NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept 11 – Kenyan aquaculture and fish processing company Global Tilapia has secured the FSSC 22000 food safety certification, becoming the first fish processing company in Kenya to attain the international standard.
The certification sets requirements for managing food safety risks, regulatory compliance and quality control across the food supply chain.
Speaking during the certification event, Global Tilapia Founder and Managing Director Joseph Mureithi said the certification would help the company improve its operations and meet the requirements of more customers.
“Achieving FSSC 22000 certification is an important step in our growth journey. It demonstrates that we are investing in the systems, processes and people needed to consistently deliver safe and quality fish products to our customers,” said Mureithi.
He said the certification would also help the company supply large retailers, food service companies and institutions that require suppliers to meet international food safety standards.
“Global Tilapia supplies fish products to retail, wholesale, institutional and commercial customers,” he said.
The company has changed its food safety systems and fish processing procedures to meet the requirements of the FSSC 22000 standard.
Kenya Fisheries Service Director General Daisy Muriuki said the government is strengthening measures to ensure fish consumed in the country is safe and meets required quality standards.
Muriuki said the measures cover the fisheries value chain, including production, handling and processing.
“Fish is not only food; it is an opportunity to improve the health of our people, create jobs and put money in the hands of our farmers. We want to see more Kenyans embrace fish consumption and take up fish farming as a viable economic activity,” she said.
She encouraged Kenyans to eat more fish, saying increased consumption would create a bigger market for fish farmers while improving nutrition.
Muriuki also called for more investment in fish farming, saying aquaculture can create jobs, increase household incomes and contribute to food security.
She said private-sector investment would be important in expanding Kenya’s aquaculture industry.
“Companies such as Global Tilapia are playing an important role in demonstrating the potential of tilapia as both a nutritious food and a viable business. We encourage more investment and innovation in the sector,” she said.
Muriuki said closer cooperation between the government, fish farmers and private companies would be important in increasing fish production and ensuring Kenyans have access to safe and quality fish products.
