Food Safety

Unsafe food has been a human problem since ever. Although governments all over the world are doing their maximum to improve the safety of the food supply, the occurrence of food hazards remains a significant issue in all countries.

Running a food business can be a great challenge. An essential task for the success of the business is to ensure legal compliance is achieved and that food hygiene and food safety responsibilities are taken seriously.

Food Safety is a key part of our consulting practice. We bring a unique perspective to food safety by combining extensive, practical hands-on experience, with a clear understanding of the business imperatives that are crucial to business success. In cooperation with our partner companies we can assist food operators with the following:

Management Systems According To ISO Standards

HACCP Certification

Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP)

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points, or HACCP, is a systematic, science-based approach for the identification, evaluation and control of food safety hazards. All food business operators are required by food and hygiene legislation, to implement and maintain hygiene procedures based on HACCP principles.

• Principle 1 - Conduct a Hazard Analysis

• Principle 2 - Identify the Critical Control Points

• Principle 3 - Establish Critical Limits

• Principle 4 - Monitor CCP

• Principle 5 - Establish Corrective Action

• Principle 6 – Verification

• Principle 7 - Recordkeeping

HACCP can be applied to all stages of a food supply chain, from food production and preparation processes, to packaging and distribution.

HACCP registration directly addresses key requirements of the Food Safety directives by ensuring that facilities operate effectively under current food safety regulations and comply with recognized HACCP principles.

Key Benefits:

• Reduced risk of producing unsafe products through effectively implemented and managed programs

• Increased internal and external confidence in your products, translating to greater credibility with global customers/partners

• Complying with legal, statutory, regulatory requirements

ISO 22000 Certification

Food Safety Management System

ISO 22000 Food Safety Management Systems is the highest international certification that can be achieved for food safety.

The FSMS incorporates HACCP principles and is compatible with ISO 9001 quality management systems, making it the ideal basis for implementing a comprehensive, cost effective food safety management system.

Since ISO 22000 is a generic food safety management standard it can be used by any organization directly or indirectly involved in the food chain from farming to food services, processing, transportation and storage through packaging to retail.

Key Benefits:

• A clear, auditable, global standard providing a framework to bring together all parts of your Food Safety Management System (FSMS)

• Demonstrates commitment to customer satisfaction

• Compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements

• Improves organizations image

• Aligns with other management systems (ISO 9001, ISO 14001 etc)

FSSC 22000

Food Safety System Certification

Food Safety System Certification 22000 (FSSC 22000) is a robust, ISO-based, internationally accepted certification scheme for auditing and certification of food safety in the whole supply chain.

The requirements are based on ISO 22000, sector pre-requisite programs (PRPs) for which stakeholder organizations have developed technical specifications (eg ISO/TS 22002-1 Food Manufacturing & ISO/TS 22002-4 Food Packaging Material Manufacturing) and Additional Requirements established by the FSSC Scheme.

FSSC 22000 includes transportation and on site storage if part of the operation. It is applicable to all organizations in the food industry, regardless of size and complexity, profit-making or not, public or private.

Key Benefits:

• Continual improvement of processes and resulting operational efficiencies

• Increasing the effectiveness of the Food Safety Management System by integrating pre-requisite programs (PRP’s), HACCP with the Plan-Do-Check-Act philosophies of ISO 9001

• Better consistency and traceability of product

• Complying with legal, statutory, regulatory requirements

• Recognized by the European Cooperation for Accreditation (EA)

GLOBALG.A.P. – Good Agricultural Practices

GLOBALG.A.P. is an internationally recognized set of standards for safe and sustainable agricultural production. It provides a framework for farmers to follow best practices in food safety, environmental management, worker health, and animal welfare. The certification ensures that agricultural products are grown, harvested, and processed in ways that minimize environmental impact, reduce the use of chemical inputs, and protect biodiversity.

• Where it applies:

  • Fresh fruit and vegetables production

  • Livestock and poultry farming

  • Aquaculture and fish farming

  • Flowers and ornamental plants

  • Farm management and post-harvest handling

  Key benefits:

  • Access to international retail and export markets, as many buyers require GLOBALG.A.P. certification.

