Latest news with #HACCP
New Straits Times
22-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Pineapple industry board backs move to expand exports to New Zealand
JOHOR BARU: The Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) has welcomed New Zealand's proposal to boost Malaysian pineapple imports into the country, calling it a strong endorsement of the fruit's quality and export potential. The proposal follows Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's recent official visit to New Zealand, where the New Zealanders expressed keen interest in sourcing more premium Malaysian pineapples, particularly the MD2 variety. LPNM chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali said the board sees the development as a strategic opportunity to widen Malaysia's high-impact export reach in the Asia-Pacific region. "New Zealand's interest reflects global confidence in the quality, safety, and competitiveness of Malaysian pineapples. This momentum must be seized," he said in a statement today. Two export trial studies conducted by LPNM in October last year, and last month, revealed the country's pineapple-based value-added products such as frozen pineapple cubes, dried chunks, pineapple crisps, pineapple-flavoured ice cream, and energy gels, were well accepted by foreigners. The trials also confirmed compliance with New Zealand's food safety and import standards, he said. LPNM is now working with relevant agencies to assess the country's readiness to meet full export requirements for fresh and processed pineapples. To ensure a sustainable supply and meet rising international demand, LPNM has rolled out several key strategies. These include expanding cultivated land with support from state governments. Sheikh Umar said incentives and training would be provided to smallholders and entrepreneurs to boost productivity and participation. The board is also strengthening supply chain management to ensure smooth distribution from farm to market. In addition, LPNM is prioritising strict adherence to quality and food safety standards through certifications such as MyGAP, GLOBALG.A.P., and HACCP. He added inter-agency cooperation to streamline export procedures, including quarantine compliance and facility audits, were also areas that will be further enhanced. In 2024, Malaysia exported 11,633 metric tonnes of fresh pineapples worth RM23.1 million, 30,735 metric tonnes of processed pineapple products, including juice and canned varieties, to over 20 countries such as China, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, and Japan. The country's total export value of pineapple products last year reached RM1.73 billion. "LPNM remains committed to reinforcing Malaysia's competitiveness in the global tropical fruit market through data-driven, tech-focused and sustainable approaches," Sheikh Umar said. He also extended the board's appreciation to Zahid for promoting pineapples on the global stage, expressing confidence that Malaysia can become a leading global supplier of premium tropical pineapples.
New Straits Times
21-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Hospital awards RM25.6mil catering contract to non-halal certified firm
KUALA LUMPUR: Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM) in Cheras awarded a three-year catering contract worth RM25.64 million to a company that did not possess halal certification from the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim). However, the Auditor General's Report 2/2025 said the company, identified as 0267299-T, won a tender to "provide halal food to HCTM patients" from February 2024 to February 2027. The report noted that the company aimed to streamline the status of its main kitchen, which had received halal certification from Jakim. The report said that the technical evaluation committee did not recommend 0267299-T, citing the company's failure at the technical evaluation stage as it lacked both halal and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) certifications. The committee said the company failed the technical evaluation due to lack of experience and not having enough food servers and trolleys for the hospital. Nonetheless, the company was selected because it met the financial evaluation committee's criteria, the audit said. Only two out of 12 bidders passed the technical assessment stage, and 0267299-T was among the 10 companies that failed after scoring 53 per cent. The technical committee recommended company 0797329-A as it scored highest, at 87 per cent. "The audit review found that the company that was offered the contract, namely 0267299-T, failed the technical assessment but was still brought to the Financial Assessment Committee," it said. The company was ranked fourth in having a cheaper price. Although it passed the financial committee stage, it was not recommended. "The pre-tender committee was unable to make a recommendation that could be most profitable, reasonable and provide the best value-for-money to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. "This is because no tenderer passed and was recommended by both the technical and financial evaluation committees. "Therefore, the pre-tender committee recommended company 0912013-P with the justification of the lowest price offer and meeting the minimum specification score," it said. In response to the audit, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), which oversees HCTM, said the previous patient food supply contract was nearing its end, and the tender committee had to proceed with the new tender to avoid service disruption. UKM also said that 0267299-T had applied for HACCP certification on Sept 24 last year, but the audit process could only be carried out after renovation works at HCTM were completed. The report did not include UKM's response to 0267299-T's lack of halal certification. The company was not recommended by the technical evaluation committee after its linear accelerator (Linac) machines failed to meet integration requirements with HCTM's existing systems. As a result, key medical equipment, including the Linac machines, CT simulators and contrast injectors, faced delays. Although scheduled for delivery by Sept 18 last year, the Linac machines had yet to arrive at the time of the audit, marking a 122-day delay. "The delay in the supply of (this equipment) within the stipulated timeframe has affected services at HCTM. "The delay in starting treatment has had an impact on patient survival, with 20 patients experiencing waiting periods ranging from one to eight weeks," the audit said. In the report tabled in parliament this morning, the auditor-general found "serious irregularities" in UKM's procurement process, involving three tenders worth RM58.45 million. The irregularities occurred when the tender procurement committee selected companies that were not recommended by the technical evaluation committee, financial evaluation committee, or pre-tender committee.
