Global Tilapia secures FSSC 22000 certification
The certification is expected to strengthen Global Tilapia’s food safety systems and support access to retailers, institutions and commercial customers requiring international standards.
KENYA – Kenyan aquaculture and fish processing company Global Tilapia has secured FSSC 22000 food safety certification, becoming the first fish processing company in Kenya to attain the international standard.
The certification establishes requirements for managing food safety risks, regulatory compliance and quality control across the food supply chain.
Speaking during the certification event, Global Tilapia Founder and Managing Director Joseph Mureithi said the certification would strengthen the company’s operations and enable it to meet the requirements of more customers.
“Achieving FSSC 22000 certification is an important step in our growth journey. It demonstrates that we are investing in the systems, processes and people needed to consistently deliver safe and quality fish products to our customers,” Mureithi said.
He said the certification would also support the company’s ability to supply large retailers, food service businesses and institutions that require suppliers to comply with international food safety standards.
“Global Tilapia supplies fish products to retail, wholesale, institutional and commercial customers,” Mureithi said.
To meet the FSSC 22000 requirements, Global Tilapia has made changes to its food safety systems and fish processing procedures.
Kenya Fisheries Service Director General Daisy Muriuki said the government is strengthening measures to ensure fish consumed in the country is safe and meets required quality standards.
She said the measures cover the entire fisheries value chain, including fish production, handling and processing.
“Fish is not only food; it is an opportunity to improve the health of our people, create jobs and put money in the hands of our farmers. We want to see more Kenyans embrace fish consumption and take up fish farming as a viable economic activity,” Muriuki said.
She encouraged Kenyans to increase their fish consumption, saying greater demand would create a larger market for fish farmers while supporting nutrition.
Muriuki also called for increased investment in aquaculture, saying fish farming can create jobs, increase household incomes and contribute to food security.
She said private-sector investment would be important in expanding Kenya’s aquaculture industry and increasing fish production.
“Companies such as Global Tilapia are playing an important role in demonstrating the potential of tilapia as both a nutritious food and a viable business. We encourage more investment and innovation in the sector,” she said.
Muriuki added that closer cooperation between the government, fish farmers and private companies would be necessary to increase fish production and ensure Kenyans have access to safe and quality fish products.
The certification marks a milestone for Kenya’s fish processing sector as the country seeks to strengthen food safety and quality standards across its fisheries value chain.
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