Consulting on certification for FSSC 22000 Version 6.0, BRC, IFS, SQF – Food Safety Management Systems in compliance with EU/UK regulatory requirements for manufacturers and importers eligible to enter the EU and UK markets.

💢 BRC, IFS, FSSC 22000 and SQF Consultant and Certification in Vietnam for Food Safety Management meet to EU/ UK market

Food safety: Traceability, hygiene and controlFood safety is a key issue in EU/ UK food legislation. The General Food Lawisthe EU/ UK legislative framework regulation for this subject. Food products must be traceable throughout the entire supply chain to guarantee food safety,to allow appropriateaction in cases of unsafe food and to limit risks of contamination. An important aspect to control food safety hazards is defining critical control points (HACCP) by implementing food management principles(see Common requirements). Subjecting food products to official controls is another important aspect. Products that are not considered safe will be denied access to the EU/ UK.

Avoid contamination to ensure food safetyContaminants are substances that may be present as a result of the various stages of growing, processing, packaging, transport or storage. Threshold limits for several contaminantsforceto avoid negative impact on the quality of food and risks to human health. The different forms of contamination are:
a) Pesticides: The presence of pesticides is the most common reason for border authorities to reject CTC. Tea, in particular green tea, is often refused for this reason. Be aware that products containing more pesticides than allowed will be withdrawn from the EU market.
b) Mycotoxic: Moulds and fungi are anotherimportant reason for many border rejections. For roasted coffee beans and ground roasted coffee the maximum level of Ochratoxin A (OTA) is set at 5 μg/kg. There are no specific limits for green coffee beans as they are not consumed as such.
c) Poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) -can result from cocoa beans coming into direct contact with smoke, for example during artificial drying using badly designed or poorly maintained driers. The limit forbenzo(a)pyrene is 5.0 μg/kg of fat and 35 μg/kg for the total sum of PAHs. The limit for the latter will become stricter (30 μg/kg) as per 1 April 2015.
d) Salmonella: is a very serious form of contamination and occurs occasionally as a result of incorrect harvesting and drying techniques. Cocoa and coffee beans are considered low-risk commodities. Tea, especially herbal and rooibos tea, is most prone to contamination. In the current EU legislationno microbiological criteria for CTC have been set. Food safety authorities however can withdraw imported food products from the market or prevent them from entering the EU when Salmonella is found present. Irradiation is a way to combat microbiological contamination but this is not allowed by EU legislationfor CTC.
e) Foreign matter: Contamination by foreign matter like plastic and insects are a threat when food safety procedures are not carefully followed.

Food Safety certification and Consultant Scheme conducted by VINTECOM International as a guaranteeAs food safety is a top priority in all EU food sectors, you can expect many players to request extra guaranteesfrom you, such as certifications. Many EU buyers (e.g. traders, food processors, retailers) require the implementation of a (HACCP-based) food safety management system. The most important food safety management systemsin the EU are BRC, IFS, FSSC22000and SQF, which are mainly relevant for processors (not so much for farmers or traders).Different buyers may have different preferences for a certain management system, so before considering certification forone of these standards, it is advised to check which one is preferred (e.g. UK British retailers often require BRC and IFS is more commonly required on the mainland). All the mentioned management systems are recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), which means that any of them should be accepted by several major retailers. However, in practice some buyers still have preferences for one specific management system.

To meet the above requirements, the consulting program for the application of the FSSC 22000 standard at enterprises, provided by VINTECOM International, aims at the following specific objectives:

Developing and Establishing a Food Safety Management System

Identifying Food Safety Risks:
Identify potential food safety hazards.
Developing a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Plan:
Identify, assess, and control food safety hazards throughout the entire production chain.
Establishing Food Safety Policies and Objectives:
Develop strategies and policies aligned with FSSC 22000 standards to ensure product safety and meet customer requirements.
Integrating Prerequisite Programs (PRPs):
Implement and monitor PRPs to ensure hygiene, production environment, and operating procedures meet international standards.

Ensuring Compliance with Legal and International Standards

Meeting Legal Requirements on Food Safety:
Ensure compliance with local and export market regulations regarding food production, processing, and supply.
Aligning with International Standards:
Comply with international standards such as ISO 22000, ISO/TS 22002-1, and additional FSSC 22000 requirements.

