DNV Business Assurance India recently invited the who's who from the food sector to a one day ‘lunch and learn’ workshop on Emerging Trends in Food Safety in Kochi on 6th May 2011.

The ‘lunch and learn’ workshop on Emerging Trends in Food Safety aimed towards addressing queries on food safety saw large participation of prominent dignitaries from the food industry. “The workshop was well received by participants” says Mr. Balasubramoniam, National Marketing Manager (India), adding, “Looking at the success of the event, we plan to roll out many more such events on a larger scale.”

Interactive sessions
At the workshop, DNV's Lead auditor (Food sector), Babu Thekkayil, Lead auditor & Business development head in Kochi & Coimbatore, Jetcy Thomas, and S. Balasubramoniam spoke on various topics including emerging trends in food safety; Global Food Safety Initiative’s (GFSI) purpose & vision and its benchmark schemes; Food Safety and Standards Act of India 2006, apart from an insight into different standards and training services in this area were discussed. The half-day session ended with a Q&A session.

Mr. Baburaj, Management representative and Quality Manager of Mangalam Group of companies (Fisheries Div.), who was a special invitee, shared an insight on the positive transformation of his company from one which was more involved tackling customer complaint issues and delays, to a highly efficient and performance oriented company after the implementation and adaptation of food safety standards - HACCP, ISO 2200 and BRC Food Certification.

Happy with the turnout and constructive feedback from the workshop, Babu Thekkayil said, “Kochi is a major export port for fisheries and cash crops such as spices, cashew and tea….making food safety management a very important area for business success.” “I am sure many companies will be interested in aligning their current systems to ISO 22000 as a means to ensure compliance to the new Act,” he said.

Jetcy Thomas added saying, “This is the first time we are conducting an event in Kochi quintessentially targeting the Food sector. We are happy with the positive response that participants exhibited. All in all, the workshop was upbeat and interactive.”