By Meriba Tulo – EMTV News
With the steady increase in the production of high value coconut products in Papua New Guinea, the Kokonas Indastri Koporesen is now embarking on ensuring that producers are compliant with high quality standards.
The KIK through partnership with the Pacific Horticultural & Agriculture Market Access Program recent began the process of certifying Coconut SMEs.
The HACCP certification provides quality checks on all stages of coconut product production.
During the week, the Kokonas Indsatri Koporesen presented the first ever HACCP certification to high value coconut product producer, Weni & Mandol Investment.
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points system is an International Quality Standard measure that relates to the various stages of food production.
This system has been adopted by the KIK to ensure that high value coconut producers in PNG comply with International Standards.
According to KIK General Manager Industry Services, Alan Aku, the certification program is important in providing quality checks at all stages of production.
The HACCP certification program for the initial Coconut SMEs was completed through support from the Pacific Horticultural & Market Access Program, who facilitated the HACCP inspections.
The efforts to provide International Standard certification for high value coconut products is a priority for the KIK, as it looks to promoting coconut SMEs within the Region.
In the coming weeks, two coconut SMEs in East New Britain will receive their HACCP certification, with another in Central Province to await its certification results.
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