The certification body Kiwa Spain and the Official College of Veterinarians of Madrid (COLVEMA) held a conference on “New challenges in the agri-food sector. Beyond food safety: sustainability and animal welfare” in which our Quality Director, Auxi García Martín , participated with her presentation 'Success stories: Aljomar. Is product quality alone enough?'.
The aim of this interesting meeting was to discuss, analyze, and present the latest developments in "schemes that are increasingly implemented in industries, such as BRC and IFS, and to highlight how aspects related to sustainability and animal welfare are influencing the sector." Hence the presence of Beatriz Torres Carrió, the head of IFS in Spain; experts from Kiwa; and a representative from Aljomar, who presented the example of a meat company in this area.
As the organizers explained, the agri-food sector is currently exposed to major innovations and in the next decade there will be even more changes than those experienced so far.
In this sense, the technical staff responsible for food quality or safety, with the key and growing role of veterinarians, must be up-to-date and anticipate new trends.
The day also served to share with the attendees "the new developments required by distribution chains and the new 'drivers' of purchase that are being demanded by the consumer."
Ana Pérez Fuentes, Vice President of the Official College of Veterinarians of Madrid, was in charge of opening the meeting. Following her, the following speakers addressed the gathering:
- David Verano, Certification Director of Kiwa Spain. 'Trends in the Sector and New Developments in Agri-food Schemes'.
- Beatriz Torres, Country Manager of IFS in Spain. 'New IFS Food Version 8 and IFS ESG Check'.
- Mikel Peña, Scheme Manager for Animal Welfare at Kiwa Spain. 'Welfair: The Scheme's Interest and Future'.
- Auxi García, Quality Director at Jamones Aljomar. 'Success stories: Aljomar. Is product quality alone enough?'
- And Virginia Pérez, Head of Quality at Alcampo. 'The distribution perspective. Importance of agri-food schemes and certifications in retail'.
José Mª Martínez, Director of EMCESA and Organizing Committee of the Master in Food Safety of Colvema, closed the day.
Aljomar, committed to Food Safety and Animal Welfare
Jamones Aljomar's commitment to food safety, animal welfare, and sustainability is a constant throughout its production process. Aljomar's production cycle is certified to IFS Food v.6.1 (International Feature Standard), guaranteeing the safety, legality, and quality of all the company's production processes. To achieve IFS Food certification, Aljomar has adapted its quality management system and facilities to the standard's requirements. The scope of the certification includes the production, curing, and slicing of cured and salted pork products.
On the other hand, the Aljomar family leads a company that is responsible towards animals, nature, and the environment. In this regard, achieving Welfair™ Animal Welfare certification has been a significant milestone. This certification confirms that Aljomar guarantees animal welfare throughout the entire production cycle and the use of best practices across the food chain.
The certificate accredits the 4 basic principles in animal treatment: Good housing, Good food, Good health and Appropriate behavior.
Furthermore, the certification includes the implementation of a traceability and self-control system to offer the highest food guarantees, including for the meat industry.
