the implementation of ISO 22000 is critical in this regard.