The growth of international trade and the increasing concern for the quality and safety of food have driven the demand for certifications in this sector. These certifications, granted by various governmental, private, or international entities, ensure that food products meet specific standards of quality, safety, and hygiene. However, it is important to recognize that there is no single international certification valid for all markets, as it depends on the geographic location and the market requirements the product is targeting.

Obtaining these accreditations provides consumers with confidence, ensuring that the food has undergone rigorous evaluations to guarantee its safety. Nevertheless, it is crucial for companies to identify which type of certification is appropriate for their product and target market. This involves understanding customer needs and expectations, as well as the specific standards of each industry.

Among the most common food certifications are HACCP, FSSC 22000, Organic Certification, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Kosher and Halal Certification, and TIF Certification. Each of these certifications addresses specific aspects related to food quality, safety, and sustainability, and their selection depends on the nature of the product and the market's preferences.

The Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification is widely recognized and fundamental in the food safety industry. This system focuses on preventing food safety hazards before they occur, unlike other methods that focus on detection after a problem has occurred.

The FSSC 22000 standard, established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), defines the requirements for food safety procedures. This standard is aligned with HACCP principles, which means that its components range from conducting a pre-production analysis, identifying critical control points, planning and executing safe processes, monitoring systems, verifying, correcting, and conducting ongoing audits to improve and maintain the certificate.

FSSC 22000 is just one of the systems integrated into the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). GFSI is a private organization dedicated to improving food safety at an international level. This initiative aims for its partners to improve their standards to ensure food safety. Therefore, not only does FSSC 22000 form part of GFSI, but certifications such as Safe Quality Food (SQF) and the British Retail Consortium (BRC) are also key components of this organization.

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) is another fundamental procedure in the food industry. This system ensures that food is handled and stored safely and appropriately under the guidelines of the certification. GMP consists of various areas to comply with, such as personal hygiene of workers, cleaning and disinfecting equipment and work areas, pest control, safe storage of raw materials, inventory and finished products, process control, waste management to minimize environmental contamination, and staff training.

A certification that prioritizes animal welfare is organic food certification. This process is based on organic farming standards, which cover everything from soil health and environmental protection to ensuring animal welfare. Additionally, it involves accurate labeling that informs the consumer about the product's ingredients and origin. As with most certifications, it also involves audits and inspections to verify compliance with the established requirements.

There are also certifications with a religious background, as some religions have specific dietary restrictions. An example of this type of certification is Kosher certification, which verifies that food complies with Jewish dietary principles. These certifications are based on Jewish traditions, which involve specific guidelines regarding the preparation and combination of foods.

The conditions for a food to be considered Kosher include restrictions on permitted animals, proper removal of blood, separation of dairy and meat products, among other aspects. Furthermore, inspections to verify compliance with these requirements are carried out by authorities specialized in the subject.

It is interesting to observe how the world of food certifications is evolving to address not only food safety but also other aspects such as social responsibility and environmental sustainability. A notable example is the implementation of NOM 010, which sets requirements to demonstrate that food packaging is compostable. This shows how each step in the production process, from creation to disposal of the product, must comply with specific standards to ensure safety and quality.

It is essential to change the perspective on certifications and understand them not only as solutions to existing problems but also as prevention tools. Following the requirements and standards set by certifications helps companies identify and correct potential risks in food production, maintaining the safety and quality of the product.

The benefits of certifying food go beyond meeting regulatory requirements; they can also open new markets, improve product image, and provide security to consumers. Additionally, certification can be a profitable long-term investment, as it prevents costly product recalls from the market due to quality or safety issues.

In summary, food certifications are valuable tools for ensuring the quality, safety, and hygiene of food products. By understanding market needs and committing to meeting certification standards, companies can strengthen their position in the food industry and provide high-quality products to consumers.

At CORE, we are committed to supporting you at every stage of your certification process, from initial preparation to the ongoing maintenance of your certificates. It is crucial to seek advice from experts in the field, as they can offer you precise guidance depending on the market you wish to enter. Let us be part of this process to facilitate the acquisition and maintenance of your certification. Working with us will help you prevent additional costs and save time. Contact us now.

