HACCP · Food safety
HACCP Hazard analysis and critical control points certification
For food plants and facilities: controls food safety hazards at every stage.
Overview
What is HACCP certification?
HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points. It is a food safety system based on Codex Alimentarius principles rather than an ISO standard, although ISO 22000 incorporates its principles, and HACCP certification is one of the most important certifications in food quality and safety. The HACCP system is designed to identify and assess potential hazards that could affect food safety and harm consumers. Implementing HACCP requires a thorough analysis of food production processes to identify hazards and determine the critical control points that must be closely monitored and controlled. HACCP certification is awarded to organisations that demonstrate their commitment to food safety standards and apply them effectively.
Because of its importance in assuring the quality and safety of food products, HACCP certification is a distinction sought by many companies and organisations across the food industry. Certification shows that your business is committed to supplying consumers with high-quality, safe food, helping to build a positive brand reputation and strengthen customer confidence. HACCP certification also helps you enter new markets and expand exports to countries where food safety standards are essential.
HACCP product safety
HACCP certification strengthens the safety of your food products and protects consumers from health risks.
HACCP customer confidence
Certification builds customer confidence in your products, driving demand and loyalty to your brand.
Compliance with international standards
HACCP certification helps you comply with international food quality and safety standards, opening the door to global business growth.
Process improvement
Implementing HACCP makes your products more efficient to produce and of higher quality, through continual hazard analysis and control of critical processes.
What does HACCP bring your organisation?
The key benefits organisations gain from implementing the standard and achieving certification.
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Improved food safety
Certification strengthens food safety procedures and helps prevent contamination of food products.
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Greater customer confidence
Certification increases customer confidence in your products and processes.
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Compliance with international standards
Certification enables you to meet internationally recognised food safety standards, creating opportunities for export and international expansion.
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A stronger supply chain
Certification can be used to strengthen relationships with your suppliers by involving them in quality and safety standards.
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Lower risks and costs
HACCP helps you analyse hazards and avoid potential problems, reducing remediation costs and legal issues.
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More effective operations
Certification improves the effectiveness of operations and production through close, continuous monitoring.
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Competitive advantage
Certification helps your company stand out in a competitive food market.
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Commitment to social responsibility
Certification demonstrates your company's commitment to social responsibility by supplying safe and healthy food.
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A stronger brand image
Certification enhances your brand's reputation and makes it more attractive to customers.
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Customer satisfaction
Certification helps achieve customer satisfaction by providing food products of high quality and safety.
How to get HACCP certified
A clear path from first contact to receiving your certificate, with support afterwards.
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Step 1: Initial enquiry
Start by contacting us by phone or completing the enquiry form on our website. Our team will answer your questions and give you initial guidance.
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Step 2: Information and guidance
We will give you comprehensive information about HACCP certification and its potential benefits for your business, explaining how certification can improve product quality and food safety.
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Step 3: Initial assessment
Our team will arrange a meeting or call to learn about your business and the scope of certification you need, so that we can set out the audit steps and timescale.
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Step 4: Preliminary planning
Your business identifies the resources and time needed to implement HACCP, and we send you the preliminary audit plan and schedule.
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Step 5: Applying for certification
When you are ready, we will give you full guidance on completing your application for HACCP certification with us. We will explain each stage of the audit.
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Step 6: Training and awareness
Your team can attend our open training courses on HACCP requirements, such as awareness and internal-auditor courses. These are public courses, not tailored to any one business's system.
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Step 7: Ongoing monitoring and evaluation
Your business continually monitors and evaluates its processes to ensure compliance with food safety standards and improve performance.
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Step 8: Verification and inspection
Your business carries out an internal inspection, then we conduct the certification audit to verify that HACCP requirements are met; your business corrects any deviations found.
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Step 9: Certificate issue
Once the inspections and assessments have been successfully completed, you will receive HACCP certification from us as evidence of full compliance.
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Step 10: Follow-up after certification
After certification, we carry out periodic surveillance audits followed by a recertification audit to confirm that you remain compliant with food safety standards.
Free, no-obligation enquiry
Ready to start your HACCP journey?
Tell us about your business and number of branches, and we'll send you a tailored quote, the steps and the expected timeframe.
HACCP frequently asked questions
What is HACCP certification?
HACCP certification is an internationally recognised food safety management system that aims to improve the quality of food products and protect consumers.
What are the benefits of HACCP certification?
The main benefits include improved food safety, greater customer confidence, compliance with international standards and a stronger competitive position.
Who can obtain HACCP certification?
Any food producer or organisation operating in the food industry can obtain HACCP certification, provided it has successfully implemented a HACCP system.
How is a HACCP system implemented?
Implementation involves analysing hazards, identifying critical control points and applying monitoring procedures with continual evaluation.
What are the main steps in applying HACCP?
The steps include hazard analysis, identifying critical control points, developing monitoring procedures and carrying out continual evaluation.
How long does it take to obtain HACCP certification?
It depends on the size and type of business and how well prepared it is. The certification process can take a few months.
Does HACCP certification need to be renewed?
Yes. HACCP certification must be renewed periodically to maintain compliance and quality.
Can a HACCP system be tailored to a specific industry?
Yes. A HACCP system can be tailored to suit your industry and specific needs.