Time Business News
18-07-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Why Your Business in Dubai is Losing Money Without a Chiller Van
Dubai's scorching heat isn't just uncomfortable—it's a business killer. If your company deals with food, pharmaceuticals, flowers, frozen items, dairy products, beverages, catering services, or medical supplies, then listen closely: Without a reliable chiller van, you are risking thousands of dirhams in damaged goods, customer complaints, and lost contracts. A chiller van is a temperature-controlled refrigerated vehicle used to transport sensitive products that require a specific temperature range (usually 0°C to 5°C). In Dubai's extreme climate, this isn't a luxury—it's a lifeline for your business. Entities Covered: Refrigerated Transport Services in UAE HACCP Certified Vans Thermo King / Carrier Cooling Units Dubai Municipality Approved Fleet GSO Standard Compliance for Perishable Transport Zero Upfront Cost: No need to invest in expensive vehicles or maintenance. 100% Compliance: Our vans meet all Dubai Municipality and HACCP requirements. On-Demand Flexibility: Whether you need it for daily, weekly, or monthly use—we're ready. 24/7 Breakdown Support: Your goods are never left hanging. gives you access to a premium, GPS-tracked fleet with temperature integrity from pick-up to delivery. Let's get brutally honest—if you're in any of the following sectors and not using a chiller van, you're already behind your competitors: Restaurants & Catering Companies Supermarkets & Grocery Chains Meat & Poultry Suppliers Pharmaceutical Distributors Flower & Bouquet Services Ice Cream & Frozen Food Brands They're already using chiller vans. Are you? Ruined inventory due to heat exposure Lost customer trust due to poor delivery condition Legal action for health code violations Permanent loss of B2B contracts Let's cut the fluff: Every delivery made without a chiller van is a gamble. And in Dubai, the odds are against you. We're not just another rental service—we're your cold chain partner. Our fleet is built for Dubai's climate, equipped with advanced cooling systems, driven by trained, uniformed professionals, and backed by real-time support. What You Get: Fast same-day delivery service Adjustable temperature control (-18°C to +5°C) Certified hygienic interiors GPS tracking and route monitoring Emergency backup units available In Dubai's cutthroat business environment, using a chiller van isn't optional—it's non-negotiable. You can't afford to cut corners when it comes to transporting perishable goods. Stop bleeding delivering like a pro. Rent your chiller van today from TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Forbes
16-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Five Ways Digital Tools Can Help The Food Industry
Stephy Beck - Co-Founder of Flenski. Rising operating costs, customer demands, stricter regulatory requirements, staff shortages: Businesses with multiple locations face particular challenges and need to efficiently manage a variety of complex processes across several branches. In confronting these challenges, efficient coordination and streamlined operations are crucial for long-term success. Digitalization presents significant opportunities to optimize operational processes, ensure quality and sustainably increase revenue. There are now many different digital solutions available on the market. How can entrepreneurs effectively utilize them? Based on my experience as the founder and CEO of an intelligent management system, here are the areas and ideas when integrating digital tools: 1. Transparency Through Centralized Management For multilocation businesses, cross-location management and communication pathways are particularly valuable, as they offer the possibility of centrally managing multiple locations. By centralizing control, errors can be reduced and time saved. Real-time data generated can also help entrepreneurs make informed decisions that further enhance success. Centralized dashboards and cloud-based management tools also make it easier to standardize processes across all locations, ensuring brand consistency and compliance with company-wide standards. 2. Automation And Increased Efficiency One of the most effective ways to increase a company's efficiency through digital branch management is to automate as many processes as possible. I recommend automating recurring tasks such as temperature logs, maintenance, supplier coordination or hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) documentation. This can save valuable time, allowing employees to focus more on customer service. Further, you can use automated alerts and digital checklists to help ensure that nothing is overlooked. I find these to be particularly helpful for relieving staff. 3. Improved Quality Management The most important thing in the food industry is ensuring product quality. With the help of digital monitoring systems, for example, cold chains or hygiene standards can be monitored and properly documented. In the event of deviations from target values, an alert can be triggered. This helps reduce revenue losses from things like expired or spoiled goods and also mitigates liability risks. 