The growth of international trade and the increasing concern for the quality and safety of food have driven the demand for certifications in this sector. These certifications, granted by various governmental, private, or international entities, ensure that food products meet specific standards of quality, safety, and hygiene. However, it is important to recognize that there is no single international certification valid for all markets, as it depends on the geographic location and the market requirements the product is targeting.

Obtaining these accreditations provides consumers with confidence, ensuring that the food has undergone rigorous evaluations to guarantee its safety. Nevertheless, it is crucial for companies to identify which type of certification is appropriate for their product and target market. This involves understanding customer needs and expectations, as well as the specific standards of each industry.

Among the most common food certifications are HACCP, FSSC 22000, Organic Certification, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Kosher and Halal Certification, and TIF Certification. Each of these certifications addresses specific aspects related to food quality, safety, and sustainability, and their selection depends on the nature of the product and the market's preferences.

The Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification is widely recognized and fundamental in the food safety industry. This system focuses on preventing food safety hazards before they occur, unlike other methods that focus on detection after a problem has occurred.

The FSSC 22000 standard, established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), defines the requirements for food safety procedures. This standard is aligned with HACCP principles, which means that its components range from conducting a pre-production analysis, identifying critical control points, planning and executing safe processes, monitoring systems, verifying, correcting, and conducting ongoing audits to improve and maintain the certificate.

FSSC 22000 is just one of the systems integrated into the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). GFSI is a private organization dedicated to improving food safety at an international level. This initiative aims for its partners to improve their standards to ensure food safety. Therefore, not only does FSSC 22000 form part of GFSI, but certifications such as Safe Quality Food (SQF) and the British Retail Consortium (BRC) are also key components of this organization.

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) is another fundamental procedure in the food industry. This system ensures that food is handled and stored safely and appropriately under the guidelines of the certification. GMP consists of various areas to comply with, such as personal hygiene of workers, cleaning and disinfecting equipment and work areas, pest control, safe storage of raw materials, inventory and finished products, process control, waste management to minimize environmental contamination, and staff training.

A certification that prioritizes animal welfare is organic food certification. This process is based on organic farming standards, which cover everything from soil health and environmental protection to ensuring animal welfare. Additionally, it involves accurate labeling that informs the consumer about the product's ingredients and origin. As with most certifications, it also involves audits and inspections to verify compliance with the established requirements.

There are also certifications with a religious background, as some religions have specific dietary restrictions. An example of this type of certification is Kosher certification, which verifies that food complies with Jewish dietary principles. These certifications are based on Jewish traditions, which involve specific guidelines regarding the preparation and combination of foods.

The conditions for a food to be considered Kosher include restrictions on permitted animals, proper removal of blood, separation of dairy and meat products, among other aspects. Furthermore, inspections to verify compliance with these requirements are carried out by authorities specialized in the subject.

It is interesting to observe how the world of food certifications is evolving to address not only food safety but also other aspects such as social responsibility and environmental sustainability. A notable example is the implementation of NOM 010, which sets requirements to demonstrate that food packaging is compostable. This shows how each step in the production process, from creation to disposal of the product, must comply with specific standards to ensure safety and quality.

It is essential to change the perspective on certifications and understand them not only as solutions to existing problems but also as prevention tools. Following the requirements and standards set by certifications helps companies identify and correct potential risks in food production, maintaining the safety and quality of the product.

The benefits of certifying food go beyond meeting regulatory requirements; they can also open new markets, improve product image, and provide security to consumers. Additionally, certification can be a profitable long-term investment, as it prevents costly product recalls from the market due to quality or safety issues.

In summary, food certifications are valuable tools for ensuring the quality, safety, and hygiene of food products. By understanding market needs and committing to meeting certification standards, companies can strengthen their position in the food industry and provide high-quality products to consumers.

At CORE, we are committed to supporting you at every stage of your certification process, from initial preparation to the ongoing maintenance of your certificates. It is crucial to seek advice from experts in the field, as they can offer you precise guidance depending on the market you wish to enter. Let us be part of this process to facilitate the acquisition and maintenance of your certification. Working with us will help you prevent additional costs and save time. Contact us now.