The P.E.I. Food Technology Centre (FTC) has achieved ISO 9001 (International Organisation for Standardisation) Quality System registration for all of its services. Registration will ensure that services such as product development, food analysis, sensory evaluation, and technical information services, will be provided to clients with consistent standards of quality.
"This is a real milestone for the Food Technology Centre since it is the only Food Technology Centre in Canada to receive this distinction," said Premier Pat Binns. "FTC's motto -- 'Quality by Example' -- reflects the Province's commitment to technical excellence."
The Honourable Don MacKinnon, Minister of Development with responsibility for the Food Technology Centre, added, "The Centre's accreditation status serves as a standard of excellence to the Island food industry."
The P.E.I. Food Technology Centre is also the first P.E.I. government agency to achieve ISO 9001 certification. ISO is a standard for setting up a Quality System to meet customers' expectations. It is not only recognized internationally, but it is essential for doing business in Europe.
"We have been working towards this goal for 16 months," says Richard Ablett, FTC Executive Director . "It has been a lot of hard work for staff, but the results will be worth it. ISO is internationally recognized, and establishes immediate credibility for FTC worldwide."
FTC was required to meet the 20 elements of the ISO 9001 standard, including contract review, design control, purchasing, and training. With the help of consultant, Jim Landrigan and guidance from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), FTC staff developed the system to fit the organization. After two series of internal audits, one by trained FTC staff and one by the Business Development Bank of Canada, KPMG Quality Registrar Inc. conducted an independent two-day audit on the various components of the system. They approved the Centre with flying colours.
"Staff were delighted when news was received that FTC had passed the audit," says Ablett. Dr. Ablett stresses that this is not just a one-time audit. "Now that the system is in place, KPMG will hold regular audits twice a year to make sure that the policies and procedures are being followed and that consistency is maintained throughout the system."