Koßdorff: The Austrian food industry works day after day to ensure food safety
Vienna (OTS) – „Food is safe in Austria and the EU. Behind this are comprehensive services from the local food industry
“, explains Mag. Katharina Koßdorff, Managing Director of the Food Industry Association, on the occasion of “International Food Safety Day” – World Food Safety Day – on June 7th. “Nowadays, food not only has to be safe, but also has to meet many other legal requirements – from labeling to packaging to sustainable production. Domestic manufacturers also work day after day to provide consumers with not only a safe, but also a diverse and innovative range of the best food and drinks that optimally meets their needs. Anyone interested can find an overview of the diverse aspects of food and beverage production oesterreich-isst-informiert.at
“, so Koßdorff.
Comprehensive controls for safe enjoyment
Local food can be enjoyed with a good feeling. This is proven by the annual Food Safety Report of the Federal Ministry for Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection. In addition to the companies’ daily self-inspections, the authority checks around 30,000 companies along the food chain every year and examines over 20,000 samples according to a risk-based control plan. Only around 0.4 percent of the samples were recently classified as harmful to health. This has remained very similar since the results of the official inspection were first published in 2010.
The approximately 200 companies in the food industry also operate comprehensive monitoring systems. They continually carry out their own checks and thus ensure safe and high-quality products. You have to comply with numerous regulations under Austrian and European law and monitor compliance with them: from incoming goods inspection to the traceability of raw materials at every stage of the food chain. They carry out internal checks and, in many cases, also work with independent laboratories. They continually develop their management and control systems for quality assurance. Many companies are voluntarily certified according to legal or private sector standards and norms (including ISO, AMA quality seal, food retail standards such as IFS and BRC or private organic associations) that go beyond the legal requirements.
Food safety and waste
But food safety also requires knowledge and care on the part of consumers when storing and processing at home: proper kitchen hygiene such as washing hands, separate cutting boards and knives for meat and vegetables, and maintaining the cold chain are essential to keeping undesirable microorganisms to a minimum. Koßdorff: “We have put together helpful tips for consumers on our knowledge platform oesterreich-isst-informiert.at. About our free Newsletter stay informed – try it out!”.
Importance of the food industry in Austria
The food industry is one of the largest sectors in Austria. In the interests of consumers, it ensures the supply of safe, high-quality and affordable food every day. The approximately 200 companies with their 27,400 direct employees generate an annual production volume of around 12 billion euros. Around 10 billion euros of this are exported to over 180 countries. The trade association supports its members through information, advice and international networking.
Questions & Contact:
Mag. Katharina Koßdorff
Managing Director of the Food Industry Association
Tel.: +43 1 712 21 21 – 14
k.kossdorff@dielebensmittel.at
Food Business Consult
THE Oscar Wawschinek MASS MBA
Press spokesman for the food industry trade association
+43/664-5456350
office@foodbusiness.at