WOMEN IN INDUSTRY FROM OHSAS 18001 TO SANS/ISO 45001 - PLUS: PACKAGING INNOVATIONS FEATURE - Food & Beverage Reporter
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AUGUST 2020
WOMEN IN
INDUSTRY
FROM OHSAS 18001
TO SANS/ISO 45001
UPDATE: EPR REGULATIONS
FOR THE HANDLING OF WASTE
WHY DO WE NEED ETHICAL
AUDITING IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY?
N S F E A T U R E
A C K A G I N G INNOVATIO
PLUS : P
AUGUST 2020 In this issue...
Women in Industry 3 A new engineering partner 18
The force behind FBR within the food industry
News briefs 4 The food processing industry 20
and COVID-19. Part 2
Migration from OHSAS 18001 7
to SANS/ISO 45001 Why do we need ethical auditing 22
in the food industry
Modular approach to keeping 24
the production line squeaky clean
Packaging innovation feature 26
8 The Frugal bottle sustainability
and innovation
Base model carbon steel flexible
26
30
An update to the proposed 8 screw conveyor
extended producer responsibility
regulations for the handling of On the bright side... 31
waste in South Africa
Showcase 32
Innovation leads transformation 10
Power women driving health 12
and safety. Women forge ahead
on level playing field
Women in Science 14
Finding your dream job
An exploratory study on women 16
26
and gender equality in South
African agricultural careers
World renowned sensory 17
consumer scientist appointed
extraordinary professor at UP
www.fbreporter.co.za FOOD & BEVERAGE REPORTER | AUGUST 2020 | 1
EDITORIAL
O
bviously the most significant event to happen in South Africa this
month has been the shift to Level 2 Lockdown – a move which has
returned industry to a semblance of normality. Probably the most
relief was felt by the hospitality and the liquor sectors, both allowed to trade
more normally than they have in months. While we know that it has been too
little, too late for some businesses, we trust that we will see those who have Publisher
survived the lockdown regain strength and some economic stability in the Food Risk Forum
remainder of 2020. www.foodriskforum.co.za
As we head into the last quarter of the year, it is time for organisations to
take the lessons learned from the pandemic and use them to craft a new plan Managing Editor
for 2021. Business risk and continuity are on our radar like never before, and Bridget Day
organisations are having to look at making some of their business practices editor@fbreporter.co.za
such as remote working and digital strategies more permanent. 066 027 5454
Advertising
Wendy Breakey
wendy@fbreporter.co.za
083 653 8116
www.fbreporter.co.za
Published by Food Risk Forum
P O Box 247, Ebotse, Rynfield
Gauteng, 1514
In tribute to Women’s Month, you will notice that we have several articles Food & Beverage Reporter
featuring women in business – great inspiration to see the journey that others and Food Focus are subsidiaries
of Food Risk Forum (Pty) Ltd
have made to get where they are today.
Another interesting feature you will find in this issue is our Packaging
Innovations, featuring some of the newest and freshest packaging trends
which are developing globally. With many of them focusing on sustainability
and reduced waste, there should be a great deal of interest in these
alternatives. Endorsed by the SA
Association of the
Flavour &
As always, feel free to reach out to me at editor@fbreporter.co.za Fragrance Industry.
Stay warm, stay well.
Endorsed by SAAFoST
Regards, Bridget
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2 | AUGUST 2020 | FOOD & BEVERAGE REPORTER www.fbreporter.co.za
BRAND
WOMEN IN INDUSTRY
The force behind FBR
Since this issue spotlights women in the food industry, we thought it fitting to take the
opportunity to share a little about the owners of Food & Beverage Reporter (FBR). The publication
was acquired by Food Focus in the last quarter of 2019, and is owned and run by Linda Jackson,
Adele Krogh and Bridget Day, who have played various roles in the food industry over the last
3 decades, including consulting, auditing, training and marketing
Linda
I am so blessed to be able to contribute in a small way to the South African Food industry.
I love the fact that we can chat to people daily and help to give them answers to their food
compliance questions and point them in the right direction. Being involved with Food Focus
has allowed us to work with so many people that we would otherwise never have come
to know, and we have been enriched by this. Working with my best friends is also such a
privilege. Food Focus has so much more to offer and we are so excited about the next phase
– you can expect to hear more from us on the subject of food safety culture, free resources,
exclusive content for members only, “Talk shop” as a platform for advertisers. We salute the
many women who are involved with food safety, quality and health and safety in the food
industry. We hope to continue supporting you in the great work you do every day!
Adele
It is such a privilege to be able to live out my passion for all aspects of public health, with
the support of my good friends and amazing business partners in Food Focus. Having
started my journey in public health, I realized early on that a compliance and enforcement
driven approach to food safety can never be effective without the changing of mindsets and
embedding a food safety culture in organizations. One of the basic building blocks driving this
change is effective and focused training, specifically aligned to all levels within the company,
thus making the training relevant and ensuring the efforts develop into a food safety culture
driven by passion and not mere regulatory compliance. As the industry evolves, we believe our
new Foodemy platform will bring all the elements of training together, allowing organizations
to structure their training in the most effective and efficient way to support a healthy food
safety culture, whilst incorporating all of the governance and compliance elements required by
legislation and law.
Bridget
Food Focus will be 4 years old in a few weeks’ time, and it has been a wonderful experience
developing this platform to educate and support the food industry. Between Adele, Linda and
myself, we bring a wonderful mix of expertise, innovation, passion and skill to the work we do,
and it is certainly never dull! We are brimming with so many ideas and plans to enhance the
ways in which we can assist the industry with food compliance, but one of things I am most
proud of is our agility and responsiveness – as a small, hands-on organisation we can respond
almost instantly to industry news, trends, or crises. Our acquisition of FBR came just months
before the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic and has certainly made 2020 a challenge.
However, I do believe there is still a niche for print media, and we have some exciting plans to
further develop the magazine. There’s never been a more challenging (or rewarding) time to be
a woman in the food industry!
www.foodfocus.co.za
www.fbreporter.co.za FOOD & BEVERAGE REPORTER | AUGUST 2020 | 3
BRIEFS
DIVERSEY HELPS IN THE PANDEMIC FIGHT
Boniface Kariuki of Diversey, said: “As a company we
are recognised for extending help to the communities in
which we operate, particularly in difficult times; and none
more so than now, with the unique threat of the Covid-19
pandemic. Combining our renowned expertise in hygiene in
this collaboration means we are able to respond and get the
required help to the critical areas on the ground much quicker.
