Barrick Gold Mine - Mali

Macintosh Foodservice Consultants were approached to create a report by Barrick Gold, a company that has contributed almost $10 billion to the Malian economy through its operations in mining. Our consultant traveled to Mali and spent 10 days onsite and is used to working in difficult and challenging environments and have security protocols in place to ensure our staff remain safe at all times. We have carried out projects in countries, such as Iraq, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Madagascar, Mali, The Gambia, Guinea Basu, as well as Australia and European countries.

This report requested would encapsulate a thorough evaluation of the kitchen operations at the following sites of Gounkoto, Loulo, Clubhouse, and two satellite kitchens. Embedded in a mining environment, these kitchens are vital in serving a diverse range of meals essential for the daily sustenance and well-being of the community and key workers they cater to. The focal point of this audit was not merely on the culinary appeal or nutritional value of the meals served but the safety and compliance adept with international food safety standards.

At the heart of this inspection was a commitment to ensuring these kitchens would not only meet but excel in global food safety protocols, notably the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP). This includes a thorough assessment of the kitchens' hygiene practices, the condition of infrastructure and equipment, operational efficiency, and waste management strategies.

The scope of the audit extends to the Gounkoto and Loulo kitchens, each of which plays a significant role in meeting the substantial daily meal demands of their respective workforces. Whilst the Clubhouse kitchen, distinct in its operational model, catered primarily to dinner service with a high demand for takeaway meals. This specific operational context presented unique challenges and safety practices that were scrutinised under this audit.