Dubai, 2 July 2006: Master Foods Middle East sponsored and took part in a workshop on the International Standard ISO 22000 series - Food Safety management Systems, which was organized by the GCC Standardization Organization for (GSO).  This took place in Dubai on 18th and 19th June, tackling several important issues pertaining to the issue of food safety, the international trends of food safety and the international standardization through the role of ISO Technical Committee no. 34. The workshop was attended by large number of officials, experts and specialists in food safety in the GCC, and representatives of major food industries. 

GSO Secretary General Dr. Rashid Bin-Fahad extended his sincere thanks and appreciation to United Arab Emirates represented by Emirates Standards and Metrology Authority ESMA and Dubai Municipality, and to the International Organization for Standardization ISO the sponsoring companies which thankfully supported the workshop, namely Master Foods and RMK the Experts. He also thanked the key lecturer of the workshop Dr. Martha Petro Torza from ISO for her efforts as former Secretary of ISO International Committee TC 34 for Food Products, and her contribution to the issuance of ISO 22000 Standard and its series for Food Safety Management Systems by TC 34.

Speaking at the event were a collaboration of well-respected experts in the field of Food Safety Management. Dr Fady Elassaad of Master Foods presented his findings about the challenges in promoting food safety using HACCAP.  He commenced the presentation on how the HACCP system evolved to its current state, sharing the food and quality implementation at Master Foods.  Dr Fady discussed the challenges in motivating small to mid size food establishments in adopting HACCP; how it is becoming an even greater challenge to monitor and control hazards.

Doctor Martha Petro-Turza, former secretary of ISO/TC34 who ran the workshop focused on the specific requirements for ISO 22000.  At the workshop delegates were given first hand information about planning, implementing, operating, maintaining and updating a food safety management system aimed at providing products, that according to their intended use are safe for the consumer.

GCC considered this workshop a starting point for a series of training programs on the implementation of this food safety system in support of its goals to strengthen the GCC food industries and assure public safety. They would like to see more and more food companies certified to ISO 22000 to enhance food safety and to open up wider export markets for their products.  

Furthermore, GCC highly appreciate the sponsorship of  Master Foods which clearly support its commitment for the regional activities especially food safety leading to raise awareness and good practices.  Christine Greaves, External Affairs Manager, and Master Foods, said: "The ISO/GSO Workshop on Food Safety Management Systems and ISO 22000 was an extremely successful event, demonstrating the evolving partnerships between the public and private sectors."

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About Masterfoods:
Master Foods is the owner of world-famous brands, such as Snickers, Galaxy, Twix, M&M's, Bounty, Uncle Ben's, Abu Syouf rice and Dolmio products.

For more information contact:
Ayman Hammamieh
Momentum
PO Box 24554,
Dubai,
UAE
Tel: +971 4 390 1630
Fax + 971 4 390 4516
Email: ayman@momentum.cc

© Press Release 2006