In working closely with SAB we have been able to contribute in
addressing the serious shortage of hand sanitizer and deliver
essential protection to those in need.”
SAB has in total donated 150,000 litres of hand sanitizers
over a period of three months. The initial production target
of 100,000 bottles for Phase One of the project is equivalent
to 50,000 litres of hand sanitizer. SAB/ABInbev subsequently
agreed to proceed with Phases Two and Three (each 50,000
litres) which made their way to the Department of Transport and
the Department of Basic Education for distribution to under-
resourced schools.
Diversey - the leading global hygiene and cleaning company – is Lance Moodley of Diversey states: “This initiative to help
manufacturing hand sanitizer in a partnership with the South protect the health of the people of South Africa is just one of
African Breweries (SAB), a proud member of the ABInbev family, a number of partnerships with global companies that Diversey
to help local efforts in combatting the spread of SARS-CoV-19. is undertaking in response to the current pandemic. We are
SAB swiftly redirected its Innovation and Communities strategies grateful for SAB’s donation of ethanol, in addition to their local
to respond to the Covid-19 crisis through the production of knowledge. What is even more gratifying is that the success
hand sanitizers. SAB donated the ethanol for Diversey to use in of this partnership means it has also now been extended to
the process. The resulting production run was then donated by Tanzania, where the project is currently under rollout.”
SAB to local hospitals and clinics in critical areas.
IBERCHEM SOUTH
AFRICA TO COMBINE
IBERCHEM, SCENTIUM
AND VERSACHEM
The Iberchem Group is expanding its presence in the South
African market by bringing together the teams of Iberchem,
Scentium and Versachem under the name of Iberchem South
Africa. The Group recently bought the remaining 30%, thereby
fully integrating Versachem’s activity into the Group’s portfolio.
All three divisions will be temporarily accommodated in
Versachem’s current offices in Pretoria, north of Johannesburg,
until a new location can be found. known on the African market, with a proven track record in the
“Since the Iberchem Group first set foot in South Africa in the flavour and fragrance industry. In the coming months, Iberchem
early 2000s, our activity has been growing steadily,” said Ramón South Africa will also gradually welcome new members to both
Fernández, CEO of Iberchem Group. “The moment had come to Iberchem and Scentium.
establish ourselves permanently on the market to improve our “When it comes to flavours and fragrances, South Africa is a
customers’ experience even more. Proximity is a key element vibrant market that has always been at the forefront of trends,”
in our service offer. We strive to be as close as possible to said Mr Questiaux. “This is why we are building a team that is
our clients, which means they benefit from more agility when both dynamic and qualified to fulfil the country’s standards.
developing their product and from faster delivery times.” Leveraging what has already been accomplished on the market,
Iberchem South Africa will be managed by Mr Quentin I’m highly enthusiastic and optimistic about the future of this
Questiaux, who joined the company in May. Mr Questiaux is well new branch.
4 | AUGUST 2020 | FOOD & BEVERAGE REPORTER www.fbreporter.co.za
BRIEFS
STARBUCKS EXPANDS RUGANI JUICES
ITS FOOTPRINT TO AWARDED CANSA SEAL
CAPE TOWN OF RECOGNITION
Starbucks has confirmed a bold expansion into Cape Town, Rugani Vegetable juices have
scheduled for later this year. This was announced by Adrian been awarded the Cancer
Maizey, owner and CEO of Rand Capital Coffee, the custodian of Association of South Africa
Starbucks in Southern Africa. (CANSA) Seal of Recognition
Maizey says that Starbucks’ launch into Cape Town was signifying these juices as a
initially intended to happen in June. “When Covid-19 hit we had CANSA Smart Choice. Owing
to place the initiative on hold, triggering several hard decisions to the innovative extraction
that impacted all partners, and a mass round of lease processes and packaging,
renegotiations across the country. no additives (sugar,
“Fortunately, we have resilient partners and we are grateful preservatives, or colourants)
to those landlords who share our vision and commitment to are used in the production
contribute to the South African economy, and who have worked of Rugani’s juices which have
closely with us to help ensure our expansion was only delayed a shelf life of 12 months. All
and not cancelled. It is during such a time of crisis that the the juices are high in beta
importance of collaboration between all stakeholders for the carotene, an antioxidant that converts to vitamin A and plays
greater good, is most apparent,” says Maizey. an important role in health including supporting the immune
With several leases now in place in the Mother City, and system, which is especially important with COVID-19 infections
investment initiated in the requisite supply chain, which the on the increase.
company has now brought inhouse, Starbucks Southern Africa Lorinda Van Dyk, CANSA’s Seal of Recognition Coordinator,
is now embarking on building its Cape Town team. This will explains: “Rugani’s 100% vegetable juices are a terrific addition
initially result in at least 50 permanent new jobs, with the further to our range of Smart Choice products that provide nutrients
employment of local artists, construction contractors and artisans. that may aid in reducing the risk of cancer. Rugani has also
worked with leading scientists in the field to optimise their
extraction process to rupture 95% of the vegetable cells,
leading to an increase in the bio-available nutritional content
of their juice.”
Most conventional vegetable juices are made from
reconstituted concentrates because juice factories are unable
to secure a reliable source of fresh produce, especially
with seasonality constraints. Rugani is both the farmer and
processor, so they can harvest fresh vegetables daily at sunrise
and have the juice packaged by sunset. This unique agro-
processing setup ensures that optimal nutritional content is
captured in their juice.
SHOPRITE TO DISCONTINUE
OPERATIONS IN NIGERIA
The Shoprite Group - the largest grocery retailer Africa – Shoprite said the results for the year do not reflect any of
announced their decision to exit Nigeria after 15 years of its operations is Nigeria as it will be classified as discontinued
trading. operation.
