Brussels Food Technology Association (Brufotec)

Established in 1997, the Brussels Food Technology Association (Brufotec) is a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting Brussels-based companies in the food sector with the implementation and monitoring of food safety and hygiene standards. Brufotec's mission encompasses raising awareness among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the agri-food sector about quality-related issues and providing personalized support to ensure compliance with evolving legislation. (brufotec.be ) To achieve these objectives, Brufotec's advisors offer technological assistance, with services subsidized by the Brussels-Capital Region covering 50 to 80% of the costs. This support includes conducting audits, implementing Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) systems, preparing for British Retail Consortium (BRC) audits, training personnel in hygiene practices, performing microbiological analyses, and developing cleaning and disinfection plans. (brufotec.be ) Brufotec also focuses on environmental management by conducting environmental audits, optimizing costs through waste reduction, sampling and analyzing wastewater, and managing packaging waste in collaboration with organizations like Val-I-Pac and Fost-Plus. (brufotec.be ) The association's unique structure includes members and administrators who are representatives of agri-food companies, as well as individuals from Brussels institutions and academic bodies. This composition ensures that Brufotec remains closely aligned with the needs and challenges of the food industry in Brussels. (brufotec.be ) Through its comprehensive services and collaborative approach, Brufotec plays a pivotal role in enhancing food safety, hygiene, and environmental practices among Brussels' agri-food SMEs.