BSI enters the global food safety certification market

BSI Management Systems has entered the global food safety certification market by becoming an accredited certification body for the Dutch HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) Code.

This specification is recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative as meeting its criteria for HACCP based Food Safety Systems. By being assessed and certified by BSI for this code, organisations involved in the food sector provide assurance that they have leading edge management and control systems in place.

Organisations involved in the production and processing of foods are facing escalating demands to demonstrate that their management practices and procedures are of a consistently high standard across their business operations.  Issues such as food safety scares, increasingly complex supply chains, ethical trading pressures and product quality and safety have put the accountability and transparency of the food sector under the spotlight. 

As organisations within the sector respond to such complex issues, standards and third party verification of such standards have become central to the debate.  Third party certification by BSI against the Dutch HACCP Code will enable organisations inside the sector to ensure diverse stakeholder groups can have confidence in their products and business operations. With its unique pedigree in global management systems assessments, and a recognised worldwide reputation, BSI is able to bring a high level of technical capability and auditor delivery to the implementation of the HACCP global standard.

One of the first clients to have been accessed by BSI for the Dutch HACCP Code is Lebanon-based  Interbrand S.A.L., a food manufacturing company (Libby’s-Nestle Licencee for the Middle East).  Dr. Salah A. Rasoul, General Manager of Interbrand commented: “By being successfully assessed and certified by BSI for the Dutch HACCP Code my organisation is adhering to industry best practice.  It also means that our customers and consumers can feel confident that our products are of the highest possible standard.”

Flemming Norklit, Managing Director, BSI Management Systems added:  “As one of the largest and most widely respected standards bodies in the world BSI is ideally placed to act as a partner for organisations in the food sector.  BSI will help the food industry across the globe to raise its standards. It will also champion industry best practice.”

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For media information:

Wilma Tulloch on +44 (0)20 8996 6330 OR
Marc Edney on +44 (0)20 8996 6330
Notes to Editors

BSI Management System Services for the food sector:

§ The Dutch HACCP code – Requirements for a HACCP based food safety system (2002) – This technical specification is recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative which is made up of food retailers around the world and defines the food safety management system requirements for implementation by food companies operating in the producing and processing food sectors.

§ Certification for the BRC/IoP Food Packaging Standard – The British Retailers Consortium (BRC) Global Standard Food Packaging and other Packaging Materials was developed in conjunction with the Institute of Packaging. It was designed on behalf of retailers and suppliers to help them fulfil their legal obligations to the consumer by providing a common basis for certification for companies manufacturing packaging for food products. The clear intention is to reduce time and costs eliminating multiple audits.

§ Assessment of Social Accountability Management Systems – Ensuring adequate human rights in the workplace of the food supply chain is an essential part of social accountability. Demonstrating transparency and accountability to stakeholders may be achieved through certification to the internationally recognised SA 8000 standard or an assessment against an industry or retailers code of conduct.