Last year, South Africa faced a major Listeria outbreak which claimed close to 200 lives and resulted in another 800 plus patients being treated for Listeria symptoms. This has led to South African consumers insisting on a zero-tolerance approach to bacterial contamination and exposure ¹. While bacteria is always present, South African food companies all had to take a good look at the policies and procedures they have in place to prevent the risk of contamination.
As early as in 2000, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recognised food safety as an essential public health function. The Department of Health’s food control section is responsible to ensure food safety in South Africa and is based on the basic needs of communities and South Africans’ rights to make informed food choices ².
BRM Pork spare ribs
Quality and food safety
BRM Brands, a global market leader in cooked meats, have been diligent in its approach towards food safety since opening their doors in 1985. Their commitment to quality and food safety was first recognised by the SABS (South African Bureau of Standards) in as early as 2006 when they became the first company in South Africa to have their Food Safety and Quality Management System certified as ISO 22 000.
Continuously focussing on quality and food safety, both their manufacturing plants, situated in Johannesburg, South Africa, are export approved and certified by SGS International on the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) benchmarked FSSC 22 000 standard – a certification this organisation is proud to have. ‘Customer satisfaction and safety has always been our primary concern and adhering to the highest levels of compliance is never compromised at BRM Brands. Food safety does not only refer to the preparation of food but also to the storing, handling and transporting of the food – it all should be approached in such a manner to reduce the risk of individuals becoming sick from foodborne illnesses,’ says Jacques Talpert, commercial director at BRM Brands.
World class machinery
BRM Brands’ two modern and purpose-built processing plants includes state of the art production facilities, cold storage and distribution centre, a concept kitchen and factory shop outlets open to the public. Operating world class machinery, these factories are two of the most advanced meat cooking and processing plants in the world, with capabilities to process top quality, value-added meat products in large volumes.
‘Food safety and the wellbeing of our customers is our highest priority. Everyday 50 000 people consume our products and we take this responsibility very seriously,’ concluded Talpert.
References:
- What you need to know about food safety standards in SA – 15 May 2018, Staff Reporter – https://www.iol.co.za/lifestyle/health/what-you-need-to-know-about-food-safety-standards-in-sa-14983303
- Department of Health – Food Control – http://www.health.gov.za/index.php/gf-tb-program/114-food-control
