New Food Safety Act in China heralds in new opportunities for CIEH qualifications

Subject: CIEH

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) has welcomed the new Food Safety Act in China, which comes into force on 1 June 2009.

The Food Safety Act encourages food businesses to establish robust food management systems: this includes ensuring that people who work in food premises receive adequate training in food safety and hygiene. There is also a requirement to have access to competent food safety advice.

Commenting, David Denton, CIEH Director of Business Development, said:

“We are very pleased that the need for food training is emphasised in the Act. It represents an enormous opportunity for the CIEH, and its partner the China Chain Store and Franchise (CCFA), to promote the food safety message in China.

“Working with the CCFA, we have established good working relationships with Chinese companies. We have also issued accredited qualifications to people working in the Chinese subsidiaries of TESCO, Carrefour and Wal Mart, as well as Chinese food retailers like Wu-mart.”

“The CIEH is a global leader in the development of food safety qualifications and our vocational qualifications are the industry standard.

“In the UK our accredited qualifications are valued and recognised by businesses up and down the country and we are establishing an international network of certification hubs.

Over the past couple of years the CIEH has also expanded into Australia, the Gulf states, Sri Lanka and Singapore, and has a thriving subsidiary in the USA.

“The CIEH’s comprehensive range of qualifications covering basic food safety training to advanced HACCP courses will complement the rigorous standards set down for managers and workers in the new law.”