Bread has evolved into one of the most desirable staples in Ghanaian cuisine; In many households, bread has become far more than just a food option – it is a comfort food, a convenience, and even a symbol of hospitality. The increasing popularity of bread as a staple food in Ghanaian homes explains how dynamic the population’s changing tastes, traditions and lifestyles have become.
From the streets of the regional and metropolitan centres of Ghana, down to the smallest villages in the countryside, bread is being baked, sold, and devoured in unprecedented quantities. This provides a solid argument for the importance of bakers in our communities. Much more than simply producing food, these hardworking individuals have become the pillars of our communities, providing nutritional support for bread consumers nationwide.
It is in recognition of the profound impact of the role of the baker in food security that Olam Agri, a leading global player in the food, feed, and fibre supply chain has embarked on a mission to elevate standards in the local baking industry, promoting both the safety and well-being of bakers and the consumers they serve.
Olam Agri’s grain business is one of the leading manufacturers of fortified flours in West Africa. Commissioned in 2012, the business sources wheat grains from around the world to produce different types of flour products for a variety of baking purposes. With focus on food safety and a continuing commitment to quality, the business has invested in advanced infrastructure and human resources to produce quality products that meet local demands and international standards.
The company’s grain business demonstrates its commitment to enhancing food safety through two well-thought–out engagement programmes: the “My Healthy Baker” initiative and the “Grains Hygiene Standard Management” (GHSM) program. The “Healthy Baker” programme focuses on the health concerns of bakers, using scheduled health screening and hygiene education to ensure that bakers operating within the communities are medically fit to handle food. The free medical screening provides bakers with essential information for the early diagnosis of any ailing conditions and the benefit of timely medical attention. This ensures that active bakers are better equipped to maintain optimal personal health and hygiene in their workplaces.
In 2024, over 3,000 bakers from bakeries across the country benefited from these initiatives. The primary objective has been to promote good hygiene practices among bakers, while monitoring hygiene standards and compliance protocols at selected bakeries nationwide. Health screening under the programme includes conditions such as hepatitis B, typhoid, and high blood pressure. Notably, the programme addresses the mandatory requirement for all food vendors to provide an annual medical health certificate, a statutory obligation to which all bakers and their workers are expected to comply.
“My Healthy Baker” is an initiative by Olam Agri in the prevention of foodborne illnesses through proper hygiene education. The company believes that the initiative goes a long way to ensure that food is handled and prepared in clean environments, hence increasing confidence in locally made bakery foods among consumers.
The “Grains Hygiene Standard Management” (GHSM) program is another significant initiative introduced by the company to ensure sustainability in the improvement of the health and hygiene standards of bakers. This program aims to upgrade the general standards of hygiene in the bakery industry. It incorporates an in-depth assessment process and rates bakeries based on various parameters of hygiene over a period of time. At the end of the program, the scores are collated, and the final results are used to determine and acknowledge bakeries that follow good hygiene practices and produce the finest baked goods. The program involves an accreditation system based on the critical evaluation of all bakeries.
In its maiden edition in 2023, over 800 bakeries from Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi engaged in the GHSM programme, out of which 171 bakeries were selected and honoured for performing exceptionally well in adhering to standard hygiene management in their respective operations.
The “My Healthy Baker” initiative and the GHSM programme have made a significant impact in the baking industry. With these projects, Olam Agri has made significant contributions to public health through the promotion of hygiene and safety in the baking industry. Fewer cases of foodborne illnesses result in a healthier population leading naturally to a much stronger community. Ultimately, these initiatives will continue to help bakers in the country to conduct good business and promote public safety.
Beyond the direct benefits, these programs create a sense of community among bakers. The knowledge and best practices shared translate into a collaborative environment whereby bakers can learn from each other in ways that improve the quality and safety of their products overall.
Olam Agri’s efforts at improving food safety and community empowerment are a good example of its commitment to a more sustainable and healthy future for Ghana. With such investment in the welfare of bakers and the continued efforts to improve hygiene standards in the industry, the company is contributing to public health and strengthening the backbone of the Ghanaian food system.
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