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TBS trains food vendors on standards and quality
2008-04-29 10:54:17
By Felix Andrew
The Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) has initiated a training programme for local market food suppliers in the country aimed at providing them with knowledge on standards necessary for their active participation in international markets.
TBS director Charles Ekelege said during a training seminar organized for food suppliers from different markets in Temeke District held in Dar es Salaam yesterday that the main objective was to ensure suppliers followed standards.
Ekelege said local food suppliers played a crucial role in the welfare of the nation since the people depended on them for food supplies.
``We have to make sure food suppliers sell their produce in a clean environment to protect consumers` health and increase their income,`` he said.
TBS promised to put more emphasis on the quality and safety of raw food to enable sellers compete in both local and international markets.
Ekelege said since its establishment, TBS had mostly dealt with industrial manufacturers, but recently decided to conduct seminars on food safety and quality for those engaged in raw food business throughout Tanzania, starting with Kinondoni, Ilala and Temeke Districts in Dar es Salaam Region.
Raw food entrepreneurs in Kinondoni and Ilala districts have already been trained, but the training would be extended to other regions to ensure all products conformed to standard and quality requirements.
During the seminar, three TBS experts in the areas of standardization, food safety and packaging made presentations.
Dr. Claude Mosha gave an overview of TBS and its standardization and quality assurance activities, while David Ndibalema presented a paper on the basics of food safety and quality. Hamisi Sudi concluded with a presentation on quality packaging.
Some food suppliers who attended the course urged the bureau to provide them with continuous training on how to meet standards criteria.
``Most of us lack knowledge on standards, so we need regular training to ensure we follow all procedures in standards``, a participant from Tandika market, Ali Kilimu, said.
He admitted that such training was necessary to improve their working environment and attract more local and foreign customers.
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