Copra Millers of Fiji Ltd (CMFL) has been issued full Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification by the HACCP International yesterday.

CMFL chairman Raj Sharma said the HACCP certification was an international credible certification that would allow them to access international markets.

“It is one of the very proud achievement for us, however, more important is that we need to maintain the standard,” Mr Sharma said.

Copra Millers of Fiji Ltd acting general manager John Deo said the certification was issued after HACCP International assessed Copra Millers, Balaga Bay factory in Savusavu and found that they met the requirements of HACCP – Codex Alimentarius Alinorm 97/13A.

“Through our board’s support, at initial stage, we had engaged the services of HACCP International Property Services Ltd to develop the scope of work for our Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) factory prior to building,” Mr Deo said.

“A lot was done in the first quarter of 2017, in achieving the full HACCP compliance in terms of staff training on HACCP, ensuring VCO machines meet standards, VCO building compliance, cleanliness program, identifying major risks at each production process and coming up with key critical control points.

“Our team’s collective efforts resulted in full certification of our VCO manufacturing operations from the receipt of raw materials, processing through production, packaging, storage to final dispatch.”

Why is this certification important?

Mr Deo said for virgin coconut oil, quality was paramount.

“The certification will give creditability to our virgin coconut oil and build customer confidence in buying the product.

“We consider our product having the competitive advantage in both the local and overseas market.

“The product will carry the HACCP full certification logo which gives consumer confidence knowing the product meets food safety standards.”

VCO factory progress

“We have achieved a lot from 80 litres per day to 200 litres per day with continuous improvement on quantity and quality,” he said.

“Target is to achieve 400 to 500 litres premium grade VCO daily.

“VCO is sold locally and majority is exported.

“There is some improvement shown in terms of raw material supply to our factory.

“This is a positive indicator for continuous supply for our products and sales growth.

“Just like mother’s milk our VCO is rich in lauric acid which is formed into monolaurin in the human body to destroy viruses and support good health.,” Mr Deo said.

The VCO factory was opened on January 27 this year by the Minister for Agriculture Inia Seruiratu.

EDITED BY: IVAMERE NATARO