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The global food industry is a collective of complex and diverse businesses, both large and small, that work together to feed the population of this planet. Even if your food business is at the smaller end of that scale – think sandwich or coffee shop, or small supplier to these businesses – you may be interested to know that significant benefits can still be gained by implementing ISO 14001 Certification Environmental management system in your business. Many owners or managers can find this benefit enough to give their organization a competitive advantage over rivals. So, what are these benefits, and how can ISO 14001 Certification in the food industry be used to deliver them?
The benefits of ISO 14001 Certification how to realize them
It is widely recognized that ISO 14001 Certification is the premier industry standard used to reduce a company’s environmental impact, but many of the activities initiated by the standard bring other benefits, namely process efficiencies and cost reductions. The article How to get management buy-in for an ISO 14001 project examined how to convince your top management team that ISO 14001 could have cost as well as environmental benefits, and this applies to a business in the food industry as much as any other sector.
The next critical step will be ensuring that your employees understand the positive part that ISO 14001 Certification can play for your food business. You also need to ensure that your supply chain understands, given that you are responsible for the environmental impact that the supply chain creates. So, what is the best way to achieve that? Certain parts of the standard can facilitate initiatives that will help these “dual” benefits to be realized, but what sections should you concentrate on? How can you ensure the resulting actions from the ISO 14001 implementation project can benefit your food business?
Understanding the needs of interested parties.
This is a sub-section of section which deals with defining the context of the organization. Previously we looked at the article Understanding the needs & expectations of interested parties in ISO 14001 Certification and how a company had to assess legislation and the needs of stakeholders, then decide what would become a “compliance obligation.” This provides a defined opportunity for a business in the food sector.
Complying with environmental legislation to avoid fines is a positive factor but consider what your customers want. Redesigning processes, reducing the use of packaging and working to reduce your delivery journeys can not only save considerable amounts of money but may allow you to market or re-brand as “environmentally friendly” as your unique selling point.
Actions to address risk and opportunity.
These actions make up part of section which deals with planning, and once again there are opportunities here that can help a company prosper in the food sector. Adopting an intelligent attitude towards environmental risk can pay dividends, as we discovered in the article Risks and opportunities in ISO 14001 Certification – What are they and why they are important. Whether improving your recycling processes, rearranging your working hours to reduce utility bills or using your new-found “environmentally friendly” status to try and win new business, maintaining a focus on environmental risk and opportunity can bring defined benefits for your food business.
Dealing with environmental aspects.
This also comes within section and though this is a critical part of any EMS (environmental management system), it also presents the chance for benefits in any food business. Controlling emissions, water waste, electricity and the general carbon footprint of the business all have the dual benefit of decreasing the environmental impact while increasing profit margins.
ISO 14001 Certification in the food industry: Use it as a competitive advantage
To learn how ISO 14001:2015(EMS) Certification could provide benefits in a restaurant, and whatever place your business holds in the food sector, read the Case Study: Using ISO 14001:2015 to reduce environmental impact and increase profit in a restaurant.
Ensuring your business gets the benefit
Having an EMS compliant with ISO 14001 Environmental Management System can make environmental and financial sense for businesses in the food sector. The examples given above help illustrate how the initial project investment can quickly be clawed back through reduced bills and profits that entry to new markets can bring. With the food business guaranteed to sustain and expand as our needs and tastes develop, presenting a food product or service to the market that is sustainable and environmentally responsible can help improve your reputation and your business prospects accordingly.
Implementing the requirements of ISO 27001 helps you to secure your business and organization from information security risks and incidents. It is a great way to build a powerful Information Security Management System. Want to enhance the confidence of your customers as well as business partners? Want to take your security policy to the international standard? Or else want to manage the information security within your organization? Then satisfying the ISO 27001 requirements is the biggest solution to solve these problems and to secure your business from business continuity risks.
What is ISO 27001?
ISO 27001 is an international standard of ISO (International Organization for Standardization), specifically developed to focus on the Information Security Management System (ISMS) of the organization. This globally agreed standard specifies the requirements to establish, monitor, maintain, and continually improve the information security system within the context of the organization. As the requirements of ISO 27001 are generic, it can be applied to all organizations, regardless of size, type, and nature. For example, commercial enterprises, government agencies, non-profit organizations, etc.
