Training workshop for food inspectors in Aqaba

Aqaba– Building on efforts to improve food inspection procedures at tourism facilities in Jordan, and in preparation for a new inspection system to be introduced in Jordan, a two-day training workshop for food inspectors in Aqaba concluded today.The training sought to improve food inspection through enhancing the knowledge and skills of inspectors in this area, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that tourists to Aqaba are guaranteed a good dining experience. The workshop was organized by the USAID Jordan Tourism Development Project in cooperation with the Aqaba Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) and Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA).

Dr .Salim Al Moghrabi, ASEZA Commissioner for Environment Affairs, commented on the training, explaining the importance of the role ASEZA plays in developing the food sector in the area and enhancing the food monitoring system, which is in line with international best practices, in addition to upgrading food inspectors' efficiency and performance through introducing them to recent technologies in this regard.  

H.E. Dr. Mohammad Sa'eed Al Rawabdeh, JFDA Director General stressed the importance of such workshops which improve the skills of food inspectors. "This will enhance food safetyat these food establishments, and as a result will positively impact the development of the tourism sector in the Kingdom," he commented. His Excellency also expressed gratitude for the USAID tourism project support of this initiative.

"This is a significant step towards improving the quality of food served at food and beverage outlets throughout Jordan in accordance with the new system and ultimately contribute to a better overall tourism experience," said Mr. Ibrahim Osta, USAID Jordan Tourism Development Project Chief of Party.

This is the first training workshop that introduces food inspection procedures based on the new inspection system for Jordan, which is to be implemented next year. Similar courses will take place in Amman. The new system was developed by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, Jordan Food and Drug Administration, Jordan Hotels Association, Jordan Restaurants Association and the USAID Jordan Tourism Development Project, and the training is part of preparations being made ahead of its introduction. The new system adopts a more holistic approach to food inspection, with inspectors taking into consideration a variety of factors during inspections, which are not limited to on-site assessments but which also account for related procedures, standards and systems that are in place at each facility. The overall goal of the new system is to upgrade food service in the country as a result of better control through more efficient food inspection.

"Learning about inspections procedureswill help me analyze food samples we receive from ASEZA, since I now know what inspectors look for," said Razan Baqa'in, from Bin Hayan labs.

Eng. Samir Abu Ali, Deputy Head of the Food Inspection Unit at ASEZA said, "The training was fruitful as it enhanced the experience of inspectors, enriched their knowledge and unified inspection efforts implemented by different monitoring entities." 

All food inspectors for the ASEZA area, a total of 29, took part in the two-day training course, which entailed both theoretical classes and practical on-site training and field visits. The courses covered topics related to inspector tasks, objectives and types of inspection visits, inspection tools and techniques, and preparation for inspections, in addition to safe food handling techniques and ways to prevent food contamination. Inspectors hailed from the Ministry of Health, ASEZA, JFDA, the Royal Department for Environment Protection, ‏Bin Hayan labs and Aqaba slaughterhouse.