Before I started my career as a food Microbiologist, whenever I saw NAFDAC registration number,SON approved and others,I only thought it was a number given to products that have been registered ® ️.
I never knew that there was a lot of work and processes to be followed before these products can be certified.
Not until I started working with a Quality Assurance laboratory where clients bring their products for regulatory analysis as a requirement for their product to be certified.
This was when I learnt that before a product is certified it has to pass the microbiological,chemical, physical, composition test in which they will be given a Certificate of Analysis (COA)to be tendered to the regulatory authority.
Regulatory authorities like ISO,CODEX, SON help to set permissible levels of microorganisms, chemicals, and other contaminants in our food.
This minimizes the risk of foodborne illnesses caused by pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which can have severe consequences on public health.
Regulations go beyond safety; they also focus on quality. They set criteria for food composition, nutritional value, and freshness, which help maintain the integrity and quality of food products.
For instance, regulations on food additives and preservatives help balance the need for shelf stability with consumer safety.
Compliance with regulations helps to minimize the risk of contamination from pathogens, chemicals, and physical hazards, ensuring that food is safe for consumption.
Compliance with labeling and transparency regulations ensures that consumers receive accurate information about the food they purchase, including ingredients, nutritional content, and allergen information.
This builds trust and confidence in the brand and the food industry as a whole.
Companies can significantly reduce the incidence of foodborne illnesses, which not only protects consumers but also enhances the reputation of compliant brands when they adhere to regulations.
Food safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Share your experiences or insights on the importance of regulations, and let’s work together towards a safer food industry!
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