Global Tilapia secures FSSC 22000 food safety certification

Kenyan aquaculture and fish processing company Global Tilapia has been awarded FSSC 22000 Food Safety Certification, marking the first fish processing company in Kenya to achieve this internationally recognized standard. This milestone is a significant step forward as the company looks to enhance its processing operations, comply with international food safety regulations, and expand into new markets.

FSSC 22000 is a globally recognized certification that sets requirements for managing food safety risks throughout the food supply chain, including food safety management, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement. During the certification event, Global Tilapia's Founder and Managing Director, Joseph Mureithi, emphasized the company's commitment to producing safe and high-quality fish products.

He highlighted that achieving FSSC 22000 certification is a crucial step in their growth journey and demonstrates their investment in systems, processes, and people to consistently deliver safe and quality fish products to customers. This achievement will strengthen customer confidence and create new opportunities for Global Tilapia.

By strengthening their food safety systems and fish processing procedures, the company aims to meet the increasingly stringent requirements of large retailers, food service companies, and institutional buyers. The certification will also allow Global Tilapia to position itself as a trustworthy supplier with operations that meet internationally recognized food safety standards.

The certification is expected to boost Global Tilapia's competitiveness in the fish processing industry, providing assurance to customers and business partners that the company's operations meet internationally recognized food safety requirements. For Kenya's rapidly growing aquaculture sector, the certification highlights the growing importance of quality standards in moving from fish production to value addition, processing, and accessing wider markets.

Speaking at the event, Kenya Fisheries Service Director General, Daisy Muriuki, emphasized the government's efforts to ensure fish consumed in Kenya is safe and meets required quality standards. She explained that the government is strengthening measures across the fisheries value chain, from production and handling to processing and consumption, to protect consumers and promote quality fish products.

Muriuki encouraged Kenyans to develop a culture of eating fish and take up fish farming as a viable economic activity, emphasizing that increased consumption would create a ready market for farmers and contribute to better nutrition. She also praised Global Tilapia's role in promoting tilapia farming and consumption, urging more investment and innovation in the sector to unlock the potential of Kenya's aquaculture industry.

Muriuki stressed the importance of stronger collaboration between the government, farmers, and private-sector players in expanding fish production and ensuring safe, quality, and affordable fish for Kenyans.