Introduction to Information Security Management System
The objectives of ISMS are confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The Information Security management system of the organization is responsible for securing confidential data and information assets. This system helps protect your organization’s information in all its forms such as digital, paper-based, intellectual property, company secrets, data on devices and in the cloud, hard copies, and as well as personal information. It sets out the policies and objectives for the organizations to keep important information safe. However, the Information Security Management System is the pillar that protects the entire organization from technology-based risks and threats.
What are the ISO 27000 standards?
ISO 27000:2018
ISO 27000 is a family of Information Security Management System standard. It includes an overview of ISMS and its commonly used terms and definitions. This standard is intended to apply to any size or type of organization that wishes to protect the customers’ data and information. Some of the standards that come under ISO 27000 are,
ISO 27001:2013
It is the most popular Information Security Management System standard, followed by millions of organizations across the world. ISO 27001 helps monitor and control the ISMS and as well as provides audit requirements for the continual improvement of the information security system.
ISO 27002:2013
This provides guidelines for the organizations’ Information Security Management System practices including the selection, implementation, and management of controls. This international standard of ISO is specifically designed for organizations that want to develop commonly accepted information security controls and their own information security management guidelines.
ISO 27005:2011 and ISO 27005:2018
The ISO 27005 gives guidelines for Information security risk management. It is designed to applicable for all types of organizations that intend to manage risks to protect secure information.
ISO 27001 Controls
ISO 27001 helps the organization to manage and reduce information security risks and threats. It provides a list of security controls to protect the organization’s important assets from unauthorized access and to improve the information security system. These controls help to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your organization’s information. The following are the 14 security controls of ISO 27001.
Information security policies
Organization of information security
Human resource security
Asset management
Access control
Cryptography
Physical and environmental security
Operation security
Communications security
System acquisition and maintenance
Supplier relationships
Security incident management
Business continuity management
Compliance
Why is ISO 27001 important?
The requirements of ISO 27001 are indented to improve the Information Security management system of your organization. The implementation of ISO 27001 enhances the credibility and the confidence of your customers and stakeholders in your business process and security system. It protects the reputation of your business and as well as organization. Irrespective of the size and type, the ISO 27001 applies to all the organization that deals with customer data and information such as banks, insurance companies, BPO, KPO, investment banks, etc.
How to certify to ISO 27001?
To achieve the ISO 27001 certification, the organization needs to satisfy the requirements of the ISO 27001 standard. The mandatory requirements are,
Implementation of a risk assessment approach
Have to use the appropriate security controls
Development of the PDCA cycle approach
Secure systems and network
Continual improvement of the Information Security System
Also proper documents and records of the process and procedure.
Highlights of the ISO 27001 Certification
Secure your information with the ISO 27001 standard and secure your reputation with the ISO 27001 Certification. It develops your image and lets you get recognized in the global market place. This certification establishes the effective improvement of the ISMS. It helps manage information security within the organization. It enhances the trust of business partners and thereby ensures a better relationship.
HACCP-Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)
The development of an increasingly developed food world requires each country to collaborate to meet their needs. The process of international trade is not always easy to do and usually the provisions applied by destination countries are non-negotiable.
Regulation and sensitive issues concerning food are considered by a country to be able to import food and food from other countries. To overcome these problems, the export-oriented food and beverage industry must meet international quality standards related to food safety management systems.This is also a requirement that must be met by companies engaged in the food chain.
HACCP Certification for Food Safety address food security demands and help trade food products that meet food safety criteria and consumer demands on health and environmental sustainability.
Scope of work
HACCP certification is evidence of the effective application of HACCP issued by an independent HACCP Certification Body and is a guarantee of food safety through a system that is designed systematically and integrated.
As for the scope of the examination such as:
Cocoa, Tea and Processed Products,
Sugar, Honey and its Processed Products,
Fats, Oils and Processed Products,
Vegetables and their processed products,
Drinking Water and its Products and Drinking,
Meat and processed products,
Poultry and Processed Results,
Serelia, seeds, tubers, and processed products,
Food Additives and Auxiliaries
Spices and Processed Products and
Seasoning
HACCP Certification Process:
Defining the scope of certification; A preliminary visit was conducted to see the gap analysis and diagnosis between the standards applied by the organization against HACCP; Audit certification in 2 stages, namely: Stage 1:
Preliminary audits, namely document and pre-audit audits to test the level of implementation of the HACCP Certification system in the organization, in preparation for conducting a certification audit;
Stage 2:
Certification audit, which is a comprehensive audit to assess the effectiveness of HACCP implementation based on the documentation system that has been made and the scope of HACCP application; Certification issued by UQAS in accordance with the scope of application of the HACCP system and the standards applied by the company and is valid for 3 years from the date of ratification; A supervisory audit will be conducted by IAS to monitor the level of maintenance of the HACCP system; Recertification audit, after 3 years – IAS will conduct an overall certification audit of the organization that has been certified.