"Following approaches from various potential investors, and Group sales rose by 6.4% to about R156.9 billion in the
in line with our re-evaluation of the Group’s operating model 52 weeks to 28 June, the group said. As a result of the lockdown,
in Nigeria, the Board has decided to initiate a formal process customer visits declined by 7.4%, while the average basket
to consider the potential sale of all, or a majority stake, in spend increased by 18.4%.
Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Shoprite However, international supermarkets (excluding Nigeria)
International Limited," the company said. contributed 11.6% to group sales, and reported a 1.4% decline
The retailer has 25 stores in Nigeria, all of which will be in sales from 2018. South African operations contributed 78% of
discontinued by a later communicated date. overall sales and saw 8.7% rise for the year.
www.fbreporter.co.za FOOD & BEVERAGE REPORTER | AUGUST 2020 | 5
SIZA
ISO 45001
MIGRATION FROM OHSAS
18001 TO SANS/ISO 45001
The international standard for Occupational Health and Safety longer be valid by September 2021. It is
important to note that this standard does
(OHSAS) has been replaced with SANS/ISO 45001: Occupational not replace regulatory requirements,
however an implementation of the
Health and Safety Management System Standard.
management system will enable an
A
ll organisations that are certified to Labour Organization. The new SANS/ISO organisation to meet most regulations
OHSAS 18001, will have to migrate 45001 is more comprehensive that the relevant to occupational health and
to ISO 45001 by September 2021. previous OHSAS standard and requires safety,” advises Bissoon.
The deadline was initially set by the involvement by the whole organisation. SABS is assisting their certification
International Accreditation Forum (IAF) “While SANS/ISO 45001 is a voluntary clients to ensure that the migration
for March 2021 and has been extended standard, there are some references process is smooth and that the deadline
to September 2021 because of the to the standard included in regulations for migration is achieved. Training
delays experienced worldwide due to that have been developed by the interventions to help prepare South
COVID-19. Department of Labour. Organisations African companies to meet the deadline
“SANS/ISO 45001 is crucial for that are certified to OHSAS 18001 should will continue. More information is
all organisations in South Africa as it be aware that their certification will no available on www.sabs.co.za.
provides the framework, processes
and system for the management of all
KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SANS/ISO 45001 AND OHSAS 18001
workplace hazards, health issues and
incidents. The effective implementation SANS/ISO 45001 OHSAS 18001
of the performance-based standard
will reduce the number of fatalities and Structure Framework is easier to integrate Framework can be used as
with other management systems a standalone system
injuries in the workplace, and promote
a healthier and happier workforce,” says Management Management/leadership of OH&S management could
Sadhvir Bissoon, Standards Executive at commitment the organisation has more implement the system
the SABS. responsibility to implement OH&S
Globally, 2.7 million workers die in Employee Enables broader employee Top down approach
workplaces and non-fatal work-related involvement participation
injuries/ illnesses are approximated at
340 million each year by the International Risk approach Follows a preventative approach Focuses on hazard control
www.fbreporter.co.za FOOD & BEVERAGE REPORTER | AUGUST 2020 | 7
WASTE
An update to the proposed extended
producer responsibility regulations for
THE HANDLING OF WASTE
IN SOUTH AFRICA
By LINDA JACKSON, Director, Food Focus
On 26 June 2020, Minister Creecy published draft regulations regarding extended producer
responsibility (Draft EPR Regulations), whose purpose is to provide the framework for the
development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of extended producer responsibility
schemes (EPR Schemes) by producers, importers and brand owners in terms of section 18 of the
NEM: Waste Act (under GN 718 in GG 43481).
A
ccording to a comment by the producer of the product in the post- brand manager which engages in
Faculty of Law at UCT, these consumer life stages of the product. commercial manufacture, conversion,
regulations came after a policy shift The regulations are aimed at refurbishment and import of new or
away from Industry Waste Management encouraging the implementation, used products (as identified by the
Plans towards the principle of Extended monitoring and evaluation of Extended Minister of DEFF).
Producer Responsibility (EPR). Read Producer Responsibility Schemes (EPR • PROs are non-profit companies
alongside section 18 of the National Schemes) by producers, importers, established by producers (or any
Environmental Management Waste Act, and brand owners. The three main other person in the industrial sector
EPR is a waste management measure characters within the regulations are the concerned) to implement EPR
furthering the aim of reduction, reuse, producers, the Producer Responsibility Schemes. EPR Schemes are systems
recycling, and recovery of waste. The Organisations and the EPR Schemes. that affect the obligations placed on
purpose of EPR is to ensure financial and • Producers are registered persons, producers.
physical responsibility attaches to the a category of persons and/or a In terms of the regulations being
8 | AUGUST 2020 | FOOD & BEVERAGE REPORTER www.fbreporter.co.zaWASTE
implemented, producers or a class of who will be responsible for developing costs; how the PRO’s will manage
producers, including brand owners, and implementing an EPR Scheme (or conflict of interest; and what the role
are required to set up procedures, for establishing a PRO to prepare same): of government will be in this innovative
processes and invest resources to • The electrical and electronic equipment approach to regulation.
implement the extended producer sector (applying to the products and Will industry again bear the burden
responsibility measures with regards to the resulting waste which arises from of self-regulation, which mean larger
the management of waste generated by the use by a consumer or an end companies will do the right thing
their industries. . user of electrical and electronic while smaller companies continue to
Producers of items that will generate equipment) (under GN 720 in operate as they are doing? While many
waste are now required to develop GG 43483) consumers are demanding real progress
and implement an extended producer • The lighting sector (applying to the in relation to the handling of waste to
responsibility scheme, and to prepare products and the resulting waste which protect the environment for the next
and submit an extended producer arises from the use by a consumer generation, what will this approach land
responsibility scheme to the Minister. or an end user of lighting equipment) up costing us?
Product responsibility organisations are (under GN 717 in GG 43480) The Minister of Environment, Forestry
also required to prepare and submit • The paper and packaging sector and and Fisheries granted a 30-day extension
extended producer responsibility some single use products (applying for public comment on proposed
schemes to the Minister. to waste which arises from the use regulations.
