AMMAN - More than 40 local, Arab and international experts convened here on Tuesday to discuss food safety management systems and prerequisites for obtaining the ISO 22000, an international food certification.
During a workshop organised by the Jordan Institution for Standards and Metrology (JISM) in cooperation with the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), the participants examined requirements for obtaining the standard to help them develop their businesses by offering high-quality products that meet international standards.
The ISO 22000 specifies requirements for a food safety management system whereby an organisation in the food chain needs to demonstrate its ability to control food safety hazards in order to ensure that food is safe at the time of human consumption, according to the ISO website.
It is applicable to all organisations, regardless of size, which are involved in any aspect of the food chain and want to implement systems that consistently provide safe products, the website said.
Underlining the importance of standards in improving the quality of products and thus protecting public health and the environment, Minister of Industry and Trade Amer Hadidi said standards provide the public with information on important technical and organisational features.
"They are of particular importance for the competitiveness of an industry... standardisation not only facilitates the transfer of knowledge, but also the opening up of markets," Hadidi said in an opening address delivered on his behalf by JISM Director General Yaseen Khayyat.
Food safety issues are becoming increasingly important in the arena of international food trade, Hadidi said, adding that as countries begin to lower agricultural tariffs and become increasingly integrated into world markets, they purchase more food from abroad.
"The ISO 22000 standard has become necessary because of the significant increase of illnesses caused by infected food in both developed and developing countries," the minister said.
In addition to the health hazards, food-born illnesses can lead to considerable economic costs, including medical treatment, absence from work, insurance payments and legal compensation, he added.
"In Jordan, four companies in the food industry obtained the 22000 certification. Compliance with the ISO 22000 requirements - or the ISO 9000 (a similar certification) - is now a prerequisite to obtain the Jordanian Quality Market for food products," Hadidi said.
Meanwhile, Khayyat said holding the three-day event in Jordan reflects its position and reputation among the Arab countries as an active member of the ISO.
By Hana Namrouqa
© Jordan Times 2008
