Are you wondering what an ISO certification is? What is it for? Why do you need it? In today's world, products and services surround us. It is essential to know whether they meet specific standards. Local regulatory authorities require products sold locally to meet standards.  Likewise, products sold globally must also meet requirements from international regulatory authorities. This is where ISO certification comes in.
ISO stands for International Organization for Standardization. Its globally recognised certifications give the bearer a symbol of quality and reliability. In this blog post, we'll dive into what exactly an ISO certification is, what it entails, and why it's essential.

What is ISO Certification?

An ISO certification formally recognises that a company or organization meets specific quality standards set by the International Organization for Standardization. The ISO develops and publishes international standards for various industries and sectors. The certification process ensures that the organization's products, services, and processes meet these standards.
ISO certifications are not mandatory. However, many organizations pursue them to demonstrate their commitment to quality. It gives them a competitive edge in their industry. Additionally, some industries require ISO certification for companies to be eligible for contracts or partnerships.

Types of ISO Certifications

There are many different types of ISO certifications, each tailored to specific industries and sectors. Some of the most common types of ISO certifications include:

1. ISO 9001: This certification is focused on quality management and applies to any organization, regardless of size or industry.
2. ISO 14001: This certification is focused on environmental management and applies to any organization that wants to reduce its environmental impact.
3. ISO 27001: This certification is focused on information security and applies to any organization that handles sensitive or confidential information.
4. ISO 45001: This certification is focused on occupational health and safety and applies to any organization that wants to ensure the safety and well-being of its employees.

The certification process for each type of ISO certification is similar, but the specific requirements and standards vary depending on the certification.

The ISO Certification Process

The ISO certification process is rigorous and thorough. It requires organizations to demonstrate their compliance with the relevant ISO standards. The process typically includes the following steps:

1. Pre-assessment: The organization conducts an internal audit to identify any areas of non-compliance and to prepare for the certification process.
2. Formal assessment: An independent third-party auditor formally assesses the organization's compliance with the relevant ISO standards.
3. Corrective action: The organization must take corrective action to address the issues if non-compliance issues are identified during the formal assessment.
4. Certification: If the organization successfully demonstrates its compliance with the relevant ISO standards, it is awarded the ISO certification.
5. Surveillance audits: The organization must undergo regular audits to maintain its certification and demonstrate continued compliance with the ISO standards.

Why is ISO Certification Important?

ISO certification is essential for some reasons. First and foremost, it demonstrates an organization's commitment to quality and reliability. ISO certification is recognized globally as a symbol of excellence. Certified organizations can only use the ISO logo on their products and marketing materials to promote their commitment to quality.
Additionally, ISO certification can help organizations improve their processes and operations. The certification process requires organizations to identify areas of non-compliance and take corrective action to address them. These can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction.
It can also give organizations a competitive edge in their industry. Many customers and partners prefer to work with certified organizations. The ISO certification can decide whether an organization is awarded a contract or partnership.

How Much Does ISO Certification Cost

Before Certification Process

To prepare for the certification process, it's essential to conduct an internal audit to identify areas of non-compliance and to develop a plan to address them. You should also select a reputable, experienced third-party auditor for the formal assessment. Their expertise can be invaluable in ensuring a successful certification.
ISO certification formally recognises that an organization meets specific quality standards set by the International Organization for Standardization. While not mandatory, many organizations pursue ISO certification to demonstrate their quality commitment. That will give them a competitive edge in their industry. The certification process is rigorous and thorough.
It requires organizations to demonstrate their compliance with the relevant ISO standards. If you are considering pursuing it for your organization, it's essential to understand the commitment and effort that it requires, but the benefits can be significant in terms of improved processes, customer satisfaction, and competitiveness.

ISO Certification for Food and Beverage Company

Food needs customers' trust in its providers among different products and services. ISO helps food and beverage companies build customers' trust in their products and services. It ensures customers that a company is a trustworthy provider. Quality and safety are paramount in the food and beverage industry.
Many companies in this industry pursue ISO certification to ensure that products are safe and meet high standards. This post will discuss getting explicitly certified for food and beverage companies and highlight Gastronomic Living, which has successfully achieved it.

What Does it Mean?

ISO certification for food and beverage companies formally recognises that an organization meets certain quality and safety standards set by the International Organization for Standardization. Several types of ISO certifications may be relevant for food and beverage companies, including ISO 22000, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001.
ISO 22000 is a food safety management system standard that provides a framework for organizations to manage and reduce risks related to food safety. On the other hand, ISO 9001 is a quality management system standard that provides a framework for organizations to improve processes and ensure customer satisfaction. Alternatively, ISO 14001 is an environmental management system standard that provides a framework for organizations to reduce their environmental impact.
The specific ISO certifications relevant to a food and beverage company will depend on factors such as the organisation's size and scope, the products it produces, and the industry regulations it must comply with.

Gastronomic Living: A Company With High Standard Certification

Gastronomic Living is a company that produces high-quality food products, including olive oils, vinegar, and jams. The company is committed to sustainability, quality, and customer satisfaction. It has achieved ISO 22000 certification to demonstrate its commitment to food safety.
To achieve ISO 22000 certification, Gastronomic Living underwent a rigorous assessment process that included an internal audit, a formal assessment by an independent third-party auditor, and corrective action to address any areas of non-compliance. The company also established a food safety management system that includes processes for identifying and managing food safety risks.

Understanding the Benefits

ISO certification provides several benefits for food and beverage companies. First and foremost, it demonstrates a company's commitment to quality and safety, which can help build trust and confidence with customers and partners. This certification is recognized globally as a symbol of excellence, and certified companies can use the ISO logo on their products and marketing materials to promote their commitment to quality.
In addition to building trust and confidence, ISO certification can help companies improve their processes and operations. The certification process requires companies to identify areas of non-compliance and take corrective action to address them, which can lead to improved efficiency, reduced costs, and increased customer satisfaction.
ISO certification can also give companies a competitive edge in the food and beverage industry. Many customers and partners prefer to work with certified companies as it can decide whether a company is awarded a contract or partnership.

The Challenges

Achieving ISO certification for a food and beverage company can be challenging. The certification process is rigorous and thorough, requiring significant time and resources. Companies must establish a food safety management system that meets the relevant ISO standards requirements and undergo regular assessments to maintain certification.
In addition to the certification process, food and beverage companies must comply with various industry regulations and standards related to food safety, labelling, and marketing. These regulations can be complex and constantly changing, requiring companies to stay current on the latest developments and adapt their processes accordingly.
ISO certification is an essential aspect of quality assurance and safety for food and beverage companies. It demonstrates a company's commitment to quality and safety, helps improve processes and operations, and gives companies a competitive edge.
While achieving this standard certification can be challenging, it is worth complying with. Maintaining it proves your organisation is committed to achieving your objectives. It would undoubtedly increase your credibility, giving customers confidence in your product or service.
Gastronomic Living is a food and beverage company based in Doha, Qatar, with ISO 22000 certification. The scope of the certification includes the management of kitchen operation, processing and dispatch of chilled and frozen meat products. It also includes trading firewood, charcoal, outdoor furniture and barbeques. Wanna feel the difference in our products and services? Contact us now!