Draft notices were published by a consumer or an end user of the
together with the Draft EPR Regulations, identified paper, packaging and single References:
which identify the following producers use product materials) (under GN 719 http://www.mlia.uct.ac.za/news/part-two-initial-
or class of producers of the specific in GG 43482) thoughts-2020-july-draft-extended-producer-
products listed in each notice to set There is a lot of debate about the responsibility-regulations
up procedures, processes and invest regulations – the definition of a https://www.environment.gov.za/
resources to implement the extended ‘producer’; the compliance and mediarelease/creecy_extendedproducer_
producer responsibility measures and enforcement of the EPR systems; the responsibilitywaste
www.fbreporter.co.za FOOD & BEVERAGE REPORTER | AUGUST 2020 | 9INNOVATION
They say that the way you overcome challenges
defines your success. And in the corporate world,
you don’t get a bigger challenge than joining
Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) at the
beginning of a global pandemic. However, that’s
exactly the situation that Agatha Masemola found
herself in… and true to form, she’s thriving
INNOVATION LEADS
TRANSFORMATION
A
s the new Strategy and Chief of Staff for Absa Corporate and When it comes to innovation, CCBSA
Performance Director, Agatha Investment Banking, she played a key role is perfectly placed to take advantage of
started her new career at a time of in the build-out of the Corporate Banking global trends that show a definite shift
uncertainty, fear and anxiety, but using business in key markets across Africa. in consumption towards more healthy,
her trademark combination of innovation “Moving from a technical to nutritious and sustainable beverages.
and forward and creative thinking, she a commercial focus was a great Our market leading position in Sparkling
has lost no time in honing in on her core opportunity to use my innovative and beverages provides an excellent
mandate of growing the business. creative thinking to help companies build platform to diversify into other lucrative
businesses of the future,” she says. beverages by targeting consumers with
When it comes to CCBSA, her vision differentiated propositions across various
“In whatever I do, I always is to harness the power of data to infuse market segments.
strive to do something that a company steeped in tradition with Whether it is challenges that can be
the knowledge that will allow it to build predicted, like economic cycles, or black
adds value to society,” entirely new businesses. “To predict swan events, like COVID-19, Agatha is a
what business will look like in the future, firm believer in the power of foresight
Masemola says. we need to consider what we know and leveraging digital technology to
now, what is happening around us, and execute. Whatever the nature of the
Her career has been an interesting consumption patterns of consumers challenge, technology must be at the
journey spanning different industries, in the future. It is almost like looking heart of it.
but one golden thread runs through it: through a crystal ball, understanding Agatha attributes her success to a
strategic transformation. megatrends and asking the question, diverse background and expertise; but
She started in Biochemistry what will be the impact on the future also, she was brought up in a home
where she transitioned from a full- of the business should these trends where there were no gender-defined
time researcher with publications in materialise?”, she says. “And with the roles. Whoever had the time or did
peer-reviewed journals to managing a world’s economy in a state of flux and it best, did the job. This grounding
biotechnology fund investing in biotech further decline due to the Covid-19 has served her well in a patriarchal
start-ups. She transitioned into the pandemic, what better time is there for workspace. “You are not a woman, you
business world by joining Deloitte us to break new ground?” are a professional,” she insists. It is this
Strategy & Innovation, where she led Agatha believes that this attitude, coupled with her ability to
commercialisation of several ventures transformation will be driven by a reinvent herself and adapting to different
across various sectors, including financial powerful combination of innovation and environments, that will be the driving
services, and oil & gas, to name a few. technology; and leveraging the current force behind an exciting new chapter of
Later, as a Strategy Consultant and infrastructure to unlock value. growth for CCBSA.
10 | AUGUST 2020 | FOOD & BEVERAGE REPORTER www.fbreporter.co.zaNOSA
Chantal Gray Palesa Gaasenwe Venisha Bachulal
POWER WOMEN DRIVING
HEALTH & SAFETY
Women forge ahead on level playing field
Mining, construction, manufacturing and health and safety were once male dominated sectors. But
the women heading the SafetySA business units serving these sectors have upended the stereotypes,
proving that South Africa’s women need nothing more than a level playing field to forge ahead in any
industry sector.
W
ith all three SafetySA business public sector, construction, hospitality young age, Gaasenwe has been
units headed by women, the and retail. entrusted with the task of growing the
company is growing strongly health and safety solutions business, as
across South Africa, Africa and the Empowering culture well as serving as an EXCO member and
Middle East. The company, part of the Palesa Gaasenwe, SafetySA Group CIO group CIO. She has also been earmarked
international Carlyle Group, delivers key and managing director of the SafetySA as a possible successor to the Group CEO
safety, assurance and risk management MetrixCloud business unit, says the Karl Campbell.
services to sectors ranging from mining, company stands out as a fully equal “While many companies just talk
oil & gas and logistics, through to opportunity employer. At the relatively about equal opportunity and empowering
12 | AUGUST 2020 | FOOD & BEVERAGE REPORTER www.fbreporter.co.za“Nothing stops women from rising through the ranks at welcomes this development, and expects
to see growing numbers of young women
SafetySA. In fact, we provide extra support and structure work in STEM fields in future.
Bachulal, who started her career as
conditions to help us retain our key resources.” an environmental health practitioner in
Chantal Gray, Managing Director at SafetySA’s NOSA safety the local and US public sector, joined the
SafetySA group in 2004 as a food safety
training business unit auditor. She rose quickly through the
ranks, becoming an associate, technical
women, SafetySA has actually made it unit, says: “Nothing stops women from director and operational director, and
part of the company culture,” she says. rising through the ranks at SafetySA. was appointed Managing Director of the
“It’s very clear from the moment you start In fact, we provide extra support and business in 2017. In this role, she has
working in the company that you will structure work conditions to help us spearheaded the business’s growth and
have equal opportunities. The culture retain our key resources.” two acquisitions to become the largest
is not patronising, our group CEO is environmental health practitioners in
very supportive, and there is good Opportunities to grow the private sector in the country. The
visibility of women across all levels of Gray entered the SafetySA Group business grew from a staff complement
decision-making.” through the phased acquisition of her of 100 to 200 in a year, and now turns
Gaasenwe concedes that some logistics training company from 2012. over more than R250 million.
