The Meat Corporation of Namibia’s Safety Health Environment and Quality Assurance Department had a busy end to 2020, conducting the British Retail Consortium (BRC) Global Standard and Food Safety Audit from 25 to 30 November 2020.

As per Meatco, it maintained its A-Grade status and, for the first time, this was a virtual audit conducted via Zoom and WhatsApp. We were required to display our plant to the auditor during the session virtually, which was a challenge. However, with the support of our Information and Technology Infrastructure Department (IT), we administered this well.

We received seven minor findings that have been rectified and closed out. This has enabled us to receive our BRC Certification that is valid until 6 January 2022.

Meatco also conducted and received the Food Safety Standard 2200 Certification Audit for NSF, which took place from 8 to 11 December 2020. Twelve minor findings were received, rectified, closed out and certification, which is valid until 21 January 2022, was received.

During the audit, employees maintained their discipline and did not deviate from the certification requirements even though they were operating under the unprecedented times of Covid-19. The virtual audit was similarly successful, and no interruptions were encountered. 

Meatco, as a food manufacturing company, is registered with food safety and quality management bodies that have set standards and requirements that must be adhered to. Therefore, food safety and quality management programmes at Meatco and its operations are based on these standard requirements.   

Meatco is listed on the BRC Directory at https://brcgsdirectory.com/ and any of its clients or potential clients registered on the website can access audit reports and certifications from there. The latest certifications are also available on Meatco's website at www.meatco.com.na