QATAR. Qatar Duty Free (QDF) has been awarded the FSSC 22000 food safety certification for complying with global best practices and delivering “exceptional standards” in dining.
This achievement makes Hamad International Airport in Doha the world’s first airport to have obtained the certification, which ensures that all its food & beverage offerings meet strict FSSC food safety standards and processes.
The certification reflects the travel retailer’s commitment to elevating food safety standards at Hamad International Airport.
FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification 22000) is a scheme recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative which supports the food manufacturing industry and the related supply chain in enforcing effective food management systems.
{Click on the podcast icon to hear Bureau Veritas Country Chief Executive Hossam Refaey and Business Line Manager – Certification System Sarah Nahal tell Martin Moodie about the rigorous demands of Food Safety System Certification 22000}
The FSSC 22000 certification process involves a comprehensive evaluation of food safety management systems with extensive audits performed by Bureau Veritas auditors (see The Moodie Podcast above), covering all aspects of food handling from sourcing ingredients to consumption.
Qatar Duty Free houses 75 dining outlets, from fine-dining establishments including Louis Vuitton Lounge by Yannick Alléno to fast-food options such as Burger King, KFC, Costa Coffee, Starbucks, Illy, Venchi Café and more.
Hossam Refaey, Country Chief Executive of Bureau Veritas, the body which put Qatar Duty Free through the intensely rigorous testing to achieve the certification, told The Moodie Davitt Report: “They were planning this for more than a year and coming to the end with a certification is quite an achievement. Because you can have the best system in the world but when it comes to implementation, it’s a make it or break it.
“They have walked the walk. It was a great experience. So whatever they have put in their procedures in compliance to the requirements of FSSC, we have seen become a reality, which is why this is a very remarkable moment in our opinion.” {Listen to The Moodie Davitt Podcast, above, for more comment}
As reported, Qatar Duty Free has lent its support as Lunch Sponsor for The Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Conference & Awards in Ontario, California on 25-26 June.
Qatar Duty Free’s continued strengthening of its F&B offer was memorably recognised with an unprecedented 17 award wins at last year’s Airport FAB + Hospitality Conference & Awards, including the highly coveted Airport Food & Beverage Offer of the Year. 
Note: The Moodie Davitt Report publishes the FAB Newsletter, which features highlights of openings, events and campaigns from around the world of airport and travel dining.
Please email Kristyn@MoodieDavittReport.com to subscribe.
