The Rwanda Bureau of Standards (RBS) is conducting a training on food safety and hygiene. This is to address the concern of poor food hygiene right from processing, storage and during serving.

Jean Pierre Bajeneza, the Quality Inspector, said that the training will help participants understand issues related to food safety.

"This would improve the entire food chain at all levels of handling and supplying,” he explained.

The three day training that ends today attracted 50 participants mainly quality assurance managers from food processing industries and hotels across the country.

Others also included caterers. It evolved around food management systems, international standards related to food safety and Hazard Critical Control Programme (HACCP).

The training is conducted at the standardisation body’s office in Kicukiro district.

Bajeneza was optimistic that participants will carryout their activities in conformity with standards requirements especially food safety standards after the training.

Nicolas Wambura, a participant from Kigali Serena hotel said that everyday is a learning day.

"We expect to improve on our hygiene while preparing, handling and serving to ensure food safety,” he explained.

Wambura however said that though such trainings are conducted within the hotel, the need to share experiences is critical.

"This is not a new thing to me but it will help me polish up as I share my experience with other participants across the country,” he added.

Felicien Maniragaba, the Officer in Charge of Quality Control in SULFO Industries said that the training is beneficial to him as a processor and an individual.

"It outlines the need to be cautious with whatever I consume,” he explained.

RBS says that the training is in line with the export promotion efforts among local industries.

This is because local companies few are certified with the international food safety standards (ISO 22000). This means less competitive on the regional level where most companies are certified.

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