DOST trains 14 Jasaan milk producers on food safety and good manufacturing practices

In its mission to enhance its production standards, the United Livestock Raisers Cooperative (ULIRCO) underwent training on Food Safety and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) from the Department of Science and Technology—10 (DOST 10). 

ULIRCO is a National Dairy Authority-supported group that produces pasteurized milk under the brand name “Fresh Moo” in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental. 

Fourteen staff and on-the-job trainees attended the training from DOST 10 on September 10, 2024. 

ULIRCO, a recipient of DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), had previously benefited from milk processing equipment and laboratory analysis services provided through the program in 2022. The cooperative also received consultancy support through DOST’s Manufacturing Productivity Extension Program (MPEX). 

The cooperative is obtaining the FDA License to Operate (LTO) and Certificate of Product Registration (CPR). These certifications are crucial as they will enable ULIRCO to expand its product range and reach larger markets, including regional mall outlets, thereby increasing its market share and revenue.

ULIRCO’s chairman, Wilfredo Perez, expressed his profound gratitude to DOST for their unwavering technical support. He emphasized that the training was not just a refresher but a crucial step towards securing their FDA LTO, a prerequisite for market expansion. Perez also expressed ULIRCO’s eagerness to participate in more DOST programs in the future, recognizing DOST’s pivotal role in their journey.

The session was led by Joanah S. Magto, Senior Science Research Specialist of DOST Misamis Oriental, who addressed the importance of identifying and mitigating food safety hazards, particularly given the perishable nature of milk. Michael Vincent V. Marte, a Professional Food Technologist of DOST Misamis Oriental, followed the discussion on Good Manufacturing Practices, underscoring the role of GMP in ensuring food safety and quality.

With DOST’s Consultancy and Training Services, industries and MSMEs, like ULIRCO, are assisted in improving their compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) requirements. (Michael Vincent V. Marte/DOST Misamis Oriental)

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