Oil manufacturer achieves international food management standards

The system, both a food quality and safety management system (which acts as a safety standard applied to food processing, preparation and distribution) assures customers of the high quality of production and manufacturing within the Pietermaritzburg-based oil manufacturing facility. Willowton is reportedly the only edible oil & margarine manufacturing company in KwaZulu-Natal to secure the qualification.

The company has also completed the British equivalent BRC (British Retail Consortium) food standard, essential for securing contracts with companies that supply food products to the major British supermarkets such as Marks & Spencer's, Tesco, Sainsbury's etc. South African food manufacturers that supply a food product to any of these major supermarkets have to confirm that their raw materials are sourced from BRC approved suppliers. This makes it reportedly the only edible oil manufacturer in South Africa to pass the BRC audit.

Razak Moosa, CEO of the company, said, "With both the BRC and HACCP accreditations, South African consumers of edible oils and margarines produced by the company can be assured that its products meet the highest standards in food safety and quality.

"In looking to expand the business, the company acknowledged the necessity for securing this accreditation and management can now approach large international players for contracts," he said.