Tassie dairy company, Tasmanian Dairy Products and GSF (Golden State Foods) have taken out the awards in the two Outstanding Company categories at the 2014 HACCP Awards.
The awards, hosted by SAI Global, went to outstanding food safety experts in five major categories, including three individual categories, and the winners were chosen by a panel of food experts.
Damien Alexander, national food safety manager, Woolworths, won in the category of 'outstanding individual nominated by an agri-food industry company'. He is responsible for the safe delivery of food sold to 21 million customers a week, and he was recognised for his passion, integrity and his ability to influence positive change.
The 'outstanding individual working as a registered food safety auditor' category was won by Lisa Tomassen, senior food safety auditor at SGS Australia. She was recognised for her precision in regards to the auditing process and the level of respect that she has gained among her client base.
The Ross Peters Memorial Award for Excellence in Food Safety went to Richard Bennett from the Produce Marketing Association Australia-New Zealand. Bennett was described as a driving force for the improved understanding and adoption of food safety and quality management in the fresh produce sector for two decades.
Tasmanian Dairy Products, a newly founded company that produces full cream and skim milk powder mainly for the export market, won the single site company sub-category for its dedication to achieving A Grade BRC and HACCP certification in less than 12 months.
“We worked hard to achieve such an impressive grade for a first-time audit. We intend to maintain and, where required, progress to ensure standards remain high. As a relatively new player in the milk export industry, we’re proud to receive such a recognisable award,” Sheridan Budsworth from Tasmanian Dairy Products said.
GSF, a multi-site produce processing company operating at four sites, won the multi-site company sub-category for its superior level of food safety standards over the past 12 months where the organisation decreased its product concerns by 20 per cent.
“In the past year we’ve had no critical or major findings identified in customer audits and have had zero product recalls. This award signifies the moves we’re making to become a safer organisation,” said GSF QA manager, David Bradfield.
SAI Global's Tim Jacob said: “These awards recognise the individuals and businesses that work tirelessly to ensure the safety of Australia’s food supply. We drive professionals to raise the bar and set a higher industry standard and this year’s winners have done exactly that.”
