BSI achieves global food safety management system accreditation
Press release: 30th May 2006
BSI has been accredited to deliver ISO 22000 certification worldwide.
BSI has strengthened its position in the global food safety certification market by being among the first organisations to be independently accredited to deliver certification against ISO 22000, the new international food safety standard. BSI’s accreditation has been granted by UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) the globally recognised accreditation body.
ISO 22000, published in September 2005, specifies the requirements for a food safety management system. The standard combines generally recognised key elements to ensure food safety along the entire food chain including: interactive communication, system management, control of food safety hazards through pre-requisite programmes and HACCP plans, and continual improvement and updating of the management system.
Organisations involved in the food supply chain 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, ethical trading pressures and product quality and safety have put the accountability and transparency of the food sector under the spotlight. With supply chains now more diverse and internationally spread, bringing increased risk to those managing them, the support of an accredited certification body such as BSI is increasingly important.
By being audited and certified by BSI against the requirements of ISO 22000, organisations can demonstrate that they have the management and control systems in place to control food safety hazards and provide consistently safe end-products that meet the requirements of all stakeholders. Ultimately, third party ISO 22000 certification can independently demonstrate an organisation’s commitment to food safety.
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 this truly global standard.
Flemming Norklit, Managing Director, BSI Management Systems added: “BSI is one of the largest and most widely respected certification bodies in the world. With a proven track record of delivering value to the food sector BSI is ideally placed to act as a local and global partner for organisations which are committed to raising food safety standards. Achieving ISO 22000 accreditation independently demonstrates BSI’s competency and credibility in this vital consumer driven market”.