How it helps your Organization
We provide comprehensive support for creating and implementing a suitable HACCP Certification for Food Safety, which is an internationally accepted standards for preventing microbiological, chemical and physical contamination, along the food supply chain. A HACCP standard is designed to provide increased control and monitoring during critical stages of the food processing chain. Food safety management system should allow you to identify and control any hazards that could pose a danger to the preparation of safe food. It involves identifying and forecasting what can go wrong, planning to prevent it and making sure you are doing it. HACCP is a legal requirement but will also benefit your business. Check out these some frequently asked Questions.
After reading that you have a question in Mind that how to get ISO Certification for that there are many ISO certification Body to fulfill that. HACCP Certification Body helps to check out the ISO procedure.
Who can applicable for HACCP?
⦁ Fruits & Vegetables
⦁ Dairy Products
⦁ Meat & Meat Products
⦁ Farms, Fish & Fishery Products
⦁ Nuts & Nut Products
⦁ Bakery & Confectionary
⦁ Restaurants & Hotels
⦁ Fast Food Operations etc.
Why your Buisness Should Take HACCP Certification?
Considering HACCP Certification for your business? We’ve thought of our Top 5 reasons why your business should be looking at HACCP Certification. In food safety management a fundamental approach to managing risk is implementing a HACCP framework. This abbreviation represents Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point. It is a system that recognizes, evaluates and controls hazards that are important for food safety. But it’s not normal for companies who don’t handle food to be requested for HACCP Certification ; any company in the supply chain could be approached by their customers or clients for HACCP Certification.
1. Provides confidence around the production of food safety system
Frequently a beginning stage for an association is that a customer has requested that they are certified. Why is this the case? To get confirmation an organisation needs to demonstrate it has processes in place to recognize and control any food safety risks. This capability is Audited by an independent third party prior to any Certifications being issued. This is the place the incentive in the accreditation lies. Consumers and customers can take assurance that the procedures in place meet the requirements of established best practice.
2. Access to an expanded market
As HACCP Services is a requirement for many potential customers organisations find there is access to a more prominent market once they have Certification. It is additionally something that can be utilized in marketing to try and increase some of that market opportunity.
3. Improved Reputation
One of the major risks to a company is a loss of reputation. Imagine the impact of a company that has an incident with its food handling that impacts on its customers and ultimately consumers. HACCP Services helps establish a risk management framework to prevent a major loss of reputation.The opposite side of this is that having Food Safety Management Certification implies HACCP Certification helps enhance the reputation of the organisation due to the confidence it provides consumers and customers.
4. Improved productivity reduction of waste and re-work
Similarly as with any good quality and risk management process, waste is recognized and taken out of the procedure. This helps organisations achieve the benefits of improved productivity.
5. Representative awareness and involvement
A fundamental part of the Certification procedure is making sure employees are adequately trained and are aware of their role in the food safety management system. This helps improve consistency of procedure as well as makes a more engaged workforce.
Benefits of HACCP Certification
⦁ Increase customer trust;
⦁ Improve the image and competence of the company / organization;
⦁ Increasing the opportunity for companies / organizations to enter the global market;
⦁ Increase insight and knowledge of the product;
⦁ Participation in food safety programs;
⦁ Supporting the quality assurance system.
⦁ Improved food safety management system
⦁ Increased awareness of food risks to employees.
⦁ Increased customers and consumer confidence
⦁ Consistency in inspection process.
⦁ Commitment to legal Compliance with food law
⦁ Reduction in complaints about food safety
⦁ Reduced risk of negative publicity.
Are you new to the environment of information security? Looking for an effective method to promote your organization’s information security management system? Or want to gain the confidence of your customers and stakeholders? Establish that your organization is safe for securing the confidential information and data with the ISO 27001 certification.
In this article, we will discuss how to get ISO 27001 certification and the implementation processes required to achieve the ISO 27001 certification.
What is ISO 27001?
Not everyone has a clear idea of ISO 27001. Here is a simple description for those who are new to this security field. ISO 27001 is a popular information security management system standard, developed by ISO especially to help organizations that address customer’s data and information. This international standard provides requirements for your organization to control and manage the information security risks and threats. Also, it ensures the continual improvement of your security system.
