Ensuring Safer Food: The Role of Food Safety Certifications
Today on June 7th, World Food Safety Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the critical importance of food safety is being celebrated. This year, the theme emphasizes preparedness for food safety incidents, no matter their severity. Food safety incidents, which pose potential or confirmed health risks associated with food consumption, can arise from various sources including accidents, inadequate controls, food fraud, or natural events. While policymakers, food safety authorities, farmers, and food business operators bear significant responsibility in managing these incidents, consumers also play an active role. A crucial element in this ecosystem is the implementation and adherence to food safety certifications such as ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, IFS, BRCGS, GLOBALG.A.P., among others. These certifications are instrumental in ensuring the safety and quality of food from farm to fork.
Food safety certifications serve as a benchmark for food safety management systems, providing a structured framework for organizations involved in the food chain to manage safety risks and improve food quality. Here’s how some of the key certifications contribute to safer food:
ISO 22000 sets out the requirements for a food safety management system and can be certified to it. It maps out what an organization needs to do to demonstrate its ability to control food safety hazards and ensure that food is safe for consumption. The standard integrates the principles of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system and application steps developed by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. By implementing ISO 22000, organizations can identify, monitor, and reduce food safety hazards throughout the supply chain.
The Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) 22000 is based on ISO 22000, ISO/TS 22002 Technical standards, and additional FSSC requirements. It provides a comprehensive certification scheme for auditing and certification of food safety management systems. FSSC 22000 is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), ensuring international acceptance. This certification helps businesses demonstrate their commitment to food safety and fosters trust among consumers and stakeholders.
IFS (International Featured Standards) Food is a GFSI-recognized standard that ensure the safety and quality of food, products, and services. Developed by retailers, brand owners, and food service providers, IFS covers various sectors including food, logistics, packaging, and household products.
BRCGS Global Standards is a leading safety and quality certification program used by over 26,000 certificated suppliers in 130 countries, with certification issued through a worldwide network of accredited certification bodies. The standards guarantee the standardization of quality, safety, and operational criteria and ensure that manufacturers fulfill their legal obligations and provide protection for the end consumer. The BRCGS certification covers areas like food safety, packaging, storage and distribution, and consumer products.
GLOBALG.A.P. is an internationally recognized set of farm standards dedicated to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). Through certification, producers demonstrate their adherence to GLOBALG.A.P. standards, which encompass food safety, sustainability, workers’ health, safety, and welfare, and animal welfare. This certification is particularly crucial in primary production stages, ensuring that food safety begins at the very root of the food supply chain.
Contribution to Safer Food
- Risk Management and Hazard Control: These certifications require rigorous risk assessments and the implementation of preventive controls. By adhering to these principles, organizations can proactively manage potential hazards, thus significantly reducing the risk of food safety incidents.
- Continuous Improvement: Certification schemes promote a culture of continuous improvement. Regular audits and assessments help organizations to continually refine their food safety practices, ensuring that they stay ahead of potential risks and adapt to new food safety challenges.
- Consumer Confidence: Certification provides a clear signal to consumers that a food product has been produced, prepared, and handled according to the highest standards of safety. This trust is crucial for both consumer satisfaction and brand loyalty.
- Legal Compliance: Adhering to certification standards helps organizations stay compliant with national and international food safety regulations, thus avoiding legal issues and potential penalties associated with non-compliance.
- Global Recognition: Many of these certification schemes, such as those recognized by the GFSI, are accepted globally, facilitating international trade. Certified organizations can access broader markets and meet the food safety requirements of international customers and regulatory bodies.
BM Certification offers wide range of food safety certification services, such as ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, IFS, BRCGS, and GLOBALG.A.P. and others. Please contact us if you would like us to certify food safety systems in your company.
Through the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, including certification bodies like BM Certification, we can achieve a safer, more secure food future for everyone.
Do you want to close the form?
Data will not be saved or sent.
Send us a message
Thank you, your message has been received!
