Regional Government supports companies to comply with food hygiene and safety standards
Public support to businesspeople and workers in the food sector "is crucial to ensure their compliance with hygiene and safety provided in the legislation. these measures are intended to bring added value to their companies and improve the quality of services provided, which will be reflected on the Region's competitiveness in various sectors," defended the Regional Secretary for the Economy in Ponta Delgada today.
Vasco Cordeiro spoke during the ceremony to sign a protocol between the Azorean Government and INOVA (Institute of Technological Innovation of the Azores) for the implementation of the "Safe Quality" programme, which is designed to support regional food companies in implementing food and hygiene safety. The government official stressed the fact that the financial support awarded under this initiative will be in force for a two-year period, "during which the conduction of microbiological tests or staff training will be free of charges for adherent companies."
Moreover, regional companies may "apply for a support in the amount of 500.00 Euros per year to hire specialised technical assistance from consulting companies or business associations." In the current context, this financial support becomes even more important "as it allows the expansion of a potential market for companies in the food sector," stated Vasco Cordeiro.
The "Quality Safe" programme is addressed at food companies, mainly food preparation and processing industries; restaurants; butcher and fish shops; commercial establishments handling unpackaged food as well as packaged food warehouses and companies.
According to Vasco Cordeiro, the strategy that the Government intends to implement with this new programme "aims to help companies through the allocation of financial support to the areas where costs are higher" as well as to avoid that companies fail in the compliance of legislation in an area that is of utmost importance to their activity."
According to Vasco Cordeiro, the strategy that the Government intends to implement this new program "aims to help companies through more support in the highest cost components" and also make sure that "they do not leave the enforcement of legislation in an area that is fundamental to their activity.”
In recent years, the programmes to promote Food Safety and Quality, developed by the Regional Government, have provided training and qualification to nearly 1000 companies and over 2000 workers.