Food safety is integral in the maintenance of good health and overall wellness the world over. In recognition of its importance, the inaugural World Food Safety Day established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations was celebrated on 07 June, 2019 under the theme 'Food Safety, Everyone’s Business'.

Complying with global food standards, strengthening the use of food safety management systems and helping to educate consumers about making healthier food choices are some of the ways in which governments, international organisations, scientists, the private sector and civil society work to ensure food safety.

To give Sri Lankan consumers the opportunity to see industry-leading food safety and quality process for themselves, Fonterra Brands Sri Lanka once again opened its doors to the public with the Anchor Newdale Kiri Chaarika programme.

One of the participants, Purna Rangika Samarasekara from Homagama, commented on the impact it made on her personally after witnessing first-hand the care taken when manufacturing dairy products.

“We were very happy to have been selected for the Kiri Chaarika since we are consumers of Anchor Newdale products – my daughter especially is a flavoured milk fan.

“It was very important to get to know about the production processes as consumers. We were warmly welcomed by the company, and taken through an excellent demonstration of these processes. We appreciate the dedication and efforts the company puts in to ensure their hygiene standards, and the food safety and quality practices it uses during operations that provide better quality products to consumers,” she said.

M. U. M. Usman from Wellampitiya said that the Kiri Chaarika was an informative and knowledgeable session.

“We saw the importance Fonterra Brands Sri Lanka places on maintaining cleanliness inside the factory. We saw how systematically the liquid plant operated during the production of yoghurt and flavoured milk. We got the chance to walk into the chilling rooms in the factory. I would especially like to mention that the staff looked after us with great care during the visit,” he said.

Managing Director of Fonterra Brands Sri Lanka and the Indian Subcontinent, Sunil Sethi explained how ensuring the safety and quality of their products is a commitment which extends across every step of Fonterra’s supply chain, from dairy farming families right through to consumers’ homes in more than 140 countries.

“Wherever we are in the world, we have a clear, consistent system to ensure we deliver only the highest quality products to our consumers. We leave nothing to chance. From our imported milk powder brands like Anchor, to Anchor Newdale products made using locally sourced milk, we set the standard for freshness and quality.

“Through Kiri Chaarika, we wanted to establish a clear and transparent dialogue with consumers and ensure that we are completely open about our processes. Throughout the supply chain, from product design to the point our products reach consumers, we believe every one of us is responsible to ensure the highest food safety and quality,” he said.

Fonterra Brands Sri Lanka has been collecting milk from its network of Sri Lankan dairy farmers for over 20 years. More than 40,000 litres of milk are collected daily from Sri Lankan farmers and used to manufacture a range of liquid and cultured products, including Anchor Newdale yoghurts and flavoured milk.