HACCP Certification

What does it mean to be HACCP Certified?

HACCP certification provides proof that your company’s food safety management system is independently audited and conforms to HACCP standards. HACCP certification allows you to provide your consumers with the highest level of food safety and product quality. HACCP certification demonstrates a commitment to excellence, product safety and procedures to continually improve food quality. HACCP certification is to HACCP as Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval is to household products.

Who Needs to be HACCP Certified?

HACCP certification is an essential requirement for businesses involved in high-risk products, including meats and dairy products, seafood, fruits, and vegetables. Additionally, HACCP is a mandatory certification for juice manufacturers in the USA. In other words, any organization involved in the food industry is eligible to apply for HACCP certification.

Who is Eligible for HACCP Certification?

The following is a list of some of the organizations that can benefit from HACCP Certification:

• Fruits and Vegetables
• Milk and Dairy Products
• Meat and Meat-Related Products
• Products from Farms and Fisheries
• Nuts and Nut-Based Products
• Confectionery & Bakery
• Hotels & Restaurants
• Fast-food Restaurants

How do I become HACCP Certified?

HACCP certification begins with an assessment of your company’s food safety management system. The HACCP assessment is a process that independent third parties use to determine whether HACCP requirements have been successfully implemented within your company. HACCP certification ends with regular audits of HACCP compliance and HACCP plan reviews, which demonstrate adherence to HACCP principles and continuous improvement. HACCP certification must be renewed every three years to maintain HACCP compliance. Additionally, a review of the organization’s HACCP plan may need to be performed every year following HACCP certification.

What HACCP standards must be met for HACCP Certification?

HACCP standards provide guidance and procedures for establishing a HACCP system within an organization. HACCP standards generally include the following:

• System Management
• Critical Control Points (CCPs)
• Applicable HACCP-Specific CCPs
• Validating HACCP Implementation
• HACCP Documentation Requirements
• Verification of HACCP System Effectiveness
• HACCP Plan Changes
• HACCP Plan Reviews

What are the Benefits of HACCP Certification?

HACCP certification serves as a competitive edge for companies that export their products internationally, especially into countries requiring HACCP certification. The following are some of the many benefits of HACCP certification:

• Reduces the risk of foodborne illness
• HACCP controls are effective at reducing the risk of contamination by pathogens such as E Coli and Listeria
• Increases productivity by elimination of waste and rework
• Protects against risk factors such as undeclared allergens
• Increases consumer confidence and satisfaction
• Efficient workforce due to enhanced employee awareness and involvement

What is the HACCP Certification Process?

HACCP certification follows a process that includes HACCP principles, HACCP system design, and HACCP implementation. The following are steps required to obtain HACCP Certification through IAS:

Step 1: To acquire a quote for a HACCP audit, fill out the IAS application form.

Step 2: IAS auditors will meet with your HACCP team and schedule the audit.

Step 3: Complete the audit and, if necessary, take corrective action.

Step 4: IAS will then issue HACCP certification.

Once you successfully achieve HACCP Certification through IAS, you can check the status of your certificate by visiting our HACCP Certificate Search Page!

What to Expect During the HACCP audit?

The goal of a food safety audit is to see if your company meets the HACCP standards before obtaining HACCP certification. The auditor will do this by:

• An onsite inspection of your facility is being completed.
• Conducting interviews with relevant employees to establish their degree of comprehension
• Examine a sample of food safety / HACCP records created during the system’s implementation.
• Examine the HACCP plan and any related policies, procedures, papers, and forms.

Remote Audit for HACCP Certification Online

IAS now conducts remote audits to help your organization obtain HACCP certification online. HACCP certification online is available to HACCP managers at companies that are not able to travel for an onsite HACCP audit. HACCP certification online involves an IAS auditor using advanced auditing techniques via phone or web conference. HACCP managers will be given the opportunity to present their company’s HACCP system during the remote audit to achieve HACCP certification online.

Once the HACCP Audit  is successfully completed, your company will be able to proudly display the HACCP certification mark. This mark lets consumers know that your food safety management system has been independently verified to meet rigorous HACCP standards.

HACCP Training – Online HACCP Certification

Before receiving HACCP certification, an organization must provide training to all employees to help them understand the requirements of HACCP. Employees can be granted online HACCP certification after attending the HACCP training. HACCP training is available for HACCP managers and HACCP team members. Candidates who receive online HACCP certification can help organizations successfully implement a HACCP plan.

Features of HACCP Training – Online HACCP Certification

• Covers the basics of HACCP and its application
• Presents HACCP requirements for food safety
• Includes a review of the HACCP audit process
• Explains how to develop, implement, and maintain a HACCP system
• Receive online HACCP certification immediately after course completion

Contact IAS today for further details about HACCP certification!

Click here to learn more about our HACCP Certification procedure! Also, see the HACCP Certification frequently asked questions page to learn more!