Food safety assurance provider AsureQuality is the first Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) in the world to be both accredited to the new FSSC22000-Q scheme, and to issue accredited FSSC22000-Q certification to a customer.
First published in February this year by the Foundation for Food Safety Certification, FSSC22000-Q gives organisations the option to have their Food Safety and Quality Management Systems certified under one certification, by way of one integrated audit rather than individual FSSC22000 and ISO9001 audits.
The first dairy site in the world to gain FSSC22000-Q certification is Fonterra’s Te Awamutu site, with other Fonterra sites awaiting certification.
John McKay, Chief Executive Officer of AsureQuality says, “We are delighted to be able to offer this integrated service to our customers, and it is especially great that the world first has happened in New Zealand.
“Our goal is to be global experts in food safety and quality, and this is another step on our journey to realise this vision.”
Lesley McKeown, Technical Manager for Management Systems at AsureQuality says, “The number of FSSC certifications is rapidly rising globally, and with increased recognition by stakeholders in the food industry it is quickly becoming the global benchmark for food safety.
“The incorporation of ISO 9001 with its strong customer focus provides a robust framework for a fully integrated Food Safety and Quality Management System. This also provides for the management of overseas market access and customer requirements, and also helps an organisation to ensure that they are able to deliver consistent quality and safe food.”
Fonterra Director New Zealand Manufacturing Mark Leslie said this highlights the Co-operative’s commitment to producing the highest quality dairy nutrition and world-leading service.
“At Fonterra safe food, safe people and world class quality underpins everything we do. We do not compromise on any of these and one does not take precedence over the other. This certification is in keeping with the importance we place on each of these critical aspects of our business and a vital step in continuing our journey in becoming the world’s most trusted source of dairy nutrition.”
