SGS is pleased to announce the release of an updated version of its Hygiene Monitored (HM) Program. The new version covers the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on Novel Coronavirus (SARS-COV-2), the virus that spreads COVID-19.
The HM Program is a hygiene audit system that delivers measurable improvements to an organization's food safety practices, aimed primarily at food service, retail and hospitality sector. The HM program ensures compliance with internationally recognized food hygiene practices in food safety, and the implementation and monitoring of good hygiene standards.
COVID-19 addendum
The spread of this disease has caused unprecedented global disruption to businesses and people's lives. It has furthermore heightened public concern regarding the safety of food and food serving premises. Many businesses have been forced to close, while those that have remained operational have been forced to modify their procedures. In response to this crisis caused by the pandemic, the dedicated addendum to HM program, covers compliance with the WHO COVID-19 guidelines and those of other recognized bodies, allowing businesses to resume their operations with confidence.
Olivier Coppey, Executive Vice President of SGS Agriculture, Food and Life stated "For many years SGS has been a trusted leader for the global food industry. During these times of crisis, it is of paramount importance that we continue to provide strong support to our customers to ensure they can resume and maintain their operations with confidence. Updating our popular HM program to include an assessment of COVID-19 control measures, is one way that we can serve our clients in these challenging times. The SGS HM mark provides visible, extra reassurance to our clients and their customers, of an independently verified hygiene and food safety culture within their food premises".
Organizations that achieve certification can display the SGS HM mark, a globally recognized mark of distinction.
What the scheme involves
The HM Program includes regular food safety & hygiene audits, environmental monitoring, review of cleaning and disinfection practices, COVID-19 control measures and a sampling and testing regime.
As a supplementary service, SGS is also offering a SARS-COV-2 detection test, using the highly sensitive RT-PCR methodology, as an option, where additional information on the possible presence of this virus is required.
Successfully audited food businesses will benefit from a dedicated HM mark (mark of compliance) and a SGS audit certificate, referencing achievement of COVID-19 control requirements.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, SGS is your trusted provider in the delivery of high-quality inspection, testing and auditing services to the food, retail and food service industries. Wherever a business is in the world, SGS's global network of local and international experts and laboratories have the capability to help it meet the challenges of COVID-19.
Learn about our portfolio of solutions specifically developed to help the food industry recover, renew and reinforce their businesses, globally.
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Evangelia Komitopoulou
SGS Global Customized Solutions Manager
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 94,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.
The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented in the modern era, posing unforeseen challenges to business continuity. At SGS, we are working hard to meet those challenges and support international efforts to beat COVID-19.
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