Food safety the winner

As part of the 20th Australian HACCP Conference, the winners of the 2013 HACCP Food Safety Awards have been revealed. Celebrating the contribution of both individuals and organisations to food safety, the winners have demonstrated both excellence in advancing safe food practices and passion to share their knowledge with the industry.

Outstanding Individual nominated by an agrifood industry company - Allan Dall, General Manager NSW, Barden Produce

Dall joined Barden Produce in 2000 and is known for his invaluable technical knowledge in all aspects of HACCP certification and legislation. He has been awarded for his consistency and passion in supporting staff in addressing key legislative and compliance issues.

“The Barden Produce team and I are really passionate about delivering fresh food within 24 hours of harvest. We’re proud that we’re consistently at the top of our game with the latest systems and operations that not only meet, but exceed, industry and global standards. It’s great to be recognised by Advancing Food Safety, SAI Global for the work that we love to do,” said Allan Dall, General Manager NSW, Barden Produce.

Outstanding Individual working as a registered food safety auditor - Troy Arnold, SAI Global

Arnold joined SAI Global in September 2007 and has been awarded for his consistently professional and client-focused assessment and auditing of the Quality and Food Safety Management Systems in addition to his continuous education of others.

“Helping my clients, both large and small, meet food safety standards without compromising their products is the most rewarding part of my role. Receiving this HACCP Award is a fantastic professional achievement, but to know that I was nominated by a client is an honour in itself,’ said Troy Arnold,  Lead Auditor - Food Safety, SAI Global.

Outstanding company - Single-site - Hazeldene’s Chicken and Kez’s Kitchen

Hazeldene’s Chicken commenced operations in 1957 and is Australia’s only fully vertically integrated regional poultry processor. Hazeldene’s has never received a critical corrective action in its history.

“Implementing food safety industry best practice has led us to be the successful business that we are today. Having started as a small egg supplier over 56 years ago, to now stand here as one of the largest regional poultry processors in Victoria recognised for our consistency in delivering a product at the highest quality is a fantastic achievement,” said Tracey Ling, QA Manager, Hazeldene’s Chicken.

Kez’s Kitchen’s commitment to food safety and continuous improvement began in 1999 with its move to a purpose-built facility that was specifically created to HACCP standards and world-leading practice. Over the last 15 years, they have focused on continual improvement, raised standards and integrated new systems to ensure their leadership position.

“As a family-owned and -operated business we’ve always had a commitment to making healthy, safe and delicious foods. Having HACCP standards as the foundation of our business for the past 15 years has allowed us to develop leading food manufacturing practices that ensure we deliver gourmet quality products to both the Australian and international markets,” Michael Carp, Managing Director, Kez’s Kitchen.

Outstanding company - Multi-site - Sanitarium

Sanitarium has been awarded for its dedication to continuous improvement and dedication to high levels of food safety compliance across complex multi-site operations.

“Since our beginnings in 1898, we have actively sought ways to improve the quality and safety of products that we manufacture. This award recognises the team effort and commitment required to manufacture and distribute safe products and we want to thank our industry peers for this very special recognition,” said Nerolie Dever, Quality Systems Manager, Sanitarium.

Inaugural Ross Peters Award Memorial Award - Glen Neal, Manager - Food and Beverage, Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand

Neal has been the major driver for reform across the agrifood sector in NZ in addition to contributing to food safety. His passion and commitment have been recognised within the industry for the past 25 years.

“To even be considered for this award is a tremendous honour. The significant contribution that Ross gave to the industry, professionally as well as personally, is something to be celebrated and remembered. Driving reform and aiming to achieve the highest of standards for the industry is something that I find incredibly rewarding. Like Ross, I aim to share my passion for food safety with many others,” said Glen Neal, Manager - Food and Beverage, Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand

As one of the leading discussion forums for food safety industry professionals, the annual HACCP Conference explores Australia’s role in a global marketplace, Australian food safety technical updates and new issues for food exportation. Each year the conference attracts a growing number of delegates involved in the development, implementation and maintenance of food safety programs.

For further information about the HACCP Conference and Awards, visit www.haccptown.com.au/conference.