Darussalam Enterprise (DARe) is inviting food and beverage manufacturers looking to penetrate local and international markets to join its new Standards Consultancy Programme (SCP).
The programme will begin its first cycle this November with F&B producers, who will be guided by an experienced standards consultant appointed by DARe towards achieving Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 22000 certifications.
HACCP identifies “critical control points” in an operation where hazards – which can potentially cause food to be unsafe – are evident. HACCP certified companies must showcase systems which reduce hazards to a safe level.
ISO 22000, which also incorporates HACCP principles, is a broader Food Safety Management System (FSMS) that’s internationally adopted through auditable standards.
Launched in 2005, ISO 22000 was developed as a complete FSMS that goes beyond the physical processing of food. ISO 22000 also incorporates management review as well as the setting up of communication channels internally and externally with suppliers and regulators to ensure food safety.
Producing with HACCP and ISO 22000 certifications will reduce technical barriers for Bruneian companies especially those looking to export by enabling them to meet foreign regulations as well as increasing the confidence of buyers in their products.
After the training and consultancy for HACCP and ISO 22000 under DARe’s SCP, participating companies are expected to follow through by engaging an independent certification body for an audit within six months.
The cost for the audit and to implement any changes to attain certification will not be borne by DARe. However, SCP participants will have the opportunity to apply for additional assistance from DARe separately, which include grants, industrial sites and land as well as other market access initiatives.
While the first cycle of DARe’s SCP will focus on F&B-related certifications, the programme is expected to expand to other industries.
The SCP is part of DARe’s wider market access initiatives that aim to enable local manufacturers to increase their sales locally and abroad.
To register, download the application form here and submit by October 22 to market.access@dare.gov.bn or in person to DARe’s Business Helpdesk on the first floor of the Design and Technology building located at the end of Spg 32-37 in Kg Anggerek Desa.
DARe will also host a briefing for businesses about the SCP, which includes a talk on the importance of standards, on October 4 from 9am to 11am at the Design and Technology building. To RSVP click here.
