The responsibility in ensuring food safety extends beyond the multi-faceted realm from supervisors and food handlers to owners of food establishments.
Citing the three primary hazards posing potential threats to food safety, Master in Food Science and Technology, Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) Ahmad Wa’ie bin Saidin said it is important to understand and mitigate the physical, chemical and biological aspects in upholding the integrity of the food supply chain.
Additionally, he pointed out that these hazards can be transferred to food through cross-contamination resulting from improper hygiene practices.
Ahmad Wa’ie was among the recipients of UTB Best Student Award, who presented a food safety awareness talk titled ‘Ensuring a Safer Tomorrow’ for both UTB students and Makan Ceria Sdn Bhd employees organised by The Center for Research on Agri-Food Sciences and Technology (CrAFT) of UTB.
The talk commenced with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah followed with a welcoming remark by Assistant Professor of the School of Applied Sciences and Mathematics (SASM) Dr Syazana Abdullah Lim, also the Director of CrAFT at UTB.
Another talk focused on preventive measures for food safety and hygiene while emphasising the significance of maintaining food hygiene throughout the food supply chain was delivered by Master (by Research) in Food Science and Technology, UTB Hajah Wafiqah binti Haji Daim.
She also stressed on the importance of good personal hygiene and general kitchen hygiene, explaining that effective practices can prevent cross-contamination, spoilage, and foodborne illnesses, ensuring the safety and quality of food.
Meanwhile the Supply Chain Lead and a representative of Makan Ceria Sdn Bhd Noorizah Usop highlighted Makan Ceria’s commitment to stringent food safety and hygiene standards. She emphasised the organisation’s steadfast approach, highlighting its dedication to consistently delivering high-quality food and services.
Expressing her happiness in sharing real-life experiences with the students, Noorizah stated, “It brings me great joy to share our real-life experiences in the food and beverages industry with the students of UTB. Ensuring food safety is a priority and a cornerstone of our operations.
“At Makan Ceria, we believe that maintaining the highest standards of food safety is essential for safeguarding the well-being of our customers and upholding our reputation for excellence in the industry. We are committed to continuously investing in training, technology, and processes that contribute to our food products’ overall safety and quality”.
The Food Safety Awareness talk brought the world of academia and industry together, fostering a shared commitment to elevate food safety.