of the sectors SafetySA serves were “Initially, I had to think long and hard Bachulal says it is not necessary to
once male dominated. For example, about moving from being a business give women special treatment to help
sectors such as mining, construction and owner to becoming an employee,” she them rise to the top: a level playing
manufacturing may initially have had says. “But the group has been amazing. field is all women need. “In my team it’s
reservations about a young woman being Last year, I was asked to move out of the very simple for women to rise through
sent in to train their mainly male staff, for logistics training niche and take the reins the ranks – if you show initiative, and
example. However, SafetySA aims for an of the entire training business unit, which get the job done, you will progress,”
equal sector and assure our customers gave me an opportunity to grow from she says.
all our staff are highly qualified. managing the multi-million rand business
I built myself, to heading up the larger “In my team it’s very simple
“While many companies just R100 million business. I now have the
for women to rise through
freedom to focus on strategic business
talk about equal opportunity growth and making positive change, with the ranks – if you show
the full backing of the group.”
and empowering women, Gray believes the group’s culture initiative, and get the job
SafetySA has actually made it makes it stand out in an industry that
done, you will progress,”
has been a male dominated one. “Health
part of the company culture,” and safety could be seen as a male Venisha Bachulal Managing
dominated industry, but SafetySA group
Palesa Gaasenwe, SafetySA has certainly “bucked the trend” - as a Director at SafetySA’s
Group CIO and managing result, women have risen to the top in HR
Assure Cloud
and Operations across all the SafetySA
director of the SafetySA businesses, and are well represented at
middle management level too,” Gray says. Safe havens
MetrixCloud. In addition to its commitment to
Fostering a new wave of equal opportunities for everyone in
Enabling women women in science its operations, SafetySA also makes a
SafetySA not only fosters an equal Venisha Bachulal, Managing Director special effort to address gender-based
opportunity environment – the group at SafetySA’s Assure Cloud (previously, challenges in SA: due to the fact that
also makes every effort to support NOSA Testing and Aspirata) business, NOSA has numerous facilities around the
parents. believes South Africa’s young women country, the business has implemented
Gaasenwe, herself a new mother, are entering laboratories in fast growing the SafetySA Group’s safe haven
highlights the updates of their policies to numbers. She sees evidence of this in initiative for victims of gender based
ensure it caters for support in attaining a AssureCloud’s own testing laboratories, violence. This initiative, launched last
work-life balance such as enabled work where 5 of the 7 lab managers are year, offers a safe haven to any woman
from home. “In addition, all staff have women and the bulk of the students who feels threatened or at risk. The
been enabled to work remotely for the and interns are women. “We offer office coordinators at the NOSA training
past year or two, which allows some internships for microbiology students facilities have been trained to offer
flexibility for parents,” she says. and environmental health students; and sympathetic assistance to any woman
Chantal Gray, Managing Director at we now see more females than males in danger, and will refer them to the
SafetySA’s NOSA safety training business entering these fields now,” she says. She relevant counsellors or support.
www.fbreporter.co.za FOOD & BEVERAGE REPORTER | AUGUST 2020 | 13BIODX WOMEN IN SCIENCE Finding your Dream Job At 26-years-old, process engineer, Phola Kula has made a habit of overachieving in life. After successfully completing her chemical engineering degree at the University of Johannesburg – one of the toughest degrees around – Phola found the perfect match at just 22 when she applied for a job at Biodx. 14 | AUGUST 2020 | FOOD & BEVERAGE REPORTER www.fbreporter.co.za
BIODX
F
our years later, as Biodx’s Process they have a far superior product from me, I’ve also completed a PDBA
Engineer, she’s an essential part Biodx on their doorstep here in South (Post Graduate Diploma in Business
of the company’s business and Africa.” Administration) and enrolled for my
success, and she’s found her dream job Masters in Management.”
to boot. Finding the perfect chemistry
“Yes, I’m one of ‘those’ people,” says Phola always had a particular passion Looking ahead
Phola with an infectious smile. “I love for chemistry, choosing analytical Phola is a dreamer with big plans for the
my job, and it’s been such a privilege chemistry initially and then moving future, and as the world opens up new
to be involved with Biodx. I’ve had the towards engineering. As someone who doors every day, learning remains her
rare opportunity to learn from the has always been fascinated by the world focus.
ground up, starting with the basics of of science, joining Biodx fitted her diverse “I believe that life is a continuous
project planning, implementation and skills and interests like a glove, as she learning curve. You can never know
manufacturing. gets to wear many hats in the process everything, and it’s so important to grab
“A point of pride for me is being engineering space while growing in other every opportunity to master new things
able to assist in the global front line of directions too. wherever you can,” she says.
product development in Biodx’s quest to “Although I mainly do process She adds, “I’m determined to learn
produce the world’s first 100% natural engineering work, I’m also involved in as much as possible to better equip
organic disinfectant. And the fact I’m production and compliance to meet myself for business management. I
making a real impact right now in the SABS standards,” explains Phola. look forward to one day being able to
fight against COVID-19 with responsibility “The best part of my job is that I’m implement things and be instrumental
for manufacturing our current range constantly learning new things from in decision making.”
of world-class disinfectants. It really my colleagues and even new suppliers, For this young, dynamic up-and-
doesn’t make sense that South African who share their knowledge with me. My comer, the hardhat is just the beginning.
formulators, manufacturers and knowledge base expands all the time and Phola Kula is definitely one to watch
government are importing and buying that’s what I look forward to each day. the headlines for, as she continues to
old school toxic active ingredients when “And now, with Biodx encouraging engineer her way to the top.SIZA
AN EXPLORATORY STUDY ON
WOMEN AND GENDER EQUALITY
in South African agricultural careers
SIZA, in cooperation with the Western
Cape Department of Agriculture, is
excited to announce the launch of a
project specifically aimed at gathering
more insight into the representation
and treatment of women within the
South African agricultural industry,
with a strong focus on careers. The
focus on gender equality and dignity
of all people is becoming ever greater
across the globe and people and
businesses alike are realizing the value
behind dignified treatment of
all employees.
