| | "Over 50 food processors have applied for Food Safety Initiative (FSI) funding through the Agricultural Policy Framework to improve their food safety management systems," says Daryl Loback, food safety specialist coordinator with Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. “Simply put, processors recognize that moving towards a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system is a good business decision.”
Internationally accepted as the most effective approach to safe food production, HACCP is a science-based, proactive, prevention-based system that identifies and addresses hazards before they occur. The Alberta HACCP Advantage (AHA!) Program is an Alberta-grown HACCP system, designed with the province’s processors in mind.
"There are many good reasons for food processors to implement a HACCP food safety management system," says Loback. "Having a plan can translate into improved market access for processors. Many national retailers are expecting their suppliers to have a HACCP plan in place, recognizing that safety standards go hand-in-hand with improved consumer confidence."
Eligible, non-federally registered food processors can access FSI funding through the Agricultural Policy Framework, a joint federal, provincial and territorial initiative. The funding (up to $20,000 for each company) is to assist food processors work towards implementing a HACCP system. There are approximately 800 non-federally registered food processors in the province that are eligible to apply.
"Anyone producing food products for human consumption (with the exception of fish), who is provincially-licensed and inspected, is eligible to apply for this funding and begin working towards a HACCP system," says Loback. "And, it costs nothing to apply." To learn more about HACCP and the AHA! Advantage, visit www.agric.gov.ab.ca/aha.
Contact: Daryl Loback .(780) 415-0645 |
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