Certification
Quality - Safety - Traceability - Accountability
We are completely uncompromising when it comes to meeting these criteria.
This applies to our choice of products as well as our choice of suppliers.
The suppliers we choose to work with must be both HACCP and ISO 9001 certified.
And when possible, the products we select must be EU and US certified organic.
Contact us for more information.
HACCP Certification
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) is a systematic and science-based approach to food safety management. HACCP certification is a recognition that a food production or processing facility has implemented the HACCP principles and is following specific procedures to ensure the safety of the food products they produce.
The HACCP system involves identifying and analyzing potential biological, chemical, and physical hazards in the food production process, from raw material acquisition to production, distribution, and consumption. Once hazards are identified, critical control points (CCPs) are determined. CCPs are specific points in the process where control measures can be applied to prevent, eliminate, or reduce these hazards to an acceptable level.
HACCP certification typically involves the following steps:
Hazard Analysis: Identify potential hazards associated with the food production process.
Determining Critical Control Points (CCPs): Identify the critical points in the process where control measures are essential to prevent or reduce hazards.
Establishing Critical Limits: Set specific criteria and limits for each CCP, which indicate when a process is within control.
Monitoring: Regularly monitor the CCPs to ensure they are within the established limits.
Corrective Actions: Develop procedures for addressing deviations from critical limits.
Verification: Periodically review and verify the HACCP plan to ensure it is effective.
Record-Keeping: Maintain documentation of all aspects of the HACCP plan, including hazard analysis, monitoring records, corrective actions, and verification activities.
HACCP certification is issued by accredited third-party certification bodies or agencies. Gaining HACCP certification involves an initial audit of the food safety management system, and ongoing surveillance audits to ensure continued compliance.
Why this is a benefit for you:
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification benefits consumers in several ways:
Food Safety: HACCP helps ensure that the food products consumers purchase are safe to eat.
Consistency: HACCP certification helps maintain consistency in food production and processing. This means that consumers can trust that a product will meet certain safety standards each time they purchase it, regardless of where or when they buy it.
Improved Product Quality: The HACCP process involves monitoring and controlling critical points in food production to prevent contamination and ensure product quality.
Transparency: HACCP encourages documentation and record-keeping, which enhances transparency in food production.
Regulatory Compliance: HACCP is often a legal requirement in the food industry, so products that carry HACCP certification are more likely to comply with food safety regulations. This, in turn, helps protect consumers from unsafe or substandard products.
Risk Reduction: By systematically identifying and controlling potential hazards in the food production process, HACCP reduces the likelihood of food contamination and minimizes the risk of food recalls. This benefits consumers by ensuring that they are less likely to encounter unsafe or contaminated products.
Allergen Management: HACCP certification also addresses the control of allergens, helping to prevent cross-contamination and mislabeling of products. This is especially important for consumers with food allergies or sensitivities.
Confidence and Trust: When consumers see HACCP certification on a food product, it signals that the manufacturer is committed to food safety and quality.
ISO 9001 Certification
ISO 9001 certification, part of the ISO 9000 family of quality management system standards, is a globally recognized certification that signifies an organization’s commitment to maintaining a high level of quality in its products or services. ISO 9001 sets out the criteria for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving a quality management system within an organization.
Key elements of ISO 9001 certification include:
Quality Management System (QMS): ISO 9001 requires the establishment of a documented quality management system that outlines how an organization will ensure product or service quality, customer satisfaction, and compliance with applicable regulations.
Customer Focus: Organizations must prioritize customer satisfaction by understanding and meeting customer requirements and striving to exceed their expectations.
Leadership: Effective leadership and commitment from top management are essential to establish and maintain the QMS.
Involvement of People: The standard emphasizes the importance of engaging and empowering employees at all levels to contribute to the organization’s success.
Process Approach: ISO 9001 encourages the use of a process-oriented approach to managing activities, which involves identifying, defining, and monitoring key processes.
Continual Improvement: Organizations are expected to continually improve their QMS, processes, and overall performance.
Evidence-Based Decision Making: Decision-making should be based on data and analysis to ensure informed and effective choices.
Relationship Management: Building and maintaining relationships with relevant interested parties (e.g., customers, suppliers, and regulators) is crucial for success.
ISO 9001 certification involves a rigorous audit process by an accredited certification body or registrar. To achieve certification, organizations must demonstrate that their quality management system conforms to the requirements of the ISO 9001 standard. This often involves providing documentation, conducting internal audits, and participating in a certification audit.
ISO 9001 is one of the most widely adopted international standards for quality management.
Why this is a benefit you:
Improved Product and Service Quality: ISO 9001 is a quality management system standard that helps organizations ensure that their products and services consistently meet customer requirements and expectations. This leads to improved quality, reducing the likelihood of defects or substandard products reaching consumers.
Increased Customer Satisfaction: ISO 9001 places a strong emphasis on understanding and meeting customer needs. Companies that are ISO 9001 certified are more likely to provide products and services that meet or exceed customer expectations, leading to higher levels of customer satisfaction.
