The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has commended cassava processing centres established under the International Fund for Agricultural Development–Value Chain Development Programme (IFAD-VCDP) in Enugu State for improvements in hygiene, product quality and compliance with food safety standards.
The commendation followed the second phase of an assessment and certification exercise conducted by officials of SON at the Cassava Processing Centre located in Umueze Umaga, Ezimo-Agu, Udenu Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking during the inspection, the Head of Food and Agriculture Unit, SON Enugu State Office, Mrs Ebele Imelda Ugwu, said the assessment was aimed at evaluating the facility's compliance with national standards and determining its readiness for certification.
Ugwu said the exercise reviewed production processes, quality assurance documentation, product analysis procedures, staff training records, food handlers' certification, hygiene practices, equipment installation standards, fire safety measures and consumer feedback mechanisms.
She noted that the centre had made significant progress since the first phase of the assessment, particularly in the quality of garri and cassava flour produced at the facility.
According to her, the cooperative had also improved compliance with standard operating procedures, conducted production analysis tests and secured medical fitness certification for food handlers.
"We have seen remarkable improvement compared to what was observed during the first phase of the assessment.
"The farmers have improved the quality of their garri and cassava flour products and complied with several requirements relating to food safety and quality assurance," she said.
The SON official, however, identified areas requiring further attention before certification could be granted.
She listed the observations to include the relocation of the toilet facility, provision of handwashing materials and sanitisers at the entrance, installation of protective nets on laboratory windows and openings, provision of a larger fire extinguisher, covering of frying pans and installation of a first aid box.
Others, she said, were the procurement of a moisture content analyser and enhanced labelling of product safety information.
Ugwu expressed optimism that the facility would attain certification once the identified gaps were addressed.
"If the corrective actions are implemented, we are hopeful that the processing centre will secure SON certification in the near future," she said.
The State Programme Coordinator of IFAD-VCDP in Enugu State, Dr Edward Isiwu, represented by the State Business and Market Development Officer, Mr Arinze Omeje, said the programme remained committed to promoting quality standards and international best practices among beneficiary farmers.
Omeje said IFAD-VCDP had supported the farmers since 2021 through the provision of processing centres, capacity building and market linkages aimed at improving livelihoods and enhancing value addition within the cassava value chain.
He said the partnership with SON was designed to ensure that products from the centres meet established standards and become more competitive in the market.
"IFAD-VCDP is known for promoting standards and international best practices. Beyond production, we ensure that farmers derive value from their produce through processing and access to markets.
"Our collaboration with SON is part of efforts to ensure that products from these centres meet national quality standards and gain wider market acceptance," he said.
Omeje described Dr Isiwu as a driving force behind the certification initiative, noting that the state programme coordinator had consistently emphasised quality assurance and standardisation throughout the implementation of the programme.
According to him, observations made during the first assessment had largely been addressed, while steps were already being taken to implement recommendations from the second phase of the exercise.
"Dr Isiwu has continued to champion standards and quality in the implementation of IFAD-VCDP activities in the state.
"The few issues identified during this assessment will be addressed to ensure certification by SON," he said.
In his remarks, Chairman of Umueze Umaga Farmers Cooperative Society, Mr Eze Crescent Okwudili, expressed appreciation to the Enugu State Government, IFAD-VCDP and SON for their support in improving agricultural processing and product quality.
Okwudili said the processing centre had enhanced productivity and improved the quality of cassava products produced by members of the cooperative.
He assured SON that all observations raised during the inspection would be addressed promptly to ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements and facilitate certification.
"We appreciate the support provided by the Enugu State Government and IFAD-VCDP, which has positively impacted our community.
"We are committed to implementing all recommendations made by SON to achieve certification and sustain quality production," he said.
Also present during the assessment was the Head of Civil, Building, Mining and Mechanical Engineering Department of SON Enugu State Office, Engr Victor Nwajei, alongside other officials of the organisation and IFAD-VCDP.
Tags: SON, IFAD-VCDP, Cassava Processing, Enugu, Udenu, Quality Assurance, Agriculture, MANCAP.
0 Comments