Lulu Group organises seminar on food safety

The seminar, themed ‘Improving Food Safety and Turning Certification into Competency’, discussed key aspects of food safety and ways to adopt measures to avoid food-realted illness

MUSCAT: Lulu Group International, the flagship retail service provider in the Sultanate, recently highlighted its commitment to promote food safety at a seminar held at Oman Avenues Mall recently.

The seminar, themed ‘Improving Food Safety and Turning Certification into Competency’, discussed key aspects of food safety and ways to adopt necessary preventive measures to avoid foodborne illness.

The seminar was addressed by international food safety expert Richard Sprenger. Speaking at the seminar Sprenger commented, “Being committed to improving food safety and food safety culture practically and cost-effectively is the need of the day. Controls and enforcement must be based on good science and not historic dogma. Effective training of managers and food handlers throughout their employment is the key to competence since food safety policies/ programs cannot be implemented without competent managers. Any effort taken to enhance food safety will improve the company’s brand value and reputation.”

It is noteworthy that Sprenger has pioneered High Field International, a global organisation specialised in providing internationally accredited qualifications and training materials in food, health & safety sector. Launched in the UK, High Field has trained more than 2 million people on food safety and other aspects. Sprenger has specialised in food safety throughout his life. He frequently speaks at international conferences and has written several of the most popular UK food safety books, including “Hygiene for Management.” He has acted as an adviser for governments and has provided specialist training for enforcement officers.

Shabeer KA, Regional Director of Lulu Group International chaired the event. Shabeer commented, ‘Lulu is proud to engage qualified and capable food managers to oversee food production at various stores. Our staff has acquired food safety qualifications, and we have implemented various safety aspects to ensure that our customers get the best quality food. We believe in spreading wellness for our customers. We express our gratitude to Sprenger for giving us guidance on food safety aspects.”

The seminar witnessed the presence of training officials, hygiene officers, fresh food managers, fresh food coordinators, executive chefs and other officials at Lulu Group International.

The participants raised questions on inculcating healthy buying habits in customers. Also, the attendees were keen to know about the ways to promote a positive food safety culture and the methods to infuse ‘hygiene sense’ among the employees.

Sprenger thanked Lulu Group for organising the seminar and expressed his interest to preside over similar seminars in future.