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NAM CSSTC and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Organised a Training Programme on Food Packaging and Labelling
NAM CSSTC and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs organised a virtual training programme titled “Online Training Course on Food Packaging and Labelling for African, Caribbean, Central American and South American Countries” in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia and the Halal Food Authority (HFA) of the United Kingdom. The training for African countries was held from 25th to 29th of October, 2021; and for Caribbean, Central American and South American countries from 1st to 5th of November, 2021.
The courses focused on three topics: halal certification, food packaging, and food labelling. Each topic gave insights that may be used to strengthen the region’s agricultural producers’ or exporters’ abilities to market their products. The market for halal products has showed promising growth even in non-Muslim majority countries, according to the first presentation topic. It was also discovered that food packaging for fruits in the form of polymer and wax coating can preserve the products from contamination while simultaneously serving as promotional tools. Furthermore, food labelling gives crucial product information to consumers while also complying with government laws.
Five experts were invited to the virtual training session in this regard. Estu Hariyani and Dr. Fiadini Putri, food labelling experts; Dr. Ir. Leli Nuryati, human resources and capacity building expert; and Ir. Saptoningsih, who specialises in food packaging types and design, were among the four experts from the Ministry of Agriculture. Imtiaz Hussain, PhD, of the Halal Food Authority of the United Kingdom, was one of the experts, with experience in microbiological products related to Halal certification and Halal Product Research. During the training sessions, the experts provided training materials and conversed with the participants. E-learning and video resources were also used throughout the training.
The training was attended by 27 participants from various backgrounds such as government officials, academics, and private sectors. Participants from 15 African, American and Caribbean countries included Belize, Burundi, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Gambia, Honduras, Kenya, Madagascar, Nicaragua, Panama, Rwanda, Suriname, Tanzania and Zanzibar. Overall, the participants reported that the training was satisfactory, since it was relevant to their development issues. (Lucke Haryo Saptoaji Prabowo)
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