Food safety is a critical issue in the global supply chain, and food safety standards play a vital role in ensuring consumer health, facilitating international trade, and enhancing public trust. In this context, ACS Canada, as a Certification Body accredited by IAS USA (a member of the IAF), aims to develop and promote food safety based on the ISO 22000 standard. This organization provides globally recognized certifications that ensure compliance and credibility in the international food safety arena. Below are the reasons why ACS focuses on ISO 22000 as the preferred food safety standard.
1. Global Recognition of Food Safety Certification
One of the key reasons ACS emphasizes ISO 22000 is its global recognition and acceptance. Local or regional standards, such as in the United States or EU-specific standards, often have geographic limitations. However, ISO 22000, as an international standard, transcends borders and ensures acceptance across all countries and global markets. This feature enables companies in the food supply chain to operate with greater confidence and access international markets without barriers.
Through accreditation by IAS (a member of IAF), ACS Canada ensures that its certifications hold universal credibility and are recognized worldwide.
2. Avoiding Regional Limitations
Food safety certifications must not serve as a barrier to trade by being restricted to specific regions, such as North America or the European Union. ISO 22000 is designed to address the needs of all countries and global organizations, avoiding trade restrictions caused by regionally focused standards. By implementing ISO 22000, ACS ensures that companies can meet global food safety requirements, facilitating international cooperation and trade without unnecessary complications.
3. Alignment with Codex Alimentarius
A significant advantage of ISO 22000 is its alignment with the Codex Alimentarius Commission standards. The Codex, overseen by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), is the most respected and long-standing global authority on food safety. The ISO 22000 standard incorporates the Codex principles, making it a globally accepted framework that meets the highest standards of food safety. This alignment ensures that ISO 22000 certifications are not only internationally recognized but also deeply rooted in the most authoritative food safety guidelines.
4. Comprehensive Coverage of Prerequisite Programs (PRPs)
Food safety extends beyond the final quality check of products; it encompasses all infrastructure and prerequisite requirements necessary to ensure safety at every stage. ISO 22000 provides detailed guidance for the entire supply chain, from initial production to packaging, transportation, and distribution. It emphasizes risk identification, management, and the implementation of PRPs such as hygiene, sanitation, and temperature control. This comprehensive approach ensures that ISO 22000 is a practical and all-encompassing guide for food safety.
5. Structured Governance and Certification Process
One of the critical strengths of ISO 22000 is its well-defined framework for standardization and certification. This standard is developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and issued by recognized Certification Bodies such as ACS Canada, which operates under the accreditation of IAS. These certification processes are further validated by international bodies like the IAF (International Accreditation Forum), ensuring transparency and trustworthiness.
ACS Canada’s collaboration ensures that the food safety certifications it provides are aligned with global standards, offering unparalleled credibility in the market.
6. Why ISO 22000?
ISO 22000 stands out among other food safety standards for offering a comprehensive framework that meets all the requirements of food safety management systems. Key features include:
Systematic Management: Encompasses planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement processes.
Global Coordination: Aligns with international requirements, including import and export regulations.
Integration with Other Standards: Seamlessly integrates with other management systems, such as ISO 9001 (Quality Management) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management).
Versatility: Suitable for organizations of all sizes and sectors, across the entire food supply chain.
Given the growing importance of food safety worldwide, implementing the ISO 22000 standard not only helps organizations ensure the safety of their products but also provides significant competitive advantages in global markets. ACS Canada, by issuing ISO 22000 certifications under the accreditation of IAS (an IAF member), takes a critical step towards improving food safety management, increasing consumer trust, and facilitating international trade.
For more information or to embark on the journey to ISO accredited certification, please do not hesitate to reach out to our head office in North Vancouver or submit your inquiry to info@canadacerts.ca