  • Assurance of food safety and traceability from farm to fork.

  • Reduction in environmental impact through sustainable resource management.

  • Improved worker welfare and occupational safety on farms.

  • Increased consumer trust and brand value through verified responsible farming practices

ORGANIC – Organic Certification

Organic certification verifies that products are produced in accordance with strict organic farming standards, avoiding synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and artificial additives. It promotes environmentally sustainable farming methods and focuses on soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare. Organic standards often vary slightly by country but follow internationally recognized principles.

Where it applies:

• Agricultural crops and horticulture

• Livestock and dairy production

• Organic processed food and beverages

• Organic textiles and cosmetics

Key benefits:

• Access to premium markets where consumers are willing to pay more for certified organic products.

• Enhanced consumer trust through clear and regulated labeling.

• Improved environmental sustainability through soil preservation and reduced pollution.

• Better animal welfare standards.

• Competitive advantage in health-conscious markets.

BRC – British Retail Consortium Global Standard for Food Safety

The BRC Global Standard ensures that food manufacturers and suppliers meet strict requirements for food safety, quality, and legal compliance. It is widely used by retailers and brand owners to approve their suppliers. The standard covers hazard analysis, quality management, hygiene, product control, and process control. BRC is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).

Where it applies:

• Food processing and manufacturing

• Packaging for food products

• Storage and distribution facilities

• Retailer supply chains

Key benefits:

• Compliance with leading retailer requirements in the UK and globally.

• Reduced risk of food safety incidents and product recalls.

• Stronger brand protection and customer trust.

• Improved operational consistency and product quality.

• Recognition by GFSI, enabling global market access.

IFS – International Featured Standards

IFS is a family of internationally recognized standards focusing on auditing food, non-food, and service supply chains to ensure safety, quality, and legal compliance. The most known is IFS Food, which ensures that products are produced in a way that meets both customer specifications and regulatory requirements. IFS is also recognized by GFSI.

• Where it applies:

  • Food production and processing (IFS Food)

  • Logistics and warehousing (IFS Logistics)

  • Packaging materials (IFS PACsecure)

  • Retail and wholesale supply chains

  Key benefits:

  • Facilitates trade with major European and global retailers.

  • Reduces the number of audits required by suppliers through mutual recognition.

  • Strengthens food safety, quality management, and traceability.

  • Enhances competitiveness by meeting high international standards.

  • Builds stronger relationships with buyers and regulators.

HALAL – Halal Certification

Halal certification verifies that products, services, and processes comply with Islamic dietary laws as defined in the Quran and Hadith. This includes ensuring that food is free from prohibited ingredients (haram), such as pork and alcohol, and that slaughtering methods follow Islamic requirements. Beyond food, Halal certification also applies to cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and logistics services.

• Where it applies:

  • Meat and poultry processing

  • Processed food and beverage production

  • Pharmaceuticals and cosmetics

  • Catering, hospitality, and logistics services

  Key benefits:

  • Access to global Muslim markets, which represent over 1.9 billion consumers.

  • Compliance with religious requirements, fostering customer trust.

  • Enhanced product differentiation in multicultural markets.

  • Opportunities for export to countries where Halal certification is legally required.

  • Reputation for ethical and quality-controlled production processes.

KOSHER – Kosher Certification

Kosher certification confirms that products comply with Jewish dietary laws (Kashrut) as outlined in the Torah and interpreted by rabbinical authorities. It ensures that foods are prepared according to strict guidelines, including the separation of meat and dairy, the prohibition of certain ingredients, and specific slaughtering methods for meat. Kosher certification also applies to non-food products like pharmaceuticals and cosmetics if they are ingested or come into contact with food.

Where it applies:

• Meat and dairy processing

• Packaged and processed foods

• Beverages and wine production

• Pharmaceuticals and nutritional supplements

• Food service and catering

Key benefits:

• Market access to Jewish communities worldwide.

• Recognition as a symbol of quality and purity, even among non-Jewish consumers.

• Compliance with religious laws, enabling sales in kosher-only retail outlets.

• Enhanced export potential to countries and regions with large kosher markets.

• Strengthened brand image through adherence to strict production standards.