4. Better Customer Experience And Increased Customer Satisfaction Not only can internal processes be enhanced, but customer satisfaction and the overall customer experience can also be improved through digital solutions. In fact, all the areas of digital transformation listed so far can trickle down and contribute to improved customer satisfaction. Through AI analysis, customer-specific offers can be created, and mobile ordering systems or digital checkout solutions also contribute to increasing customer satisfaction and repurchase rates. In a competitive market, delivering a seamless and tech-enabled experience can be a key differentiator. 5. Sustainability And Cost Savings Digital solutions can also play a crucial role in sustainability for businesses. Use inventory management systems to reduce food waste, automated energy tracking to reduce electricity consumption and digital documentation and organizational tools to minimize paper usage. Furthermore, smart metering systems and waste analytics tools can help you monitor resource consumption in real time and identify areas for improvement. Conclusion Digital transformation offers great potential for multilocation businesses. Increased efficiency, higher product quality, better customer service and secure, sustainable operations are the main benefits of digitalization. The key to success lies in a holistic digital solution that seamlessly integrates into existing processes and considers individual business structures. Those who embrace the right solutions now will ensure long-term competitiveness and a secure market position for the future. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Time Business News
15-07-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Hire HACCP Expert in Qatar for Food Safety Success
In Qatar's fast-growing food industry, food safety is no longer just a compliance checkbox—it's a strategic business necessity. Whether you're running a small café in Doha or managing a food truck in Mesaieed, hiring a HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) consultant in Qatar can help protect your customers, meet Qatari regulatory standards, and build long-term brand trust. Small food businesses are especially vulnerable to food safety risks due to limited resources, shared workspaces, or untrained staff. HACCP experts in Qatar provide structured guidance to help identify critical control points (CCPs), mitigate foodborne hazards, and ensure alignment with Qatar's food hygiene laws and GHP (Good Hygiene Practices). Regulatory Compliance : Qatar's Ministry of Public Health mandates strict hygiene standards. A HACCP consultant ensures your food business meets food safety compliance in Qatar . : Qatar's Ministry of Public Health mandates strict hygiene standards. A HACCP consultant ensures your food business meets . Customized Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) : Consultants develop plans tailored to your menu, kitchen layout, and operational workflow. : Consultants develop plans tailored to your menu, kitchen layout, and operational workflow. Cost-Effective Risk Prevention : Avoid financial and reputational losses from product recalls, non-compliance penalties, or health incidents. : Avoid financial and reputational losses from product recalls, non-compliance penalties, or health incidents. Employee Training & Awareness: Experts offer HACCP training and hygiene education to upskill your workforce. Hiring the right food safety consultant in Qatar goes beyond certifications. It's about choosing someone who understands local business environments, food handling practices, and cultural considerations. Local Industry Experience : Knowledge of Qatari food safety regulations, food storage in high temperatures, and industry-specific risks. : Knowledge of Qatari food safety regulations, food storage in high temperatures, and industry-specific risks. Expertise in ISO 22000 and GHP : Professionals should be proficient in ISO 22000 certification , food safety audits , and global standards. : Professionals should be proficient in , , and global standards. Client-Focused Approach : Choose consultants who provide scalable solutions suited to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). : Choose consultants who provide scalable solutions suited to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Ongoing Compliance Support: Look for experts who offer continuous improvement, documentation, and internal audit services. 'We're too small for HACCP.' Food safety risks affect all operations regardless of size. Regulatory inspections in Qatar apply to businesses of every scale. 'It's too expensive.' While there is an initial investment, working with a HACCP consultancy firm in Qatar is cost-effective compared to the potential losses from fines, closures, or foodborne illness claims. For small food businesses in Qatar, hiring a HACCP expert isn't just about checking a regulatory box—it's a step toward building a reliable, hygienic, and growth-ready food operation. With the right consultant, you can ensure compliance with Qatar food safety regulations, protect public health, and gain a competitive edge. Whether you're based in Doha, Ras Laffan, Dukhan, or Mesaieed, partnering with a certified HACCP consultant helps turn food safety into a long-term business asset. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
