By Reporter
The company staff, led by the head of operations; Hans Kimbowa took to Nakasero Market in bid to empower the vendors with food safety techniques, and foster the use of safety equipment to avoid contamination of the food, while protecting their health. The Nakasero Market Vendors were gifted with free Hello Fresh Aprons, while the Boda Boda riders (who attended the training because they are in the system of food delivery) got reflector jackets.
Speaking during one of the hands-on training sessions, Kimbowa said that the company realized the need to raise awareness about food safety because of the overwhelming numbers of diseases that arise from consuming contaminated foods.
“There are over 250,000 foodborne infections caused by germs that contaminate food. Most of these infections are caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses and parasites that stem from improper/unsafe food handling. According to an estimate globe report from Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 48 million people across the world get sick from a foodborne illness, 128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 die. Many people don’t want to go to the market. So they are totally oblivious of the levels of contamination in the fresh produce/groceries, and the like, that they buy/consume on a daily. That is why as Hello Fresh Uganda; the biggest advocates for food safety in Uganda; we have decided to raise awareness about it,” explained Kiyemba to a group of Nakasero market vendors.
Kimbowa emphasized proper handwashing, and encouraged the vendors to use gloves while washing the food. He urged vendors to adopt the use of the different forms of human and food protection gear.
“The Hello Fresh application is renowned for timely delivery; the sale of garden fresh produce, and the convenience. But our biggest selling factor is the emphasis on food safety. We have food handling systems to avoid contamination at any stage of production, whether it is acquisition from the farm, cleaning, packaging, or transportation. We understand, fully utilize and preach the notion of ‘Clean and Separate’ in order to maintain safety and health in every produce that we deal. Some of our systems can even be adopted at home. Most people don’t know that beards, and scalp hair should be covered when dealing with food. That, along with so many other ways that food can get contaminated, but people don’t know,” said Kimbowa.
Nicholas Kamya, a water melon dealer in Nakasero Market said he was so thankful that Hello Fresh Uganda had taken the initiative to sensitize the different people about food safety.
“All my 28 years of dealing in water melons, I have never encountered the knowledge I have found here today,” Kamya said.
Kiyemba added that Hello Fresh ensures food safety by orienting even the farmers they deal with, as well as the suppliers about the quality levels of food safety that should go on the market. He added that vendors that deal with Hello Fresh Uganda are scrutinized and assessed, and oriented to be conscious about the safety of the products they are selling.
“One of the most efficient ways to ensure food safety is by dealing with reputed brands in food safety. Like Hello Fresh Uganda for instance. Our advantages aren’t just food safety. We have reasonable pricing. Regardless of season, or scarcity and demand of produce, our prices are the same all year through. We also tailor packages for people. If you want your beef, sea food, Turkey or chicken butchered a certain way, or if you want your veggies or fruits cut before delivered, we will do as the customer instructs/prefers,” Kimbowa said, during an interview with the press
