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Who Certifies HACCP

By March 21, 2025No Comments

Who Certifies HACCP?

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) is an essential food safety system that requires certification to ensure compliance. But who certifies HACCP, and what are the key certification bodies?

Key Organizations Certifying HACCP

1. International Certification Bodies

  • Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) – Sets global HACCP principles under WHO and FAO.
  • Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) – Recognizes HACCP within FSSC 22000, BRCGS, SQF, and IFS.
  • ISO 22000 Certification Bodies – Ensure HACCP compliance as part of food safety management systems.

2. Government Regulatory Agencies

Each country has specific authorities certifying HACCP compliance:

  • United States – Food and Drug Administration (FDA) & USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) oversee HACCP programs.
  • European Union (EU) – European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) enforces HACCP requirements for all food businesses.
  • United Kingdom (UK) – Food Standards Agency (FSA) regulates HACCP certification.
  • Canada – Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) ensures HACCP compliance in food industries.
  • Australia & New Zealand – Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) monitors HACCP certification.

3. Third-Party Certification Bodies

  • SGS – A globally recognized HACCP certification provider.
  • NSF International – Certifies food safety compliance, including HACCP.
  • Bureau Veritas – Offers HACCP certification for food businesses.
  • DNV GL – Provides third-party HACCP audits and certification.
  • Intertek – Conducts HACCP certification audits for food manufacturers.

4. Industry-Specific HACCP Certifiers

  • Meat & Poultry – Certified by USDA FSIS and private auditors.
  • Seafood – FDA enforces Seafood HACCP (21 CFR 123).
  • Dairy – HACCP certification applies to milk processing plants under local food safety laws.
  • Retail & Catering – Restaurants and food service providers get HACCP certification through local health authorities and third-party auditors.

5. HACCP Training and Certification Programs

  • Businesses must undergo HACCP training programs before certification.
  • Certification is issued after a successful HACCP audit and compliance verification.
  • HACCP plans must be updated and recertified periodically.

Conclusion: HACCP Certification is Managed by Multiple Entities

HACCP certification is provided by international organizations, government agencies, third-party certification bodies, and industry-specific auditors. Achieving HACCP certification ensures food safety compliance, regulatory approval, and consumer trust.

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