Consistency: ISO 9001 encourages organizations to establish and maintain standardized processes and procedures. This consistency in operations and service delivery ensures that consumers receive a reliable and uniform experience each time they interact with the certified organization.
Better Communication: ISO 9001 promotes effective communication within an organization, which includes listening to customer feedback and addressing customer concerns. This leads to quicker resolution of issues and better customer service.
Continuous Improvement: ISO 9001 requires organizations to continually assess and improve their processes. As a result, ISO 9001-certified companies are more likely to identify and rectify issues, preventing them from affecting consumers and leading to the ongoing improvement of products and services.
Increased Accountability: ISO 9001 encourages organizations to set clear quality objectives and monitor their progress. This accountability ensures that organizations are committed to delivering quality and are more likely to take corrective actions when necessary.
Regulatory Compliance: ISO 9001 certification often helps companies ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and standards. This can lead to safer and more reliable products and services for consumers.
Risk Management: ISO 9001 also addresses risk management, which means that organizations are better prepared to identify and mitigate potential risks that could impact the quality of their products or services, ultimately benefiting consumers.
Ethical Practices: ISO 9001 encourages organizations to adopt ethical business practices. This can result in better treatment of employees, suppliers, and consumers, which is a positive aspect for ethical consumers.
Documentation and Traceability: ISO 9001 requires organizations to maintain records and documentation, which can enhance transparency and traceability. Consumers can have confidence in products and services with a documented quality management system behind them.
Some of our products are certified organic, and meet these standards
European Union Organic
EU organic certification, often referred to as “EU Organic” or “European Union Organic,” is a certification standard for organic agricultural and food products within the European Union. It establishes the requirements and regulations for organic farming and the labeling of organic products sold in the EU market. The EU organic certification program is in line with the European Union’s commitment to promote organic farming practices and ensure transparency and trust for consumers seeking organic products.
Key points regarding EU organic certification include:
Organic Farming Standards: The EU has established comprehensive standards for organic farming, which cover various aspects of organic production, including crop cultivation, animal husbandry, processing, and labeling. These standards define the practices and criteria that must be met to achieve organic status.
Organic Certification Bodies: Organic certification in the EU is typically carried out by authorized certification bodies or authorities. These certification bodies assess and verify that farms, food producers, and processors comply with the EU’s organic regulations.
Organic Labeling: Products that meet EU organic standards can carry the “EU Organic” or “Organic Farming” label. This label signifies that the product is produced and processed in accordance with organic farming practices and complies with EU regulations.
Prohibited Substances: EU organic regulations specify substances that are prohibited in organic agriculture, such as synthetic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Organic Feed for Livestock: Livestock raised for organic meat, dairy, or egg production must be provided with organic feed, and specific requirements exist for their living conditions, including access to outdoor areas.
Traceability: Organic products must be traceable from farm to consumer, ensuring transparency and the ability to verify the organic status of products.
Inspection and Verification: Organic farms and processing facilities undergo regular inspections by certification bodies to ensure ongoing compliance with organic standards.
Organic Imports: Organic products imported into the EU must meet EU organic standards, and they should be certified by recognized authorities or certification bodies in their country of origin.
EU organic certification provides consumers with confidence in the organic claims of food products and ensures that they meet specific organic standards. It also supports the growth of the organic agriculture sector within the EU and contributes to environmental sustainability and animal welfare.
NOP Organic certification, under USDA Organic
The “NOP” in NOP organic certification stands for the “National Organic Program.” NOP is a regulatory program in the United States that sets the standards for the production, handling, labeling, and marketing of organic agricultural products. NOP organic certification ensures that products labeled as “organic” meet specific criteria and are produced using organic farming and processing practices.
Key points about NOP organic certification include:
Organic Standards: The NOP establishes detailed standards for organic agriculture, covering aspects like soil quality, pest and weed management, seed treatment, livestock living conditions, and the use of synthetic substances. These standards aim to promote environmentally friendly and sustainable farming practices.
Organic Labeling: Products that meet NOP organic standards can display the “USDA Organic” label. There are several categories of organic labels, including “100% Organic,” “Organic” (95% or more organic ingredients), and “Made with Organic Ingredients” (70-95% organic ingredients).
Certification Bodies: Organic certification in the United States is carried out by accredited certifying agents or certification bodies. These organizations inspect and verify that farms, food processors, and handlers comply with the NOP organic standards.
Inspections and Audits: Organic farms and processing facilities are subject to regular inspections and audits by certifying agents to ensure ongoing compliance with organic standards.
Prohibited Substances: The NOP specifies substances that are prohibited in organic agriculture, including synthetic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and sewage sludge.
Traceability: Organic products must be traceable from the farm to the consumer, allowing for verification of their organic status.
Record Keeping: Producers and handlers of organic products are required to maintain detailed records of their organic operations and practices.
Imported Organic Products: Organic products imported into the United States must meet NOP organic standards and be certified by recognized certifying agents or authorities in their country of origin.
NOP organic certification ensures that consumers have confidence in the organic claims of food products and helps to maintain the integrity of the organic label in the United States. It also supports the growth of the organic agriculture sector and promotes sustainable and environmentally responsible farming practices.