Strengthening professional food safety awareness across Pakistan’s hospitality industry, the College of Tourism & Hotel Management (COTHM) Pakistan has reached an important milestone, with more than 1,000 students and industry professionals participating in its Food Safety Certification programme.
The achievement was celebrated at a special certificate award ceremony attended by Richard Sprenger, Chairman of Highfield Group UK, as the chief guest. The event highlighted the growing importance of internationally aligned food safety education and the need to develop a professionally trained workforce for Pakistan’s expanding food and hospitality sectors.
The participation of more than 1,000 individuals reflects increasing recognition of food safety as a fundamental responsibility across hotels, restaurants, catering establishments, commercial kitchens and other food service businesses.
Richard Sprenger’s presence brought international significance to the ceremony, highlighting the value of professional expertise and globally recognised training approaches. Through his leadership at Highfield Group UK, he has been associated with the advancement of professional qualifications and training standards, including in food safety.
The certificate distribution recognised successful participants who undertook specialised training to strengthen their understanding of food hygiene, safe food handling, contamination prevention and workplace safety practices.
In today’s hospitality industry, food safety extends far beyond maintaining clean kitchens. It involves systematic attention to food storage, preparation, temperature control, personal hygiene, equipment sanitation and the prevention of foodborne risks. A properly trained workforce is essential to implementing these practices consistently.
For Pakistan, strengthening food safety education presents an important opportunity to improve consumer confidence and support the long-term development of the hospitality and food service industries. As businesses become increasingly conscious of international expectations, professionally trained personnel can play a vital role in improving operational standards.
COTHM’s engagement with Highfield Group UK demonstrates its commitment to connecting Pakistan’s hospitality education sector with international expertise and professional training opportunities.
The achievement of engaging more than 1,000 students and industry professionals also highlights the potential of educational institutions to influence industry practices through specialised certification and workforce development.
The initiative reinforces a broader message for Pakistan’s hospitality sector: sustainable industry growth requires not only talented chefs and hospitality managers but also professionals who understand the importance of food safety, hygiene and responsibility at every stage of food service operations.
