The 2005/2006 Oxoid Food and Brewing Awards, organised in conjunction with International Food Hygiene and the Institute of Brewing and Distilling, are now open for entry
The Oxoid Awards are designed to recognise the essential work undertaken by laboratories, QA/QC professionals and all those involved in product safety and hygiene in the food and brewing industries.
There are three awards categories: Oxoid laboratory technician of the year - the winner of the first prize receives £1000 and will also be Oxoid's guest in July 2007 at the IAFP annual conference in Florida - a meeting that is widely regarded as the premier food safety and hygiene event.
Previous winners have reported that they have gained useful insights into the latest trends, thinking and research by attending the conference seminars given by some of the industry's most renowned experts.
And, of course, it is a wonderful opportunity to meet and share experiences with colleagues from around the world.
Oxoid laboratory of the year - is an award given for a real team effort, where the entry demonstrates that everyone has contributed to improved industry hygiene and safety standards.
Winning this award is highly motivating for the laboratory and the first prize of £500 is perfect for a team-building event.
The Judges' Special Award - this award is given at the judges' discretion to an outstanding individual or organisation that is worthy of special mention.
If you, your team or organisation has undertaken work that is not entirely (or in any way) laboratory-based, but that makes a significant contribution to improving standards of hygiene and safety, then this award category is the one for you.
The prizewinner will receive £500 and a commemorative trophy.
All winners receive commemorative trophies, and second, third, and highly commended prize winners will receive framed certificates to mark their achievements.
The judging panel is made up of key industry figures including Roy Betts, head of microbiology at Campden and Chorleywood Food Research Association, Alec Kyriakides, head of product safety, Sainsbury Supermarkets, and David Long, director of the British Beer and Pub Association.
Winners will receive their prizes in front of an audience of food and brewing professionals at the Oxoid Food Seminar Day to be held in the UK in September 2006.