Is ISO 27001 Certification mandatory?
Achieving ISO 27001certification is not a mandatory requirement for compliance. But for some organizations, it may be required by law or contractually. Whatever it is, the ISO 27001 certification helps you follow the better information security controls to develop ISMS and to strengthen the security system of your organization.
Whether you are a small company or large organization, the requirements of ISO 27001 are applicable to all that wants to enhance the confidence of the customers/clients in their business processes and system. The ISO 27001 certification ensures that the security controls are in place which helps avoid any security damages to the organization.
ISO 27001 roadmap
“Guide for ISO 27001 implementation and a right path for ISO 27001 Certification”
The ISO 27001 roadmap provides a set of frameworks to implement the ISO 27001 standard in an organization.
Scope of the certification
Develop the scope of the certification based on your organization’s ISMS policies and objectives. This also should be based on your projects and operational processes.
Documentation
Organize all the documents required for certification processes including the management system process, operational system, security controls, etc. By documenting them, you will get an idea of what is missing and what are the elements further required for the implementation process.
Preparation
Implement the specific requirements in the organizations’ process, services and management system. ISO 27001 provides guidelines to follow the best practices to improve the information security controls of your organization. Also, this standard helps you meet the applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. Simultaneously, it also helps you achieve your desired objectives and goals.
Risk assessment
Risk assessment helps you monitor, control, manage and reduce the information security risks and threats in your organization. It certainly ensures the continual improvement of the ISMS performance. Also, it helps you prepare a statement of applicability and risk treatment plan specific to your organization’s objectives.
Why do I need ISO 27001 certification?
By obtaining the ISO 27001 Certification, you can gain the following benefits.
A better positive reputation
A strong relationship with stakeholders
Reduced security risks
Enhanced confidence of the customers
New business opportunities
Increased credibility
Developed competency
Continual improvement in ISMS performance, etc.
Who is ISO 27001 consultant?
To implement the specifications of the ISO 27001, you should have a better knowledge of the ISO 27001 controls and requirements. If your organization doesn’t have anyone who is an expert in ISO 27001, then you should need to hire a consultant to help the implementation process of ISO 27001. He/she will also help you prepare a document and security policy that explains all the operational processes of your organization.
ISO certification consultant also guides you to identify the errors in the operational planning in compliance with ISO 27001 criteria.
ISO 27001 implementation process
Training
Awareness training is a must for employees to have a fundamental knowledge of ISO 27001 and the information security management system. This training also helps employees to understand the organization’s policies and objectives. It enhances their confidence in the operational process that certainly increases the process efficiency of your company.
Gap analysis
Monitor the organization’s process in implementing the ISO 27001 requirements in all phases of the security system. Conduct a gap analysis to review the developed system and find flaws and errors. Rectify them effectively before the real certification audit. This helps to reduce the certification cost, audit duration and non-conformities.
Internal audit
Perform an internal audit to verify the security system of your organization. The auditors within your organization who completed the ISO 27001 lead auditor training/ ISO 27001 internal auditor training are eligible to plan, conduct and manage this audit. Prepare the audit report and implement the non-conformities if there are any.
Certification audit
The ISO certification body will initiate the stage 1 audit based on the scope provided by your organization. The auditor evaluates your documentation to verify whether they meet the requirements of ISO 27001. If there are any deviations in the ISO 27001 implementation, the audit report will be provided with a deviation report.
Stage 2 audit will be performed, once the organization developed the non-conformities given by the auditing team. A thorough assessment will be conducted by the auditors to ensure whether your management system complying all the requirements of ISO 27001 criteria.
Issue of ISO 27001 Certificate
Finally, the certificate will be issued based on the scope and certification audit.
ISO 27001 Certification cost
The cost of ISO 27001 Certification depends on numerous factors. It varies from one agency to another based on its reputation and global recognition. The cost also varies based on the organization’s operational process, size of the organization, number of employees, complexity of the process, etc.
Which ISO Certification body is best?
A certification body is an independent body accredited to provide management system certifications, product certifications and training. It should be accredited by the recognized accreditation bodies like IAF, UQAS, etc.
Make sure you have chosen the right ISO certification body to get the ISO certification. It is also important to enhance the confidence of your clients. The major factors to be considered while selecting a certification body are:
Accreditation
Reputation
Global recognition
Credibility
Auditors’ experience
Quality of services.