CAFS receives HACCP certification from Bureau Veritas

MANGALURU: First anniversary eve of flight kitchen run by Kochi based Casino Air Caterers and Flight Services (CAFS) brought cheer to the caterers when it received the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point on Tuesday. Vinod S Panickar, business manager, Bureau Veritas, Kochi handed over HACCP certificate, food safety management system to George Dominic, managing director and CEO of CAFS. The flight kitchen completes one year on February 11.

Highlighting the significance of this achievement, J T Radhakrishna, airport director, Mangaluru International Airport said HACCP certification for a flight kitchen is a mandatory requirement for international operations. "Operation of CAFS in Mangaluru has reduced dependency of airlines to source food for their international and domestic flights from the metros," he said adding passengers are now assured of quality and fresh food from CAFS located next door to MIA.

George Dominic said CAFS which has taken a conscious decision to start flight kitchens in tier II cities presently operates such facilities in Kochi, Calicut, Chennai and Mangaluru. "We will add five more flight kitchens by 2017 in Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Raipur, Lucknow and Pune," he said adding the Jaipur facility will become operational by end of next month. CAFS incurs a cost of around Rs 15 crore on setting up each flight kitchen barring the land cost, he noted.

Noting that CAFS has excess food production capacity at its flight kitchen located at Kenjar here, Dominic said, "We intend to participate in the local food (catering) business." CAFS will set up a bakery/pastry at the City Centre Mall here shortly, Dominic said, adding entry of CAFS has made a huge difference in aviation sector. "At CAFS, we have a highly sterile area for food production as per strict guidelines laid down of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security," he noted.

Vinod said the HACCP certification is valid for a period of three years from February 10. CAFS will have to go in for re-certification after that, he said, adding CAFS will have to carry out daily audit of its kitchen. There will be surveillance audit by Bureau Veritas team - some announced and others surprise, he said, adding all these steps are aimed at ensuring that the highest possible standards at various levels of flight catering from food sourcing is maintained.