T
he project was initiated as an documentary You Tube video. Due to chain a glimpse into how women are
exploratory study aimed at gaining COVID-19 regulations, the majority of represented and treated in South African
an understanding of the number the interviews were done via virtual agriculture, the extent to which women
of females actively involved in various platforms. have been liberated, and to identify areas
career positions within the South African The primary objective of this study of improvement. SIZA also would like to
agricultural industry. This is largely is to determine how many women are identify the limitations so that support
due to export markets requiring more employed in this industry, how they can be created to ensure that women
information from their suppliers on experience the working environment as are well represented in Agriculture in the
gender representation within businesses. women, what some of the challenges years to come.
The study includes a quantitative are, what barriers are faced by women Women have an important role
research component as well as a in the industry, and how they are to play in the future of agriculture
qualitative component. An independent represented. The study elaborates worldwide. Although the role of women in
researcher was contracted to collect on what responsibilities fall onto men agriculture enjoys more recognition than
data from credible and academic and how organizational assistance can a few years ago, much more can be done
sources and included the findings contribute to the future of all those to support women in the industry. SIZA is
gathered from a survey distributed to within agriculture. Furthermore, to allow excited to launch this project and provide
various industries and organisations for effective and practical support, the a better look at females within our
across South Africa. After the initial data secondary objectives are to ascertain industry. It is ultimately not only about
collection, interviews were conducted whether women are treated with dignity women, but about the wider industry and
with relevant stakeholders within various at all levels of the industry and to identify society at large and how roles are going
industries to allow for more insight into barriers which hinder gender equality in to change once more women entered the
female representation. The data has agriculture. workplace.
been compiled in a research paper and This research study is prepared To view the research report, visit
the interviews are available to view in a to allow all stakeholders in the value www.siza.co.za
16 | AUGUST 2020 | FOOD & BEVERAGE REPORTER www.fbreporter.co.zaHELY TUORILA
WORLD-RENOWNED SENSORY-
CONSUMER SCIENTIST
appointed extraordinary
professor at UP
Prominent scientist Professor Hely Tuorila, professor
emeritus at the University of Helsinki in Finland, has
been appointed an extraordinary professor in the
University of Pretoria’s (UP) Department of Consumer
and Food Sciences.
T
he widely published academic is expectations and mental constraints
an expert in sensory-consumer that might restrict the acceptance.
research of foods. Her research “The African food market is rapidly
interests include consumer response to changing, especially in urban centres,”
unfamiliar and nutritionally significant says Prof Riëtte de Kock, associate
foods, and genetic and cognitive professor in UP’s Department of
influences on food acceptance. Consumer and Food Sciences, and a
“Sensory-consumer scientists aim to leading sensory scientist. “Lifestyles are “Proper education of such individuals
understand the drivers and constraints changing, with shifts in food consumption is of strategic importance for Africa,”
that lead to food acceptance and patterns moving away from nutrient- says Prof Tuorila. “Food acceptance in
choices,” she explains. “For example, the rich traditional foods to diets high in Africa contains scientifically unexplored
integration of novel food products into an dietary energy, saturated fat, sugar elements that deserve attention,
individual’s diet is a complex process that and salt. Development of scientifically such as responses to foods by the
is guided by exposures to foods from based instruments to characterise younger, urbanised populations who
early childhood, but also by an inherent African food users could help in guiding are often short of financial resources.
personality trait, food neophobia [the the design of acceptable food product Understanding their position also has
extreme or irrational fear or dislike of innovations. Prof Tuorila’s experience as an important health and well-being
anything new or unfamiliar] and by the professor and researcher in this area is dimension.”
surrounding culture. Here, the individual of tremendous value.” In 2019, Prof Tuorila supported
trait food neophobia sets a threshold to Prof Tuorila will assist with mentoring a research programme to develop
try to accept any unfamiliar food.” sensory-consumer scientists who are instruments to segment food users in
Scientists try to pinpoint the most part of the recently established African South Africa, Lesotho and Botswana
important attributes of each food that Network for Sensory Evaluation Research in order to structure and apply health
appeals to different consumer groups. (ANSWER); guiding postgraduate intervention strategies and new product
“This is done through laboratory tests in students in their scientific publishing developments. Workshops with regular
which voluntary participants rate food activities; consumer research in the consumers and experts in nutrition,
samples for flavour and other sensory European Union-funded Food Systems science and trade in these countries
properties, and through surveys that Africa InnoFoodAfrica project, in which revealed the rapid change of food
define individual readiness to accept the universities of Pretoria and Helsinki cultures.
novel, emotionally or health-wise are partners. “By understanding the factors that
important products.” “I am highly motivated to contribute drive consumers’ food choices and
In terms of food security, sensory- to the research programme that preferences, researchers and developers
consumer research can help to develop Professor de Kock and her colleagues are better able to design acceptable food
acceptable products from affordable, have set up,” says Prof Tuorila. She product options,” she says.
nutritionally adequate, locally available, enjoys interacting with postgraduate
under-utilised or completely novel students from various African regions to For more information, go to
ingredients, while also considering the obtain high-level research training at UP. www.up.ac.za
www.fbreporter.co.za FOOD & BEVERAGE REPORTER | AUGUST 2020 | 17ASTRATEK
A NEW ENGINEERING
PARTNER WITHIN THE
FOOD INDUSTRY
presented by the global pandemic demonstrates its resilience in
Astratek, a new engineering “kid on the block”,
the face of challenging odds.
opened its doors during the COVID lockdown. Astratek is the brainchild of Peter Grobler, who has over
35 years of experience in managing fast-moving consumer
The organisation was conceptualised just goods (FMCG) manufacturing operations. After a long career of
managing the manufacturing operations of two of South Africa’s
before the pandemic and faced the daunting
greatest FMCG groups, Peter conceptualised and founded
task of starting up operations during this Astratek as “the only engineering company in the South African
market that specialises in FMCG manufacturing”.
difficult time. Thanks to its forward-looking While managing the manufacturing portfolio of an up-and-
coming food manufacturing group, which eventually listed
attitude, the company managed the transition
successfully on the JSE, Peter assembled a team of specialised
to a work-from-home organisational setup. engineers with experience in a variety of African manufacturing
contexts to design state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities as
well as operate and optimise existing facilities. During this time,
D
uring this time, it helped clients adjust to the difficult the team has grown proficient at solving modern manufacturing
operational circumstances. It managed to conduct problems with the latest technologies and techniques.
business effectively during this time, including projects For more than 10 years, this established team has been
such as designing for a large cheese manufacturing plant during working with food manufacturers to design, build and manage
the national lockdown; even conducting factory walkthroughs effective FMCG facilities, that run cost-effectively while achieving
and site visits remotely. The company’s response to challenges optimal output.