Enhancing Food Safety Control Across the Supply Chain

Managing Risks Throughout the Supply Chain:
Establish risk management measures to monitor and control food safety hazards from raw materials to production and distribution.
Improving Supplier Relationships:
Develop a supplier evaluation and management system to ensure raw materials and auxiliary products meet food safety standards.

Enhancing Product Quality and Brand Reputation

Increasing Customer and Partner Trust:
Demonstrate commitment to quality and food safety through an internationally certified management system.
Strengthening Brand Value:
Position the company as a trusted food manufacturer meeting the strict requirements of international markets and major customers.

Supporting Enterprises in Achieving FSSC 22000 Certification

Preparing Documentation and Record Systems:
Develop and complete documents, procedures, and records necessary for certification assessment by an FSSC 22000 certification body.
Certification Audit Support:
Conduct internal audits, address nonconformities, and coordinate with certification bodies to achieve certification.

Improving Internal Management Capabilities

Training Staff on Food Safety:
Enhance awareness and skills among personnel involved in food safety management to ensure the effective operation of the system.
Fostering a Quality Culture:
Embed food safety into the corporate culture, encouraging commitment and participation at all organizational levels.

Minimizing Risks and Optimizing Operational Costs

Preventing Food Safety Incidents:
Reduce the risk of food safety issues, thereby minimizing costs related to product recalls, reputational damage, or legal penalties.
Optimizing Production Processes:
Build efficient production and quality control processes to reduce waste and optimize operating costs.

Contributing to Sustainable Development

Protecting Consumer Health:
Ensure products are safe and of high quality, contributing to public and consumer health protection.
Developing Environmentally Friendly Products:
Support the production of safe, sustainable food, reducing environmental impact during operations.

Expected Outcomes After the Consulting Program:

An International Standard Food Safety Management System: The enterprise will establish and operate a food safety management system compliant with FSSC 22000 standards.
FSSC 22000 Certification: Obtain FSSC 22000 certification from an independent auditing organization, affirming the company's reputation and capabilities in the market.
Improved Product Quality and Processes: Products will meet international standards, enhancing customer satisfaction.
Strengthened Brand Reputation and Expanded Market Reach: Increase trust from customers and partners, opening up opportunities for cooperation with international markets that have strict food safety requirements.
Long-term and Sustainable Development: Achieve a balance between economic, social, and environmental objectives, contributing to sustainable business development.

The Food Safety Certification Consulting Program implemented by VINTECOM International will support food manufacturers and importers as a guarantee.

Since food safety is a top priority across all food sectors in the EU, you can expect many parties to require additional assurance from you, such as certification.
Many EU buyers (e.g., traders, food processors, retailers) require the implementation of a food safety management system (based on HACCP principles).
The key food safety management systems in the EU and UK include BRC, IFS, FSSC 22000, and SQF, primarily targeting food processors (less so for farmers or traders).
Among these standards, it is advisable to check which standard is preferred (e.g., retailers in the UK often require BRC, while IFS is more commonly requested in continental Europe).
All mentioned management systems are recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), meaning any of these systems should be accepted by major retailers.
However, in practice, some buyers may still have preferences for specific management systems.

VINTECOM International’s FSSC 22000 Certification Consulting Program will be customized to the specific characteristics and needs of each enterprise to ensure the highest effectiveness during the implementation and application of the FSSC 22000 standard.

📶📶📶 Contact us to register for FSSC ISO 22000, BRC, IFS, SQF - Food Safety Management Training, Consulting and Certification services.

Customers, organizations and enterprises require Training course, Consulting or Certification services of Food safety management system , please click on "Registration - Quotation" or on the right toolbar below the PC screen to receive a quotation for training, consulting and certification services.

📶📶📶 Further information, Please contact us as below:

🌐 VINTECOM International Office in Ha Noi City: 16th Floor - Green Stars City, 234 Pham Van Dong, Bac Tu Liem District, Ha Noi City. Hotline 094-886-5288/ (024) 730-588-58

🌐 VINTECOM International Office in Ho Chi Minh City: D8-09 Rosita Khang Dien, Nguyen Thi Tu Street, Phu Huu, District 9, Thu Duc City, HCM City. Hotline 0938-083-998/ (028) 7300-7588