Cairo: On 29 November, the Arab Federation for Food Industries (AFFI) and Det Norske Veritas (DNV) signed an agreement where DNV will be the exclusive provider of certification services for AFFI’s members.

“AFFI and DNV’s intention with this agreement is to develop a partnership where both parties will work to increase the food safety awareness among Arabic food producers, and to analyse and support the implementation of the Food Safety Standards,” states President of AFFI, Dr. Hayssam Jaffan.

DNV will be the exclusive provider of certification services to the AFFI members wanting to be certified according to internationally recognised standards.

“This is an important agreement for DNV, as the food industry is one of our main focus areas,” says Vice President and Regional Manager Torger Baardseth of DNV. “Managing risk has become a central requirement for those operating along the entire food production chain. We look forward to helping AFFI to guarantee quality and safety each step of the way.”

He adds, “By having all processes at any stage of the food production chain certified by a recognised certification body like DNV, AFFI will send a clear message to consumers and the rest of the food industry. This will communicate AFFI’s work to guarantee quality, safety, competence and efficiency.”

AFFI is looking forward to cooperating with Arab and international relations to provide healthy and nutritional food for the citizens of Arab world. “Because DNV has the same approach, AFFI and DNV will cooperate to insure safe and healthy Arabic food. Signing this agreement is just a start of this cooperation,” says Country Manager of DNV, Syria Eng. Hazem Tinawi.

“We're proud to partner with AFFI, given the growing importance of the Arab world in the global scenario. This confirms that food safety is a priority at global level, and we see this opportunity linked with DNV as we strategically strengthen our focus towards the food and beverage industry,” concludes DNV’s Global Industry Sector Manager, Stefano Crea.