FoodCert conducts FSMS training programme

Hyderabad-based FoodCert India Private Limited, which provides internationally recognised certification schemes to the entire food chain, recently concluded a food safety management systems (FSMS) lead auditor training programme to increase the availability of inspectors for auditing food safety issues.

"The programme has been conducted since the ISO, Geneva, introduced a new standard of food safety in September 2005 known as ISO 22000 food safety management systems - 2005," said Srihari Kotela, director, FoodCert India, at the certificates presentation ceremony held here on Monday.

The programme, accredited by International Register of Certified Auditors (IRCA), UK, was held for the first time in India, he claimed.

FoodCert also awarded the hazard analysis critical control points certificate known as HACCP to two Hyderabad-based companies "� Agro Tech Limited and Sri Krishna Pharmaceuticals Limited "� on the occasion. Till now, FoodCert India has registered 200 firms in India under various certification schemes.

The exporters of fruits and vegetables to Europe are required to obtain European retail parties good agricultural practices (EUREPGAP) certification. Similarly, food processors are required to obtain HACCP or British retail consortium (BRC) certifications.

FoodCert India has been functioning in India since June 2001 under the aegis of FoodCert-BV, the Netherlands.

FoodCert-BV has been accredited under various European standards for food supply chain like EUREPGAP, HACCP, Hygienic codes of practices for handling of fresh fruits and vegetables, hotels, restaurants and caterers and BRC.