How to get HACCP Certification

Is your company interested in HACCP certification? Are you not sure how to get HACCP certification? Then you’ve arrived at the right blog! The process of HACCP certification can seem quite daunting, but this blog will give you a step-by-step guide on how to obtain HACCP certification.

What is HACCP Certification?

HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point. HACCP became well-known as a reliable method for ensuring food safety. In the food business, HACCP has been used to ensure that food reaches consumers in a safe state. HACCP certification is also a good technique to avoid cross-contamination and make sure that proper cooking, storage, and handling protocols are followed. HACCP certification certifies that an individual or firm has the knowledge and expertise to establish HACCP plans and HACCP systems that are compliant with food safety regulations.

Guidelines on How to get HACCP Certification

The general steps to obtaining HACCP Certification are as follows:

• Checking the client’s registration details: This is part of the initial registration and product validation process for HACCP certification.
• A physical walk-through of the facility: This is carried out to confirm that all relevant equipment is present and suitably labeled. Following that, a review of firm paperwork is conducted, including Standard Operating Procedures.
• Initial Product Evaluation: Process samples are collected and assessed to verify if the product meets regulatory requirements. Any available lab reports, certificates of analysis, or other documentation pertaining to the product’s safety is scrutinised.
• Development of a Flow Diagram: A flow diagram is generated that displays all of the steps in the process as well as who is responsible for each one. Protocols are developed for all relevant tests, both for arriving raw materials and for exiting completed products.
• Stability and Reliability of the Product: Three production batches of the product are checked for stability at least 14 days apart.
• Review of Test Procedures and Lab Findings: A review of test procedures and lab reports is undertaken based on any available stability data. A review of sampling and testing data is conducted to confirm that incoming material, in-process products, and finished goods satisfy standards.
• Prerequisite Programs: all prerequisite programs, including HACCP training, pest control, cleaning frequency, equipment calibration, and maintenance records, are thoroughly examined prior to HACCP certification.

When all of the aforementioned steps have been properly accomplished, the product is regarded as suitable for HACCP monitoring.

Steps on How to get HACCP Certification

To obtain HACCP certification through IAS, follow these steps:

Step 1. HACCP Certification Application

The IAS HACCP certification application form will include the following:

1. a) A signed HACCP certification application from the client
2. b) A comprehensive list of all items covered by HACCP certification, including the country of origin, most current inspection certificate (where available), and the Risk Matrix.
3. c) A copy of any HACCP plans applicable to the items being certified.
4. d) If applicable, a letter with a comprehensive set of USFDA laboratory reference numbers for your product. The letter should include the purchase order number, reference number, and the product to be certified.

Step 2: Examine the Paperwork for the Food or Beverage Product.

A review of the client’s documentation is performed prior to HACCP certification. Included are all lab findings, certificates of analysis, stability datasheets, production procedures, raw material requirements, and so on. All documentation is double-checked for compliance with all regulatory authorities as well as internal corporate processes.

Step 3: Assessing the Food or Beverage Product

The products for HACCP certification are chosen for on-site assessment at the client’s location once IAS has examined and approved all of the paperwork. A food safety officer will examine all product characteristics, including ingredients, labeling, processing techniques, storage temperatures, packaging materials, and manufacturing equipment.

Step 4: Conduct a Pre-Audit

The IAS auditor will do a pre-audit of the client’s HACCP system to ensure that all paperwork is in order, that there is no cross-contamination between raw and finished items, and that each product has its own HACCP plan. The system will also be audited to ensure that all equipment and procedures are HACCP-compliant and suitable for the product being produced before HACCP certification can be issued.

Step 5: Audit for HACCP Certification

The IAS auditor looks through the documented HACCP systems, the records of the production facility, and all procedures, such as Quality Assurance, Quality Control, and Production Records. The systems are checked against these records to ensure that they are compatible with each product’s HACCP plan.

Step 6: HACCP Certification Issuance

Following the IAS auditor’s approval of the system’s validation, a quality assurance test will be carried out, which will involve a review of a sample of the product in the real plant setting, along with the necessary paperwork. Once everything has been completed successfully, HACCP certification covering both the client’s location and the products assessed will be provided.

Every IAS auditor is ISO 17025 certified in the areas they audit, and many of them have additional qualifications in the fields of microbiology and food technology that give value to our audits.

Benefits of HACCP Certification

• HACCP certification increases food safety standards and delivers the following benefits to businesses:
• A quality mark of distinction that is recognized all around the world.
• Supports exports and guarantees that domestic and international rules are followed.
• When it comes to food complaints and recalls, HACCP certification is the first line of defense.
• Assists in meeting the requirements of all regulatory authorities.
• Provides credibility to your company’s claims regarding safety standards.
• Many national health authorities, trade groups, food service firms, catering enterprises, and retailers across the world have selected the HACCP certification to improve market access.
• Transparency and trustworthiness are enhanced.
• Ensures that employees are properly trained in HACCP protocols, resulting in increased production.

HACCP Certification Costs

In general, HACCP certification costs about one or two percent of the total production costs. In addition to this, there is a charge for the auditor’s time and travel expenses. Our clients can be sure that they will get value for money considering the benefits gained from being recognized as having a quality system in place. The IAS HACCP certification fees depend on the nature of the client’s business and the products they specialize in producing. We also offer special rates to small companies and non-profit organizations who agree to implement HACCP protocols worldwide.

Contact IAS for more information on how to get HACCP certified at [email protected]