Third-Party Certification And Accreditation: What You Need To Know

By Isaac Fletcher, contributing writer, Food Online

Food safety accreditation and certification are significant factors in establishing the quality and safety of products, improving brand image, and gaining consumer loyalty. However, with a complicated regulatory landscape, the accreditation and certification processes can be challenging.

For food manufacturers across the industry, providing safety and quality to their consumers is priority one. With a significant amount of certifications and regulations that must be adhered to, the processes of certification and accreditation can be tedious and complicated. To be able to most-effectively bring products to local and international markets, manufacturers need to understand the legal and regulatory landscape in which they are operating.

With a range of considerations — such as the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certifications — just knowing where to start can be a challenge. However, by gaining a better understanding of certification and accreditation framework, manufacturers can better appreciate the value these processes can add to their business.

Certification And Accreditation Structure
The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) is the top of the accreditation and certification framework as the global network of Conformity Assessment Accreditation Bodies. This organization’s primary focus is to reduce risk for businesses and their customers by establishing accredited certificates that are able to be relied upon through a process of global conformity assessment.

On the step below the IAF are the accreditation bodies, which are the governing authorities either operated by the government or working under agreements with the government. These various governing bodies establish the suitability of any participating accreditation and certification body. In turn, they are regularly audited by the IAF to ensure certification schemes are consistent.

Below the accreditation bodies are the certification bodies. These entities are third-party organizations that are accredited by recognized accreditation bodies based upon their auditing abilities and issuance of certifications. These two factors affirm that businesses working within a food industry live up to the required regulations and standards. Among other things the certification bodies are responsible for:

• Meeting international standards for certification management
• Employing impartial and sustainable certification processes and procedures
• Providing competent auditors
• Issuing regular competence reviews of auditors and support staff
• Having an independent advisory board

The Difference Between Accreditation And Certification
Accreditation is a process of validation and verification that is conducted by a globally-accredited body. A business that holds and maintains accreditation signals to the public that it meets the rigorous standards put in place by an accrediting body.

Certification is the assurance and verification received by a business when it demonstrates its conformity to the applied framework. Generally, certification is achieved based upon a form of external review, assessment, or audit. A certification body is responsible for verifying the execution and compliance of the processes used during assessment or audit. Recertification is performed on an ongoing, annual basis.

Best Practices
The wide range of globally-recognized standards includes GFSI-endorsed schemes — such as the International Featured Standards (IFS), Safe Quality Food (SQF), and Food Safety System Certification (FFSC22000). To gain the most benefit from meeting safety standards and regulations, manufacturers are advised to work with reputable and well-regarded third-party certification bodies that are capable of providing experienced guidance through the certification process. Food-safety accreditation and certification are valuable tools for enhancing brand image, fostering consumer opportunities, and opening the door to a variety of market opportunities.