KENYA – Upfield, the largest plant-based consumer products company in the world and manufacturer of Blue Band range of products, has realized a four-point improvement in the annual AIB unannounced quality audit in its Kenya factory to retain an A classification.
The internationally recognized AIB quality audit is conducted annually and focuses on good manufacturing practices such as process control and monitoring, personnel & hygiene standards, facilities and infrastructure and compliance to legal and regulatory product standards.
AIB International is a pioneer and leader in food safety auditing and education with 60 years of practice.
Upfield East and Southern Africa Managing Director, Peter Muchiri said the improved score was as a result of various measures taken by the organization such as sustainable closure of previous AIB audit actions, implementation of FSSC 22000 standard which focuses on assuring end to end food safety, increased trainings and awareness sessions to staff, identifying gaps at the factory and facilitating closure and provision of Capital expenditures (CapEX) funds in closing actions that required huge capital investments.
“This quality audit means our factory is audited and graded against other factories worldwide using internationally recognized Good Manufacturing Practice standards. Our Nairobi factory achieved an A rating of 94.5% which means that our production environment, processes and site meet world class standards in terms of hygiene. Our consumers are therefore guaranteed of high-quality products,” he said.
This educational audit is designed to look beyond the surface to areas where food safety issues may not have been readily visible. Approximately 60-70% of a GMP Inspection is spent in the manufacturing and storage areas and the other 30-40% confirms the effectiveness of programs. The on-the-floor exercise complements GFSI certification audits by providing a greater focus in manufacturing, where the action takes place.
Upfield’s Head of Supply Chain for East and Southern Africa, Alice Majani, reiterated the company’s commitment to producing and selling high quality products that meet global nutritional requirements whilst observing local statutory and regulatory requirements.
“Our production environment will remain clean and of world class standard in order to deliver safe and best quality products always,” noted Alice.
In 2020, Upfield Kenya attained an A classification of 90.5%, an upgrade from a B classification the previous year.
The Nairobi-based company earlier in the year achieved the coveted Food Management System Standard certification, FSSC 22000, an indication of the quality of its products.
The company whose head office is based in Amsterdam, sells products in over 95 countries and has 15 manufacturing sites all over the world.
“Since 1871, we have been the authority in the spreads category which gives us unmatched experience, know-how and inspiration. We are focused on leading in this new era focused on delivering healthier products that are great tasting and have superior quality and helps us deliver on our mission to create “Better Plant-based Future,” says the company.
It recently introduced yet another innovation in the Kenyan market in the form of Altis Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which has previously won the iTQi Superior Taste Award in Europe and the Kotinos Quality Award by the Olive Oil Scientific Society, Filaios, in Greece.
