Dec 2007 Financial News

Angostura gets ISO accreditation for testing alcohol

Dec 26, 2007

Angostura Limited’s laboratory has been awarded a certificate of accreditation from T&T Laboratory Accreditation Services (TTLABS) for the chemical testing of alcohol.

This accreditation is a major milestone for Angostura Limited as it is the first Rum Distillery laboratory in the region to attain this international accreditation - ISO 17025:2005 for alcohol testing.

The journey to accreditation began in May 2003, when a regional project entitled ‘Overcoming technical barriers to trade through the strengthening of accreditation systems’ was launched. The project was initiated by the Inter-American Development Bank-Multilateral Investment Fund (IDB-MIF).

One of the major objectives of this project was to facilitate trade and increase the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises through enhanced access to regional and international markets by strengthening the capacity of the accreditation bodies and the conformity bodies in four countries including T&T .

The first step was to set up an accreditation body in this country - TTLABS was established within the T&T Bureau of Standards (TTBS) and is recognised by the Ministry of Trade and Industry as the national accreditation body.

ISO/IEC 17025:2005 is the international standard entitled General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories – particular requirements for quality and competence. This is the standard against which accreditation of laboratories is granted. Any laboratory complying with ISO/IEC 17025:2005 is also in accordance with ISO 9001:2000.

By 2004 Angostura Limited submitted a proposal to TTLABS outlining the Angostura Group’s core business, significant contribution in trade and the economy, the services it provides for the wider community benefit, operations in national interest and the desire by top management to become accredited to international standards.

Angostura Limited’s laboratory also indicated its keen interest in seeking laboratory accreditation and a strong commitment to participate in the components of the regional project. For the past three years Angostura Limited’s laboratory prepared itself to meet the requirements for attaining ISO 17025:2005 quality management systems.

As a result of the high standards it set for itself, on November 1, 2007 the company was awarded the certificate of accreditation for chemical testing of alcohol by TTLABS.

Carol Homer-Caesar, senior manager- quality assurance & laboratory services at Angostura Limited, championed the accreditation process with the commitment and assistance of the laboratory staff.

Source:
The Trinidad Guardian, Page 18
Wednesday December 26, 2007

http://www.guardian.co.tt/business3.html