Local hotdog firm gets second world-class certification

Meat processing firm Mekeni Food Corporation (MFC) has received its second world-class certification for food safety. The firm's hotdog processing plant in Porac, Pampanga has been certified as being compliant with Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) 22000. Created by benchmarking organization Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), the certification allows MFC to use the FSSC 22000 standard to meet the requirements of global retailers and major branded food companies under one, internationally recognized food safety management system. In 2006, MFC was the first company in both the Philippines and Asia, and only the second in the world, to be ISO 22000-certified. The standard is conferred by the International Organization for Standardization for food safety worldwide. According to company president Prudencio Garcia, receiving the certification enhances MFC’s expansion plans in the Philippines and overseas. "Instead of sending Filipinos outside [of the country], we'll send our products outside," he said. Rosario Cajucom-Bradbury, managing director of inspection, testing and certification firm SGS Philippines, said that the FSSC certification is an even higher standard than the ISO certification. She confirmed that Mekeni Foods is the first company in the meat processing industry that they would be awarding the FSSC 22000 certification, specifically in the hotdog category. — BM, GMA News