Quality standards presented to group
Agriculture and Food Minister Joe Walsh made the presentations during a visit to the group's Tramore Road headquarters in Cork.
One of the certificates accredits the retail distribution company to the IS 343 Food Safety Management standard.
The other certificate, from The Organic Trust, covers the wholesale, storage and distribution of organic produce by the company.
MSVC is the first retail distribution company to receive IS 343:2000, awarded by the National Standards Authority of Ireland.
It is a food safety management system incorporating the principles of HACCP and the associated hygiene and infrastructure standards essential for the production of 'safe' food.
The company has also achieved the Organic Trust symbol for its distribution operation covering over 500
SuperValu and Centra stores.
This award requires that suppliers are organic approved, that correct organic labelling and product documentation are used, as well as product segregation, supplier audits and hygiene standards.
Mr Walsh said standards at warehousing and distribution level are critical to preserving the integrity of the food supply chain and the quality reputation of Irish food.
He said it was gratifying to note that MSVC has focussed strongly on the two main concerns of consumers food safety and traceability.
These two concerns go hand in hand and form the basis of the food safety strategy of his department and that of the European Union. MSVC achieved the awards following the formation of a new Food Safety and Quality Assurance division.
A team of 30 people are involved in food traceability, supplier auditing and monitoring food quality along the food chain from grower to the supermarket shelves.
The company, which previously employed quality auditors in separate divisions of its business, has budgeted 6 million annually on this integrated approach to food safety and quality
assurance. Food technologist Eamon Howell, formerly of Kerry Group, directs the team, which is charged with implementing best practice and identifying consumer programmes to reassure shoppers on food safety and quality measures.
