We are delighted to announce that we have once again been awarded two certifications this year in compliance with
- the IFS Food and
- the BRC GS Food Safety.
We had already been awarded the IFS certificate for 17 years running, and the BRC certificate 9 times in succession. We have now succeeded once again in meeting the requirements of both food standards.
“We’re delighted with this result,” comments Lily Hable, a member of staff responsible for Quality Management. “It was a particular challenge this year, in that we were being tested to new versions of both standards.”
Global food standard
Both the International Featured Standard Food and the British Retail Consortium are food standards recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). The IFS has its roots in Germany and France. The BRC is the British equivalent. To ensure we have all bases covered, we subject ourselves to both audits on a regular basis.
4-day audit
During the 4-day audit, the impartial auditor from independent testing institute TÜV Rheinland found that our work met the requirements of both standards.
The following are just some of the points to be closely examined:
- Product quality, authenticity and legal compliance, together with food safety (HACCP)
- Seamless traceability of all products
- Production hygiene
- Technical equipment on site
- Maintenance of specifications and documentation for all operating processes
- Customer focus
On the topic of product protection, all staff demonstrated correct and sensible conduct. On-site safety and the safety of staff and visitors were impressive.
Improving every year
Given that the audit specifications are continually being updated and the evaluation criteria tightened, the annual certification procedure requires us to provide evidence that our processes are constantly being improved. We are, however, also extremely well equipped for the future and are ready to rise to every new challenge.
