MANILA, Philippines - The METRO Retail Group’s Metro Alabang supermarket recently marked a milestone as it become the first supermarket in the country to be certified with GMP and HACCP standards.
The citations were awarded by Societe Generale de Surveillance Philippines or SGS Philippines. The GMP and HACCP certification covers the supermarket’s fresh produce handling process from receiving, storage, to the dispatch of goods to its customers. SGS certified that METRO Alabang Supermarket complied with all the requirements of the audit standard and has the needed structure to support implementation and maintenance of international food safety management systems.
At the same time, the review process has shown that METRO Alabang Supermarket has the capability to ensure the continuing suitability, adequacy and effectiveness of its food safety management system. The certification is part of the METRO Retail Group’s efforts to become the retail value innovator in its various retail store formats that include department store, supermarkets, hypermarts and neighborhood stores.
“The GMP and HACCP certification is a very important milestone in your company’s history. And, we, at SGS, are very certain that this will not be the last. As you had demonstrated during your experience with us, the excellent products and services that you provide your customers, and your commitment to always produce the best for them, are already an indication that continual improvement is at the core of your businessâ€, SGS Philippines managing director, Rosario Cajucom-Bradbury, stated.
Bradbury added that “retailing of fresh products has a value chain that requires specific checks in every stage, ensuring that food safety is at the same level of criticality as that of quality assurance, and with hygiene, systematic distribution, and focus on customer service excellence, among others, are prime factors for success and growth. METRO Supermarket is providing sustenance to people and it is vital that METRO’s credibility is hinged on customer trust, giving them peace of mind as well as a healthy and hearty body.â€
The GMP or Good Manufacturing Practice is a production and testing practice that helps to ensure a quality product. METRO Alabang Supermarket has complied with GMP standards as outlined in the CAC/RCP 1-1969 or the General Principles of Food Hygiene. HACCP or Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points, is a systematic preventive approach to food safety and establishes guidelines and procedures to reduce safety risks to a safe level.
“Being the first and only supermarket in the Philippines to receive these qualifications, shoppers are assured of the best fresh produce handled and prepared in accordance to international safety standards. The certifications are part of the company’s efforts to provide shoppers with a world-class and gratifying shopping experience. Further, our wide variety of products, excellent shopping deals, and top of the line service undoubtedly makes METRO Supermarkets the choice for Filipino shoppersâ€, METRO Retail Group president and COO Eduardo C. Ponce stated.
The METRO Retail Group is currently taking a quality oriented, customer-driven approach to deliver an improved and affordable assortment of products and services. The company is also gearing up for aggressive expansion in different store formats particularly department stores, supermarkets, hypermarkets, and neighborhood stores.