Aug 26 2010 --- Tate & Lyle's Singapore SPLENDA Sucralose plant has achieved ‘A’ grade status from the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) of Singapore for the third consecutive year since its first year of operation in 2007.

“Achieving the highest grade possible once again recognizes our continuing efforts to supply SPLENDA Sucralose of unparalleled quality and purity,” said S.K. Hui, Director of Marketing & Business Development, Tate & Lyle Asia Pacific.

The AVA Food Safety Excellence Scheme categorizes all food processing establishments in Singapore into four grades, A(Excellent), B(Good), C(Average) and D(Pass). Each establishment is assessed and graded annually, based on strict hygiene and food safety standards including:
••General cleanliness and housekeeping
••Food storage
••Food processing equipment and facilities
••Food handling and facilities
••Product identification and transportation
••Food safety system
••Food hygiene training
••Documentation
••Violation history

Tate & Lyle’s SPLENDA Sucralose plant in Singapore operates a zero defect policy using a 50 point in-process checking system to ensure customers receive a consistently high quality product with dedicated service, traceability and security of supply.

“Thanks to the teamwork and effort of all our employees and contractors, Tate & Lyle is proud and honoured to receive this Certificate of Commendation from AVA. We strive to improve continuously and achieve the highest level award,” said Mark Huber, Manager of the SPLENDA Sucralose plant in Singapore.

The Food Safety Excellence Scheme was introduced to recognise food factories that have consistently maintained high standards of food safety. It was initiated by Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA).

The Singapore Primary Production Department was restructured into a statutory board, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority or AVA, on 1 April 2000. As a statutory board, AVA is equipped with greater autonomy and flexibility to enable it to better respond to the challenges faced by the food and agriculture industry in this millennium.