AIP WELCOMES NEW MEMBER/DIPLOMA STUDENT
Belinda Hanson-Kenny
Director / the worker
Food. Labelling and Safety
Q: Why did you join the AIP? What benefits do you believe the AIP offers all their members?
I recently joined the AIP to commence the Diploma in Packaging Technology. The Diploma will enable me to add Packaging Technologist to my Qualifications, and will work well with my skills as a Food Technologist. It will enhance my skills and the skills and services I provide to my clients, as well as attract new clients to my business. As a lifetime worker in the food and beverage manufacturing and processing industry, I am also a long-standing member of the AIFST. I am a strong advocate for the benefits of a membership to a national representative body for the industry sector you work in, especially a broad sector like packaging. I look forward to learning a lot in the coming years through the AIP.
Q: How long have you been in the industry? What are your areas of expertise?
I have worked in the food industry for 30 years; 12 years cooking in small and large kitchens, and 18 years working in food manufacturing – specialising in Product Development, Quality Management, and Work Health and Safety. I am a specialist in food labelling – content and compliance, with 18 years experience and training in food labelling laws and regulations – both national and international.
Q: What is your current job role and what are your responsibilities?
Food. Labelling and Safety is a ‘one stop’ Food Technology resource for Food and Beverage manufactures and associated industries, locally, nationally and internationally. We assist with writing, management, updating, and audit readiness preparation of Food Safety and Quality Management Systems – from single person businesses, to large companies that sell product all over the world, and everything in between. We also label food products for local retail supply, specific industry sectors, exporting, importing into Australia, and are specialists in food labelling content and compliance; with substantial expertise and training in food law and regulation.
Currently I manage packaging and labelling in most of my regular contract food production facilities. Foods: Icecream, red meat, smoked seafood, bakery, beverages. I also work with one packaging manufacturer to maintain their HACCP Plan.