Articles
Food Safety & Food Packaging - New Offerings from NQA
by Steve Upton
We continue to grow our ability as a global registration resource with a focus toward the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), whose membership includes most of the major global food retailers such as Wal-Mart as well as food manufacturers like Kraft and Dane One. Outlets such as McDonalds and Burger King require their supply chain to be registered to a recognized Food Safety Management System as well.
To support these registration needs NQA has developed programs aligned with the GFSI programs including:
ISO 22000.2005
ISO 22000 integrates the principles of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system and application steps developed by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. By means of auditable requirements, it combines the HACCP plan with prerequisite programmers. Hazard analysis is the key to an effective food safety management system, since conducting a hazard analysis assists in organizing the knowledge required to establish an effective combination of control measures. ISO 22000 requires that all hazards that may be reasonably expected to occur in the food chain, including hazards that may be associated with the type of process and facilities used, are identified and assessed. Thus it provides the means to determine and document why certain identified hazards need to be controlled by a particular organization and why others need not.
BRC Global Food Safety Standard
Developed by the British Retail Consortium (BRC), a UK trade organization that represents the interests of UK retailers, the BRC's Global Standard for Food Safety has been created to establish a standard for due diligence and supplier approval.
The standard has been adopted by food manufacturers throughout the world, especially by those organizations supplying British retailers. Third-party certification to the standard helps manufacturers, brand owners and retailers fulfill their legal obligations and safeguard consumers. The standard covers a comprehensive scope of product safety areas, as well as the legal and due diligence responsibilities of both the supplier and the retailer.
To whom is it relevant?
It is particularly suitable for companies supplying food products to UK retailers, regardless of the product or country of origin. In most cases certification to this standard is a pre-condition for supplying to UK retailers. It has been adopted by organizations throughout the world.
Requirements
The principal requirements of the standard are the adoption and implementation of a HACCP system, a documented and effective quality management system and a control of factory environmental standards, products, processes and personnel.
BRC Global Packaging Standard
Developed by the British Retail Consortium (BRC), a UK trade organization that represents the interests of the UK retailers, the Global Standard for Packaging and Packaging Materials was developed to assist retailers and manufacturers in meeting their legal obligations.
The standard provides a common basis for the certification of companies supplying packaging to manufacturers and retailers. We are a globally accredited supplier of auditing and certification services to this standard.
To whom is it relevant?
The Global Standard for Packaging and Packaging Materials is particularly suitable for suppliers of packaging materials to food manufacturers who supply UK retailers. Its scope has recently been expanded to include medical, pharmaceutical and consumer goods packaging manufacturers.
Principles of the standard:
- Minimize duplication of evaluation
- Ensure transparency and compliance with fair trading legislation
- Continuously review and improve standards and supporting processes
- Promote best practice
BRC Consumer Products
Developed by the British Retail Consortium, a UK trade organization that represents the interests of UK retailers, the BRC Global Standard - Consumer Products was created to establish a standard for due diligence and supplier approval for the consumer products market.
Retailers have an obligation to supply safe and legal products to consumers and must take all reasonable precautions and exercise all due diligence in the avoidance of failure, whether in the development, manufacture, distribution, advertising or sale of products.
With the increasing demand for retailer branded products, the standard will help to ensure that products meet consumer expectations with regard to quality and safety.
Requirements
- Adoption of a hazard and risk management system and appropriate controls
- A documented and effective quality management system
- Effective control of the site environment, product, process and personnel
If you have questions about any of these standards or if you'd like additional information, please contact Stephen Upton, Director of Food and Product Safety Programs at supton@nqa-usa.com or call (540) 287-2848.
