Koronadal City, South Cotabato –The Department of Trade and Industry Region 12 (DTI-12) through its One Town, One Product Program (OTOP) has launched on Monday a comprehensive food safety course for the food processors of Region 12.
The Training Course for Food Safety, Food Safety and Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), and Preparation of Requirements for Food and Drug Administration-License to Operate (FDA-LTO) which aims to prepare participating food processors to improve their products and make them more appealing to the public, safer to consume and processed in facilities with a license from FDA was attended by 27 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the region, and who are currently being assisted by DTI-12.
DTI-12 Regional Director Jude Constantine S. Jaugan said in his opening message that through the conduct of the food safety course, the agency aspires to expand the market of the region’s newly improved products.
“DTI has been focusing our efforts in enabling MSMEs to be compliant with the regulatory standards and will eventually increase the number of marketable products in the region,” said Dir. Jaugan.
Enrolled MSMEs underwent stringent selection process by DTI-12 and must meet basic requirements such as with existing business permit, with available food processing facility or is financially capable to build a new processing area, and who have signified to finish the three-week course; this will ensure a high degree of success among candidates.
Three modules that complete the entire course namely 1) Awareness on Philippine FDA Documentary Requirements and cGMP, 2) Documentation on Standard Sanitary Operating Procedures, Work Instruction, and cGMP, and 3) Compliance to Philippine Labeling Requirements and Walkthrough on Philippine FDA-LTO Application Process.
Enrolled MSMEs will also have an opportunity for a one-on-one consultation with industry practitioner consultants; their products will undergo laboratory testing to improve product quality and shelf-life.
The products of enrolled MSMEs are bread and pastries, processed fruits and vegetables, dairy, chips, processed meat, and beverages; all are made from locally sourced and produced ingredients. The course is funded under the OTOP program of DTI, a stimulus program for MSMEs’ inclusive local economic growth by providing interventions in product development, standards compliance, branding, and market access. ♦
Date of Release: 30 September 2021