Al Bayader International, a manufacturer of comprehensive packaging solutions in the Middle East, has launched an innovative food safety campaign, ‘Pack-it-Right,’ in schools across the UAE.

The campaign aims to create awareness on the importance of safe food handling and packing practices, said a company statement.
 
In conjunction with aswaaq - a Dubai-initiated marketplace concept that has been involved in a number of community well-being projects - and under the umbrella of Al Bayader’s Fun consumer brand, the ‘Pack-it-Right’ campaign will be run throughout the year in a number of schools across the UAE, comprising a series of interactive demonstrations featuring lectures, videos and slideshows.

Targeting students in grades 4 to 10, the campaign also aims to share the Fun brand’s commitment to hygiene, quality standards and safety measures, while encouraging partnerships with schools, customers and other entities, including the Dubai Municipality Food Control Department.

The first ‘Pack-it-Right’ session was held at the Uptown Mirdiff School in Dubai last month, said a top official.

Alaa Al Ashoush, quality assurance manager for Al Bayader and Nahla Yagoub Elawad, head of aswaaq’s Food Safety section conducted the hour long programme at the end of which was an interactive quiz which resulted in many Fun gift boxes being given away.

“In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, people tend to take for granted safe food handling and packing requirements,” said Ashoush.

“By engaging youngsters in the importance of food hygiene, quality standards and safety measures, we are trying to highlight how proper and safe food handling can minimise the risk of disease caused by food bacteria and other contaminants.”

'Among the topics discussed with the students were: What are Bacteria - How do Bacteria find their way in to food; other agents that may contaminate food; how to pack food the right way; food grade packaging materials and how to identify different food packaging materials; and how to pack / store / reheat food in disposable kitchenware,' he aadded.

“Based on the reaction of the participants, this first ‘Pack-it-Right’ session was a huge success,” said Elawad.

“The issue of food safety is a shared responsibility hence we are delighted to partner with Al Bayader’s Fun consumer brand to bring this campaign to young students in the UAE. We are looking forward to creating a better, cleaner and healthier UAE,” she added.-TradeArabia News Service