Firm recognised for food safety

A COFFEE roaster in Western Highlands is one of the companies being reaccredited with internationally recognised hazard analysis and critical control points certification during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Banz Kofi Fektori owner Patrick Killoran said the reaccreditation “means so much more now than ever, particularly with the global pandemic challenges”.
It is a management system that minimises or eliminates risks to food safety.
It also helps to identify, address and prevent hazards throughout the production process and applies a preventative approach to reduce food hazards.
“The reaccreditation allows our products to still have access to export markets and our dynamic customer base maintained,” Killoran said.
“Now, more now than ever, people want traceability, they need to know a product is safe, hygienic, fresh and meets a high standard.”
After pre-tests to ensure the technology worked, the audit was conducted in a group session online with a staff member onsite using a smartphone to connect them.
Killoran said despite the use of “unfamiliar” technology and overcoming insecurities and intimidation of the unknown, the remote audit was workable.
“This was done in the same way as a regular on-site inspection with the difference being. We did a group WhatsApp video link,” he added.
Banz Kofi has been operating since 1990 in Mt Hagen where coffee is grown and harvested at Waghi Valley at 4000 feet (1219m) above sea level.
It was the first coffee roaster in PNG to achieve certification in 2018.