Food manufacturing has been and will remain among the highest-regulated industries. ISO Certification for the food manufacturing industry is regarded as a critical element since companies would be dealing with items that are considered basic humanitarian needs, and are therefore required to meet a high standard. Like any other company that works in such an industry, there must exist what is known as HACCP . This is short for Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point.

The Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point should be the first step for any food manufacturer working in such an industry. HACCP aims to ensure the safety and quality of food products by identifying and controlling potential hazards at specific points in the food production process. HACCP is based on the idea that food safety hazards can be prevented rather than just detected and corrected after the fact.

To implement HACCP, a company must first identify potential hazards associated with its products’ production, handling, and distribution. This includes biological, chemical, and physical hazards, such as contamination by bacteria, toxins, or foreign objects.

Taking a step forward, Luke always suggests that companies get ISO 901 and proceed to ISO 22000. This will allow them to understand the foundations of quality management and key processes within the management system, namely sales, purchasing of raw materials, and production.

Another element to consider when looking at ISO 9001 for food manufacturers is the process of choosing suitable suppliers that provide high-quality goods. Additionally, ISO 9001 alos allows food manufacturers to put in place adequate systems that monitor identification and traceability. Such systems will enable manufacturers to know what went into the manufacturing of such products and easily track which batches went to who. This is especially useful for forward and backward traceability in the case of a product recall, where a flaw can quickly be backtracked to its source.

All this fall under the benefits that are reaped when putting in place a quality management system.

Once certified for ISO 9001, your company can look at getting certification for ISO 2200, which talks about the need for a food safety management system. This effectively collects HACCP and the idealogy of ISO 9001 in one management system for food manufacturers keen on exporting food products abroad to other countries and penetrating international markets.

There exists what is known as a BRC certification, which would be the next step after ISO 22000 ISO certification. The BRC certification is a set of guidelines that goes over food safety and quality management systems.

These standards will help any food manufacturer achieve the desired levels that any food manufacturer should have. These are the obvious stepping stones that every company should have if they plan on exporting their products or working with corporations in Malta.

Moreover, suppose your company wants to become a franchisee for an international franchise. In that case, you need to have such certifications in place and a standard of quality and food manufacturing safety. These will help you achieve legal compliance to expand your business and work with more prominent companies.

Don’t wait any longer, reward your organisation with the respective ISO Certification for the food manufacturing industry