A UK food laboratory is taking a leading role in helping the food industry in Cyprus meet the demands for membership of the European Union
On 12 December 2002, EU ministers met to decide on plans to expand the EU at a meeting in Copenhagen.
As a consequence of a positive vote, Cyprus hopes to formally join the EU on 1April 2004.
Critical to the country's ambitions is that its food industry, ie production, processing, and catering, comply with EU legislation and standards.
To this end, a new food laboratory is currently under construction, which is planned to open in July/August 2003.
SafeFood Laboratories (SFL) has been established by a consortium of leading business figures in Cyprus, including the major shipping company, Shoham.
The investment of nearly CY£500 in 550m2 of purpose built facilities in the industrial zone of Limassol, will make SFL the biggest and best-equipped laboratory in the region.
It will have a remit to help the industry to improve standards of safety and quality, and will also introduce HACCP principles (hazard analysis critical control point) as required by the EU.
The laboratory has been set up with the help and support of Reading Scientific Services (RSSL).
RSSL has acted as an advisor in the design and operation of SFL's modern microbiology laboratories, which soon will be able to offer a complete service in identifying pathogens and spoilage organisms, routine food testing and environmental monitoring, safety and stability assessments.
RSSL will support this service by providing SFL with analytical, training and consultancy services in other areas such as identification of GM ingredients, taints and off-flavour analysis, microscopy, foreign body identification and RSSL's emergency response service. Constantinos Vorkas is the managing director of SFL, and one of the major investors.
He comments, "The food industry is critical to the economy of Cyprus.
It is the country's major export industry, and also key to its tourism and travel markets. In order to compete in European markets, as well as for the good of its own people, standards will have to improve.
This is also true for other countries in the Mediterranean/Middle East where SFL will also make its services available.
The Cyprus government has recognised that the private sector laboratories will have a key role to play in improving standards and has given its full co-operation and support to this new venture.
RSSL's role has been critical in helping us to set up the new facility and to develop services that will have an immediate and significant impact on improving standards.
Their continued commitment will be essential in ensuring the success of this exciting new venture." Ray Gibson of RSSL adds.
"We are happy to be working with SFL.
The directors of SFL share RSSL's vision of providing scientific excellence and superior customer service, and both companies are committed to helping the food industry meet the highest standards."
