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STAKEHOLDERS in the agro-processing business now attending a four-day lecture series are being equipped to fully comply with the education requirements of the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for hermetically sealed, low acid and acidified foods marketed in the United States. The Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Ministry of Health yesterday opened the four-day Better Process Control School for stakeholders in the agro-processing business at the Regency Hotel on Hadfield Street, Georgetown.
Permanent Secretary in the Agriculture Ministry, Mr. George Jervis, speaking at the event yesterday, said that times have changed and there is a lot more concern for food safely now. For this reason, he acknowledged the importance for stakeholders to be exposed to the most up-to-date training in the area of food processing.
He highlighted that the agro-processing industry is so important to the nation that the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) has been tasked with implementing a programme in the near future that will permit students to pursue qualifications in food processing technology.
In addition, Jervis noted that the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Agriculture is working seriously with the Food and Drug Administration and other similar agencies to ensure that the safety aspect of locally processed products meet the standards.
The four-day lecture series is being facilitated by Professor Richard Dougherty of Washington State University (WSU) and Food Safety Specialist, Dr. Karen Killinger, also of WSU.
Following the lectures and discussions, participants will be required to take examinations of which 70 percent or more correct answers is required for a passing grade in order to become certified at the Better Process Control School.
A press release from the Agriculture Ministry stated that the event will equip local manufacturers with the relevant agro-processing training. It will also serve to enable participants to fully comply with the education requirements of the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for hermetically sealed, low acid and acidified foods marketed in the United States.
The Better Process Control School modules meet the needs of food processors/manufacturers in Guyana who wish to export related food products to the U.S. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Guyana’s Agro-Processing Industry consists of more than 50 local manufacturers.
Permanent Secretary in the Agriculture Ministry, Mr. George Jervis, speaking at the event yesterday, said that times have changed and there is a lot more concern for food safely now. For this reason, he acknowledged the importance for stakeholders to be exposed to the most up-to-date training in the area of food processing.
He highlighted that the agro-processing industry is so important to the nation that the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) has been tasked with implementing a programme in the near future that will permit students to pursue qualifications in food processing technology.
In addition, Jervis noted that the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Agriculture is working seriously with the Food and Drug Administration and other similar agencies to ensure that the safety aspect of locally processed products meet the standards.
The four-day lecture series is being facilitated by Professor Richard Dougherty of Washington State University (WSU) and Food Safety Specialist, Dr. Karen Killinger, also of WSU.
Following the lectures and discussions, participants will be required to take examinations of which 70 percent or more correct answers is required for a passing grade in order to become certified at the Better Process Control School.
A press release from the Agriculture Ministry stated that the event will equip local manufacturers with the relevant agro-processing training. It will also serve to enable participants to fully comply with the education requirements of the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for hermetically sealed, low acid and acidified foods marketed in the United States.
The Better Process Control School modules meet the needs of food processors/manufacturers in Guyana who wish to export related food products to the U.S. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Guyana’s Agro-Processing Industry consists of more than 50 local manufacturers.
