Country Style Foods gets ISO 22000, HACCP and GMP certified

Friday, 28 March 2014 00:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Country Style Foods Ltd., the manufacturers and distributors of the popular SMAK brand products was awarded with three prestigious international standardisation certificates; ISO 22000, HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) by the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) which is the National Standards body of Sri Lanka. The certificates were received by the Joint Managing Directors of Country Style Foods Ltd., Dharmasiri Alahakoon, Daya Kumanayake and Sarath Alahakoon from Dr. L.N. Senaweera, the Director General of Sri Lanka Standards Institution.

Obtaining these certificates is a milestone for the company and further proof of the company’s commitment and concern about quality. “These international certificates confirm that our company has the facilities and the processes to manufacture high quality products which are safe for consumption. We always ensure that our products are of highest standards,” Dharmasiri Alahakoon said. The company has a Food Safety Policy which is continuously followed to ensure that the final products are of good quality and safe for consumption. “All the employees in whatever the category are well aware of the company’s Food Safety Policy,” Daya Kumanayake further added. The popular SMAK fruit drinks have been SLS certified since 1993. Now, obtaining international standards such as ISO 22000, HACCP and GMP further strengthens and confirms the quality of SMAK beverages. Formed with just 10 employees in 1981, Country Style Foods Ltd. has steadily grown over the past three decades and today has become one of the market leaders in the beverage industry. SMAK brand has carved out a niche in the minds of millions of Sri Lankans. Country Style Foods Ltd. commenced exports in late 1990s with the growing demand for its products in international markets and currently the products are exported to Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Germany, Canada, England and Middle East. “These three certificates opened doors for many opportunities in the international markets and we are hoping to expand our exports in the near future,” Sarath Alahakoon said. Fruit drinks in different varieties in 190ml glass bottles were introduced at the inception and since then its product range expanded into various packaging concepts such as Tetra Pack and PET Bottles. Being a company conscious of its social responsibilities, Country Style Foods uses only locally grown fruits and local fresh milk in the production of their SMAK brand beverages. This helps the local cultivators and farmers in improving their social and economic standards. The company has also introduced bottled drinking water to the market. The company has also ventured into ready-to-eat snacks which include bites, wafer sticks and breakfast cereals.