Technical Collaboration and Awards

The Society of Food Hygiene and Technology is a voluntary organisation set up in 1979 by a group of professional people to represent the interests and views of everyone involved in food hygiene across all disciplines. Vikan are a Supporting Company Member of SOFHT, the highest level of membership available. Deb Smith, Vikans Global Hygiene Specilaist, is a Director of the organisation and Events Committee member. She also sits in on the monthly Hygiene Managers Forum meetings to provide support and advice.

EHEDG have a goal to be the leading source of hygienic design and engineering expertise, and enhance food safety and quality across the whole industry. Vikan have been corporate members of EHEDG since 2012 and play an active role in the organisation. Deb Smith, Vikan Global Hygiene Specialist, sits on their Advisory Board, is Co-Chair of the UK Regional Section, and Chair of the Foreign Bodies Working Group, currently developing a new guidline on foreign body control in food manufacturing. Vikan regularly sponsors EHEDG events, both at a national and international level, and Deb has presented on the hygienic design of cleaning tools many times at both the on-line and in-person at the EHEDG World Congresses. She also facilitiates workshop sessions at the annual Plenary meetings and, in 2024, helped establish a new regional section in Ireland.

The BRCGS (formerly BRC) Global Standard for Food Safety is a leading, GFSI-recognised certification providing a framework for food manufacturers to manage product safety, quality, and legality, covering HACCP, risk management, and operational controls to build customer and retailer confidence in the supply chain. It ensures rigorous standards through regular audits, helping businesses meet legal compliance and build robust food safety systems for consistent, safe, and high-quality food production worldwide.

Vikan are 'Partners' of BRCGS and review and comment on each new version of their Food Safety Standard at the draft stage. We also work alongside them at conferences, events and webinars to deliver the most up to date information on their standard requirements to end users.

The Global Food Safety Initiative, is a coalition of retailers and manufacturers (powered by The Consumer Goods Forum) that sets global 'benchmarks' for food safety, aiming to harmonise standards and ensure safe food for consumers by benchmarking and recognising various food safety certification programs (like BRCGS, FSSC 22000, SQF) used across the supply chain. It's not a certification itself but a recognised framework that provides confidence and market access for suppliers who achieve certification through GFSI-approved schemes.

Vikan closely monitor and review GFSI Food Safety Scheme benchmarking requirements and work alongside them at conferences, events and webinars to deliver the most up to date information on their standard requirements to end users.

Vikan is proud to collaborate with Lincoln University’s National Centre for Food Manufacturing in the UK, supporting the education of the next generation of food safety professionals. Each year, Vikan Hygiene Specialist Debra Smith delivers a half-day programme to Level 3 Food Technologists and Level 3 Technical Operator Apprentices, covering essential modules in Hygienic Design, Wet and Dry Cleaning, and Biofilm control.

Through interactive workshops and practical demonstrations, students gain hands-on experience with industry-leading hygienic cleaning tools and best practises.

This collaboration helps ensure future professionals enter the industry equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to maintain high food safety standards and support safer, more efficient production environments.

IFST are the UK’s leading professional body for those involved in all aspects of food science and technology. They are an internationally respected independent membership body, supporting food professionals through knowledge sharing and professional recognition. They are also a registered charity (no 1121681). Their membership comprises individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, from students to experts, working across a wide range of disciplines within the food sector.

Deb Smith, Vikan's Global Hygiene Specialist has been a member of IFST since 2004. She now sits on the IFST Committee for the Eastern region, and the IFST 'Scientific Committee', and has been awarded 'Fellowship' status. As an Eastern region Committee member Deb has help organise many regional food-related events, including the Food Science Discovery days at the Food Museum in Stowmarket. As part of her Scientific Committee duties, Deb has produced a number of food science fact sheets for the IFST. She also provides mentoring at the IFST Student Launchpad events.

We are Industry Support Members. Have a Biennial conference which has a workshop and is a platform for submitting and deliberating on issues which have an impact mainly on the FDA Food Code, which influences Food Retail and foodservice regulations in US. Have been an issue submitter in the past. Issues are split between 3 independent Councils i.e. Council I on Laws and Regulations; Council II on Administration; Council II on Science and Technology Issues. Jack is serving on Council II's Allergen Committe and is co-leading the subcommittee responsible for dissemination of changes to the allergen framework. The 2027 Conference will take place in Grand Rapids, MI. Jack is serving on the program committee for the 2027 meeting.