Global Tilapia becomes first Kenyan fish processor to achieve FSSC 22000 certification

The certification marks a major step for the company as it moves to strengthen its processing operations, meet international food safety requirements and expand into new local and international markets.

FSSC 22000 is a globally recognised food safety scheme that sets requirements for managing food safety risks across the supply chain, covering food safety management, regulatory compliance and continuous improvement.

Speaking during the certification event, Global Tilapia Founder and Managing Director Joseph Mureithi said the achievement reflected the company's commitment to producing safe, quality fish products.

He said it demonstrated investment in the systems, processes and people needed to consistently deliver for customers, and would strengthen customer confidence while opening new opportunities for the business.

Mureithi added that the certification would help position the company to meet the requirements of large retailers, food service companies and institutional buyers who increasingly demand internationally recognised food safety standards from their suppliers. Global Tilapia currently supplies fish products to retail, wholesale, institutional and commercial customers.

The company said it had strengthened its food safety systems and processing procedures to meet FSSC 22000 requirements. The certification is expected to boost Global Tilapia's competitiveness by giving customers and business partners assurance that its operations meet internationally recognised standards.

For Kenya's growing aquaculture sector, the achievement also points to the rising importance of quality standards as the industry moves beyond production into value addition, processing and wider market access.

Kenya Fisheries Service Director General Daisy Muriuki, speaking at the event, said the government was stepping up efforts to ensure fish consumed in the country is safe and meets required quality standards.

She said measures were being strengthened across the fisheries value chain, from production and handling to processing and consumption, to protect consumers and promote quality fish products.

"Fish is not only food; it is an opportunity to improve the health of our people, create jobs and put money in the hands of our farmers," Muriuki said, adding that she wanted more Kenyans to embrace fish consumption and take up fish farming as a viable economic activity.

She urged Kenyans to take up aquaculture, saying it has the potential to create employment, improve household incomes and boost food security, and praised Global Tilapia's role in promoting tilapia farming and consumption.

Muriuki said stronger collaboration between government, farmers and private-sector players would be critical to expanding fish production and ensuring Kenyans have access to safe, quality and affordable fish.