In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, ensuring food safety is more critical than ever. With global supply chains and diverse food handling processes, the risk of contamination, spoilage, and allergen exposure has significantly increased. Food safety solutions play a pivotal role in safeguarding public health by preventing foodborne illnesses and ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory standards.

These solutions encompass advanced technologies, such as real-time monitoring systems, automated traceability, and comprehensive training programs, which help businesses maintain high hygiene standards. Moreover, as consumers increasingly demand transparency and sustainability, effective food safety practices build trust, enhance brand reputation, and promote long-term success in the food industry.

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Rita Abu Obeid, the visionary Co-Founder of Specifico, a leading food safety solutions provider in the Middle East. With a mission to transform food hygiene and safety practices, Specifico addresses some of the industry's most pressing challenges, from contamination prevention to real-time monitoring. Rita shares her insights into how Specifico leverages cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions to help businesses maintain the highest standards of food safety. From sustainable practices to the latest trends in allergen management and traceability, this conversation offers a glimpse into the future of food safety and Specifico’s pivotal role in shaping it.

What were the core motivations behind founding Specifico, and how does the company’s mission address some of the biggest challenges in food hygiene and safety today?

Specifico was founded in response to a growing need for comprehensive food safety solutions in the Middle East, where diverse food industries were facing challenges in maintaining consistent hygiene and safety standards. Our core motivation has always been to bridge the gap between food service practices and evolving safety regulations. Specifico’s mission is rooted in delivering innovative solutions that simplify compliance and ensure the highest standards of safety, which is essential as the food industry becomes more complex and interconnected globally. 

How does Specifico’s technology support real-time monitoring and tracking of food hygiene standards across different stages of food production and distribution?

Specifico leverages advanced technology to facilitate real-time monitoring and tracking of hygiene standards across all stages of food processing. Accordingly, we have introduced "Task Manager Paperless HACCP Solution", a digital system designed to streamline HACCP compliance for food service and production businesses. Among its features automated task scheduling, real-time data collection, remote access, customizable templates, compliance alerts, and integration with IoT devices. This solution eliminates the need for paper records, making audits easier, enhancing efficiency, and reducing human error. It also offers data analytics for performance insights and trends. Ideal for restaurants, manufacturing facilities, catering, and hotels, the solution helps businesses maintain high food safety standards sustainably and efficiently.

Can you discuss some specific methods or tools that Specifico provides to help clients manage and prevent common food safety risks, such as contamination and spoilage?

We offer a range of solutions, including contamination prevention tools, food labeling systems, and temperature control devices. Our food labeling system is designed to streamline ingredient tracking and ensure proper labeling for allergens, while our contamination prevention tools, such as color-coded equipment, help prevent cross-contact. We also offer temperature time and portion control solutions that alert clients when conditions may compromise food safety, allowing them to act quickly to avoid spoilage. Our hands-on and digital training programs equip food handlers with the knowledge to follow safety practices meticulously.

With the continuous evolution of food safety standards, how does Specifico ensure that its solutions remain compliant with international and regional regulations?

Specifico is committed to staying ahead of regulatory changes by continuously monitoring updates in international and regional food safety standards. Our consulting arm, Assured Food Safety by Specifico Quality Consultants, which specializes in HACCP and ISO22000 system implementation enables us to adapt our solutions to meet new requirements proactively. Additionally, our team regularly attends industry conferences and workshops to stay informed about the latest trends and regulatory shifts, ensuring that our clients always have access to compliant, cutting-edge solutions.

What role does Specifico play in helping clients train their staff on food hygiene protocols, and do you offer any hands-on or virtual training programs?

Training is at the heart of our approach to food safety. Specifico offers a range of training options, including hands-on workshops and virtual sessions, covering topics such as HACCP, food safety training levels as required by Dubai Municipality, and allergen management. Our Person-In-Charge (PIC) training is particularly popular, helping staff at all levels understand and implement safety practices effectively. 

In the face of increasingly complex supply chains, what innovations has Specifico introduced to improve traceability and transparency in food sourcing and handling?

Our food labeling combined with our practical (and cheap) traceability system implementation procedure enable our clients to trace each ingredient from its source through every stage of handling and processing. By ensuring each batch is traceable and accountable, we help clients build trust with their consumers and meet regulatory requirements for clear sourcing and handling information.

Could you elaborate on how Specifico’s products address allergen control and cross-contamination, especially for businesses catering to customers with dietary restrictions?

Allergen management is a critical aspect of food safety, and Specifico is the leader in introducing to the UAE market a comprehensive allergen management protocol supported with color-coded utensils and labeling systems to ensure that all allergenic ingredients are clearly identified. For businesses with specific allergen concerns, we also provide consulting services to design kitchens and workflows that minimize contamination risks. 

Looking ahead, what food safety and hygiene trends do you foresee impacting the industry, and how is Specifico preparing to meet these future needs?

We anticipate a growing focus on automation, data-driven decision-making, and stricter regulations combined with qualified manpower. Specifico is investing in AI-driven analytics to help clients predict and mitigate risks before they occur. Additionally, we’re expanding our offerings in sustainability by developing eco-friendly hygiene solutions and waste reduction tools. As the industry shifts toward a more sustainable, technology-integrated approach, Specifico is prepared to lead with innovative solutions that enhance safety while meeting the evolving expectations of regulators and consumers alike.