18 | AUGUST 2020 | FOOD & BEVERAGE REPORTER www.fbreporter.co.zaASTRATEK
The team has worked on FMCG plants specialising in the Modern facilities must comply with safety requirements
production of a variety of products, such as: that are growing exponentially. With an intimate understanding
• baked products – including designing a brand-new par-baked of hygienic plant design principles, Astratek reduces complexity
sourdough breads production line and minimises risk using proprietary risk assessment tools to
• dairy stop problems before they happen. As members of the
• prepared meals European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group (EHEDG),
• confectionery and snacks they know how to conduct their services with compliance in
• beverages and bottled water mind. As EHEDG members, Astratek has access to the latest
• spices and condiments standards and manufacturing techniques to manage any
• household and personal care compliance concerns.
• fishing and processing. Astratek takes care of construction projects, which entail
Astratek offers an end-to-end service including managing an extensive set of tasks. Here they offer you the opportunity
full engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services, to avoid supplier margin build and to limit the overall risk of
outsourcing plant operations and optimising projects. This a project.
includes three broad service streams, namely engineering, In addition to this, Astratek can also take charge of your
operating and optimising. operations by offering their extensive experience in this area.
Astratek’s engineering expertise allows it to take this This can be an attractive, low-cost option especially for those
responsibility off your hands. This may entail an initial feasibility unfamiliar with local operations or where manufacturing is not
study to determine whether a long-term project is worthwhile a core organisational capability. This may include maintenance
pursuing. It may also entail assisting with the selection of ideal planning and service implementation.
equipment for a facility or production line to operate optimally. To round out their offerings, Astratek managers optimisation.
Astratek designs facility layouts using operational modelling Rising levels of complexity, skills shortage and lean structures
techniques to ensure the harmonious flow of materials, product can result in suboptimal performance, but with techniques like
and people. This includes the planning of services and utilities remote plant monitoring and performance analytics, Astratek
such as electricity, water, fuel, steam and condensate and can help to optimise your production facility.
compressed air. www.astratek.co
www.fbreporter.co.za FOOD & BEVERAGE REPORTER | AUGUST 2020 | 19UP COVID
THE FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRY AND COVID-19
Part 2
This popular paper was prepared by Prof Elna M. Buys Head Department of Consumer
and Food Sciences, University of Pretoria and students from her research group: Katiyo W.
(PhD student), Olaonipekun B. A. (PhD student), Agbemavor S. W. K. (PhD student),
Torgby-Tetteh W. (PhD student), Elegbeleye J. (PhD student) and Faife S.L. (PhD student).
Food safety management systems (FSMS) have resorted to remote food safety auditing and conducting
and SARS-CoV-2 in food processing risk assessments on certified food processors. This is to ensure
Food safety is primarily achieved through preventive measures. continued compliance and to check the effectiveness of the
HACCP system is an internationally recognised system of system of food safety practices. The current pandemic is also an
food safety management whose focus is on process control opportunity for food processors to execute and test their crisis
and the prevention of identified microbiological, physical and management programmes and make improvements if needed.
chemical hazards. FSMS are designed to manage food safety The majority of SMEs in South Africa do not have an
risks and prevent food contamination and therefore mitigate FSMS established. There is a need to appoint a person/team
contamination of food by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. FSMS are responsible for ensuring that employees know how to work
built on prerequisite programmes that include: good hygiene hygienically in these SMEs. This designated person/team must
practices, cleaning and sanitation, zoning of food processing liaise with local food safety authorities for basic guidelines. There
areas, supplier control, storage, distribution and transport, is an urgent requirement for the food industry to strengthen
personnel hygiene and health. These promote environmental FSMS to protect employees from contracting and transmitting
conditions that are favourable to the production of safe food. COVID-19.
No evidence showed that consumers will receive potentially
infectious exposures of SARS-CoV-2 via the consumption of Food processing technologies: which are more
contaminated food or the handling of food contact materials or effective?
packaging. So, it may not be anticipated that food products will Foodborne viruses such as Hepatitis A and noroviruses consist
need to be recalled or withdrawn from the market because of of two main structural components. The genome and the capsid
SARS-CoV-2 contamination. and their virulence require both. The capsids are responsible
Nonetheless, the food industry must reinforce all good for adhesion to the receptors of the host cell receptors and
hygiene practices and ensure that they are practised preventing subsequent entry and shielding of the virus, especially the
person-to-person COVID-19 transmissions in food processing enteric ones against environmental dynamics such as UV lights,
facilities. Some food facilities may also need to consider a more heat, and pH. Therefore, to inactivate the foodborne virus,
frequent cleaning and disinfection schedule for high-risk food processing technologies must be targeted in such a way that can
product processing, such as ready-to-eat foods. It has been damage their nucleic acids, capsids or even both. Destruction of
reported that SARS-CoV-2 virus is susceptible to many chemicals the viral genome (nucleic acids) during rigorous food processing
already in use in the food industry. For more information, access procedures reduces the infectivity of the virus.
https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants- There are chemicals or biochemical substances that are
use-against-sars-cov-2-covid-19. used to control pathogenic microorganisms when applied
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected travel and/or access on surfaces. These usually come in the form of sanitisers
resulting in the temporary suspension of third-party food safety and disinfectants. The efficacy of these disinfectants can be
audits. The level of direct regulatory and auditing has thus decreased with multiplicity of applications from farm to fork
been reduced to prevent the risk of virus transmission during such as clean-up of handling equipment, processing water,
on-site visits. In the meantime, some FSMS certification bodies processing equipment, wash water, and factory floors.
