The Center for Research on Agri-Food Sciences and Technology (CrAFT) of Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) organised a Food Ensuring Awareness talk titled “Ensuring a Safer Tomorrow” for both UTB students and Makan Ceria Sendirian Berhad employees. The talk was held at the Lecture Theater 1 of the university. The talk emphasises the importance of ensuring consumer well-being through robust food safety practices.
The event commenced with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah followed by welcoming remarks by Yang Mulia Dr Syazana Abdullah Lim, Assistant Professor of the School of Applied Sciences and Mathematics (SASM) and Director of CrAFT at UTB.
Recipients of the university’s Best Student award presented the talk. The first session was delivered by Yang Mulia Awang Ahmad Wa’ie bin Saidin, Master (by Coursework) in Food Science and Technology, UTB, delivered the first session. He delved into the multifaceted realm of food safety, emphasizing that responsibility for ensuring food safety extends beyond supervisors to food handlers and owners of food establishments.
He also highlights the three primary hazards that pose potential threats to food safety: physical, chemical and biological. His discussion emphasised the importance of understanding and mitigating these hazards to uphold the integrity of the food supply chain. Additionally, he pointed out that these hazards can be transferred to food through cross-contamination resulting from improper hygiene practices.
The event proceeded with the second session delivered by Yang Mulia Hajah Wafiqah binti Hj Daim, Master (by Research) in Food Science and Technology, UTB. Her session focused on preventive measures for Food safety and hygiene, emphasising the significance of maintaining food hygiene throughout the food supply chain. She stressed the importance of good personal hygiene and general kitchen hygiene, explaining that effective practices can prevent cross-contamination, spoilage, and foodborne illnesses, ensuring the safety and quality of food.
Yang Mulia Dayang Noorizah Usop, the Supply Chain Lead and a representative of Makan Ceria Sdn Bhd, took the stage to highlight Makan Ceria's unwavering commitment to stringent food safety and hygiene standards. She emphasised the organisation's steadfast approach, highlighting its dedication to consistently delivering high-quality food and services.
Expressing her happiness in sharing real-life experiences with the students, Dayang Noorizah stated, "It brings me great joy to share our real-life experiences in the food and beverages industry with the students of UTB. Ensuring food safety is a priority and a cornerstone of our operations. At Makan Ceria, we believe that maintaining the highest standards of food safety is essential for safeguarding the well-being of our customers and upholding our reputation for excellence in the industry. We are committed to continuously investing in training, technology, and processes that contribute to our food products’ overall safety and quality."
The Food Safety Awareness talk brought academia and industry together, fostering a shared commitment to elevate food safety standards for a safer future. The interactive engagement with Makan Ceria's representatives gave students valuable insights into the practical implementation and maintenance of stringent food safety practices in the dynamic food and beverage industry.
