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 As global markets increasingly demand stringent safety protocols and eco-conscious manufacturing, the Egyptian food sector is proactively taking steps to elevate its export readiness. Leading this charge, the Food Export Council (FEC), in strategic partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), kicked off a pivotal two-day workshop today in Alexandria.

Running through June 8, the event, titled "Good Practices for Food Safety and Sustainable Management of Food Industry Waste," serves as a strategic roadmap for local manufacturers aiming to penetrate competitive international markets while adopting green economy principles.

The Compliance Imperative The first day of the workshop is heavily focused on regulatory alignment. With export markets tightening their entry requirements, compliance with the National Food Safety Authority (NFSA) and the newly updated ISO 22000:2018/Amd1:2024 standards is no longer optional. Experts are guiding facility managers through complex frameworks, including HACCP principles, risk management, and the implementation of robust traceability and recall systems to ensure end-to-end product integrity.

The Economics of Sustainability Transitioning into the second day, the focus shifts to a critical challenge: waste management. The workshop reframes food loss not just as an environmental issue, but as a direct threat to operational efficiency and corporate profitability. By analyzing the root causes of food waste, the sessions aim to equip manufacturers with actionable, eco-friendly strategies to optimize resource utilization, thereby reducing overhead costs and boosting profit margins.

From Theory to Factory Floor Moving beyond classroom lectures, the initiative incorporates hands-on field visits to local manufacturing plants. These audits are designed to evaluate existing safety and waste protocols in real-time, allowing experts to identify operational gaps and prescribe immediate corrective actions.

By offering tailored technical support and exploring future consultancy opportunities, the FEC and EBRD are demonstrating a commitment to not just advising, but actively transforming the Egyptian food industry into a sustainable, globally competitive powerhouse.