20 | AUGUST 2020 | FOOD & BEVERAGE REPORTER www.fbreporter.co.zaUP COVID
Effect of thermal, refrigeration, freezing, and Agency (EPA) and CDC. This is because water treatment
irradiation on SARS-COV-2 procedures are generally adequate for the inactivation of the
Food-based viruses can be inactivated by extrinsic and intrinsic virus.
elements of the food, chemical centred technologies and food Thermal processing of foods has been demonstrated
processing technologies. A multiplicity of factors determines the over and again to be one of the best efficient techniques of
survival dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Therefore, we must inactivating foodborne viruses such as HAV, Hepatitis E (HEV)
understand the different environmental conditions, including and NoV just like pathogenic bacteria. At lower temperatures
temperature, pressure, humidity, and acidity that predict the such as pasteurisation temperatures, MNV and HAV were
stability, survival, and infection abilities of the virus. Extrinsic demonstrated to record more than 3.5 log10 at 72 after 1
properties of foods such as water activity, pH, refrigerated and minute in water. Similarly, MNV and TuV were also reported to
frozen storage temperatures of foods conventionally are relied be inactivated after heating at 70 °C for 2 min. Steam blanching
upon to control and keep foods microbiologically safe. This of produce like spinach for 1 minute at 80 ℃ reduced the
is mainly due to their ability to inhibit microbial growth within infectivity of MNV by a minimum of 2.4 log10. Similarly, FCV
such foods. in the case of viruses, some of these regulatory and HAV were also immensely inactivated after blanching at
procedures might not be relevant because infectivity is key 95℃ for 2.5 minutes. Strategic combination of acidification (pH
contrary to growth in the case of food spoilage or pathogenic reduction) of foods in addition to thermal treatment was also
bacteria. reported to be very effective against the inactivation of HAV.
Like many bacterial pathogens, viruses can remain relatively Regardless of the minimum temperature and time
stable under refrigeration and freezing storage conditions. requirements for inactivation of different viruses, in most
For over 6 months, no reduction was recorded for Murine cases, a minimum of 90 s of thermal processing at a minimum
Norovirus (MNV) on spinach and spring onions whereas, after temperature of 90 ℃ is generally sufficient in inactivating enteric
28 days of frozen storage, a reduction of 95 %) quickly loss this its viability (> 3
of 70 ℃ for at least 5 minutes. These findings imply that log10).
conventional cooking temperatures are adequate to inactivate Extrinsic changes in pH levels as occurs in fermentation
the virus. However, fresh and frozen foods may still serve as or acidification of carbohydrate substrates as well as in water
vehicles for transmission. Strict adherence to safety protocols, activities levels of foods for example by means adding solutes
particularly comprehensive handwashing even after handling like sugar or salt and drying or their combinations and even
such foods is essential. Foods that are shipped over a couple of coupled with dynamics of storage conditions have different
days irrespective of packaging and transportation temperature effects on the infectivity of viruses. MNV and TuV for example
have much lower probabilities of transmission. Like foods, were found to tolerate low pH levels (pH 2) due to lactic acid
drinking water is not considered as a means of transmission of fermentation. Even though fermentation was reported to be
the SARS-CoV-2 per reports from the Environmental Protection Continued on page23SIZA
WHY DO WE NEED ETHICAL
AUDITING IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY?
products and services ethically and
sustainably, throughout each tier of the
supply chain. According to SEDEX.com,
companies have a responsibility to
incorporate social, environmental, and
ethical operations in their business, taking
responsibility for the entire life
cycle of products and protect the rights
of workers during the production process.
The complexity of multi-tiered supply
chains can make it difficult for companies
to be aware of or understand the
potential risks that may be affecting their
business and their suppliers.
Are ethical audits the answer?
But practically how can a company ensure
By LINDA JACKSON, Director, Food Focus they have a handle on these issues as
suppliers? Since the mid-1990s, retailers
and brands have commissioned audits
COVID 19 has highlighted the importance of employees. Perhaps of their suppliers' workplaces in a bid
to prove to consumers, investors, and
for many companies this was not necessary. We appreciated that campaigners that their products are
our employees are our most valuable assets. But perhaps in other ‘ethical'. Yet according to ethicaltrade.org,
standards may vary, and outcomes can
cases, as the number of positive infections rises and shifts and be questionable.
Huge amounts of money and time
production is impacted, the importance of employees is being are spent on audits by brands and their
realized. Also, the need for systems to keep them safe – to ensure suppliers. Even with the advent of SEDEX,
a member-based organisation, with
business continuity. the intention of sharing of information
obtained from the SMETA (Sedex
A
s the food industry, we are audit suppliers, who themselves source from Members Ethical Trade Audit), there
professionals. With regular an extensive global production network. are complaints of cost and duplication.
audits by multiple customers or If you take a wander down any retail Sounds a bit like food safety audits
certification bodies, we are seasoned aisle, you will find a similar picture. doesn’t it? There are also tiers of audits
auditees. Perhaps even audit fatigued. With this offshore manufacturing trend results must be interpreted correctly.
But what if our audit scope was came stories of human rights violations. Be aware that A SMETA 2-Pillar audit
broadened to all aspects of responsible Prominent examples include the use comprises Labour Standards and Health
business practice – an ethical trade audit. of sweatshop labour to make clothes and Safety while a SMETA 4-Pillar audit
How would we fare? for Gap and exploitative work practices includes all the above elements plus
leading to multiple employee suicides the additional pillars of Environment
Why is an ethical audit at Foxconn, one of Apple and HP’s main and Business Ethics. Personally, the
necessary? suppliers, the collapse of the Rana Plaza transparent sharing of information on
Beginning in the 1980s, a high proportion garment factory in Bangladesh slavery the SEDEX platform is refreshing and
of global manufacturing has shifted and human trafficking in the Thai something we should strive for in more
to emerging economies (particularly shrimp industry. areas of business in South Africa to make
China). Large multinational companies In the quest to increase profitability, compliance easier and more accessible.
typically outsource and subcontract the there was a cost – either to the lives or You should expect this audit to ask
production of their goods to smaller low- livelihoods of exploited employees or to many interesting and probing questions
cost, high-volume suppliers in developing the environment. Responsible sourcing about subjects such as Workplace
countries. Walmart, for example, sources has become increasingly important to Management, Health and Safety,
its goods from over 100,000 global ensure businesses proactively source Emergency Management, Forced Labour,
22 | AUGUST 2020 | FOOD & BEVERAGE REPORTER www.fbreporter.co.zaYou can also read
