The Food Safety Management System (FSMS) of Kasih Food Production Co., based in Amman, Jordan, has been recognized as compliant with BRCGS Global Food Safety Standard via certification by SGS.
Long history and ambitious targets
Kasih Food Production Company has been one of the leading Jordanian manufacturers of Mediterranean food since 1926. The product portfolio includes hummus tahini, chickpeas, beans, liquid Jameed, tomato paste and other items.
The company aims at becoming the global brand for Middle Eastern food in the MENA region and beyond. Thus, implementing a strong food safety management system according to a GFSI-recognized international standard has been a logical step in the framework of their business strategy.
The choice fell upon BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety, and the implementation activities started in late 2021.
Facing new challenges
To get ready for the certification audit, Kasih Food Production Co. faced a number of challenges, starting with the broadness of the BRCGS standard and the diversity of its technical and non-technical requirements. As these requirements are quite detailed, each statement had to be thoroughly understood to fit the standard.
Overall, this project required to change the corporate culture regarding food safety and quality to prepare them for the adoption of the BRCGS standard. A lot of training and orientation sessions were conducted for staff on food safety, HACCP, hygiene and food defense. This posed a challenge due to time constraints and the need to include all levels of employees.
During the implementation phase, they amended many procedures, not only in technical or operational areas, but also in human resources, IT, and other departments. The application of some requirements required a change in their approach or style of doing some activities. Brainstorming was important to find the best solution.
Certification as a proof of the right efforts
But the hard work paid off, and 14 months later Kasih Food Production Co. successfully passed the SGS audit and received the BRCGS certificate.
We are grateful to SGS auditors for their attention to details and recommendations for improvement. Gaining enhanced risk management and increased employee engagement as a result of the audit, we are confident to achieve greater success in our marketplace.
By implementing an FSMS in line with BRCGS, Kasih Food Production Co. achieves a clear competitive advantage and opens doors to new customers. With strong commitment from top management, clear and effective internal communication and proactive approach to identifying and addressing risks and opportunities, they are on the right track.
About SGS
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 97,000 employees operate a network of 2,650 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.
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