Zambeef aims for world-class standards

Sun, 04 Dec 2016 10:52:40 +0000

By Sandra Machima

ZAMBEEF is currently working towards the implementation of a world class food safety management system for its beef, pork and dairy products by the end of 2017, according to marketing and corporate affairs manager, Felix Lupindula.

Mr Lupindula said Zambian farmers must take seriously the significance of high standards in their value chains in order to compete on a level playing field in the region and beyond.

He said the standards played a vital role in agro-processing and food production, adding that maintaining high quality levels and consistency was key in achieving world class standards in farming operations and food production.

Mr Lupindula said Zambeef Products was stepping up its drive to attain world-class standards across all its operations in a move that puts the food processing giant at the forefront of the industry region-wide.

He said the company was determined to be known for high standards in all areas, and had invested heavily in ensuring that its operations were meeting the highest international safety ideals.

Mr Lupindula explained that Novatek Animal Feeds was a member of the Zambeef Group of companies, and now the only stockfeed operation in Zambia which was ISO 9001:2008 (Quality Management System) and ISO 22000:2005 food safety management certified.

“The FSSC 22000 standard for food safety system certification, which is built on existing ISO standards such as the ISO 22000:2005, provides a framework for effectively managing food safety responsibilities and is applied to its entire value chain of food production, ensuring that the highest standards of food safety are maintained from farm to fork.”

Novatek produces stockfeed that is tailored for local needs as well as exported into neighbouring countries.

Mr Lupindula said Zambeef had been introducing ever more ways to improve efficiency on its farms, particularly when it comes to equipment and farming infrastructure development, while the transfer of know-how to suppliers along its value chain and skills training for employees, together with an emphasis on research and development, had led to improvements in quality delivery on end products and consumer expectations.

The food and dairy giant follows strict programmes that enable it to work towards meeting the highest international standards in terms of quality and control, health and safety, environmental and social policy and animal welfare.