Food manufacturing certifications are essential to ensure safety, meet regulatory requirements, and gain consumer trust.
While not all certifications are mandatory, they are increasingly seen as a competitive advantage and, in many cases, a prerequisite for doing business.
Here are 9 essential certifications every US food manufacturing business should pursue.
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1. Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)
Why HACCP Matters: HACCP is a systematic preventive approach to food safety that addresses physical, chemical, and biological hazards. It’s recognized worldwide and is critical for businesses aiming to ensure food safety at every stage of the manufacturing process.
Key Benefits:
- Minimizes food safety hazards
- Improves product quality and safety
- Enhances customer confidence and trust
Implementing HACCP involves identifying potential hazards, establishing critical control points, setting up monitoring procedures, and taking corrective actions when necessary.
Read More: What is HACCP and Why Does the Food Industry Like Its Principles?
2. Safe Quality Food (SQF) Certification
Why SQF Matters: The SQF program is a rigorous and credible food safety and quality program recognized by retailers and foodservice providers worldwide. It’s designed to meet industry, customer, and regulatory requirements.
Key Benefits:
- Provides a comprehensive food safety management system
- Ensures consistent food quality
- Increases market access and customer satisfaction
In short, SQF certification helps businesses demonstrate their commitment to producing safe, high-quality food.
3. ISO 22000 Food Safety Management
Why ISO 22000 Matters: ISO 22000 food manufacturing certification sets out the requirements for a food safety management system. It maps out what your organization needs to do to demonstrate its ability to control food safety hazards and ensure food is safe.
Key Benefits:
- Integrates with other management systems like ISO 9001
- Enhances traceability and accountability
- Reduces risk and improves efficiency
4. FSSC 22000 Certification
Why FSSC 22000 Matters: FSSC 22000 provides a framework for effectively managing food safety responsibilities. This certification itself is based on ISO 22000, ISO/TS 22002-1, and additional FSSC requirements, which makes it a very comprehensive and robust food manufacturing certification.
Key Benefits:
- Recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)
- Demonstrates a robust and effective food safety management system
- Enhances international trade opportunities
The FSSC 22000 food manufacturing certification is ideal for companies looking to integrate food safety management with other management systems like environmental or quality management.
5. Halal Certification
Why Halal Matters: Halal certification ensures that food products comply with Islamic dietary laws, making them permissible for consumption by Muslims. This food manufacturing certification is critical for businesses targeting the growing halal market in the US.
Do You Know: The Muslim population in the USA is expected to more than double between 2024 and 2040, making halal-certified products one of the most in-demand items.
Key Benefits:
- Access to the expanding global halal market
- Increases consumer trust and loyalty
- Ability to charge a premium price
- Increases export ability by meeting import standards of many Muslim countries
Halal certification is not just about meeting religious requirements—it also enhances brand reputation. Consumers are willing to pay up to 15% more for halal certified products.
Read More: 8 Reasons Why Halal Certification is Important for Businesses
Check Out: Apply for Halal Certification!
6. BRCGS Global Standards Certification
Why BRC Matters: The BRCGS Global Standards are a set of safety and quality standards used by over 26,000 certified suppliers in 130 countries. They cover food safety, packaging, storage, and distribution.
Key Benefits:
- Promotes continuous improvement in food safety and quality management
- Facilitates compliance with legal obligations
- Enhances brand reputation and customer confidence
BRCGS food manufacturing certification is particularly valued by retailers and food service organizations, providing assurance that products are safe, legal, and of high quality.
Read More: BRCGS Food Manufacturing Certification Standards
7. USDA Organic Certification
Why USDA Organic Matters: This food manufacturing certification ensures that products are grown and processed according to federal guidelines addressing soil quality, animal raising practices, pest and weed control, and the use of additives.
Key Benefits:
- Access to growing organic market
- Meets consumer demand for organic products
- Enhances product differentiation and marketability
USDA Organic certification is particularly essential if your company is looking to enter or expand in the organic food market. It assures consumers that products meet stringent organic standards.
8. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
Why GMP Matters: GMP certification ensures that products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards. It’s essential for minimizing risks in food production that cannot be eliminated through final product testing.
Key Benefits:
- Ensures product consistency and compliance with regulations
- Reduces risk of contamination and errors
- Enhances operational efficiency and product quality
Implementing GMP involves following detailed, documented processes and procedures that cover all aspects of production, from raw materials to final products.
Check Out: Free GMP checklist for food industry!
9. Non-GMO Project Verification
Why Non-GMO Matters: This food manufacturing certification ensures that products are made without genetically modified organisms (GMOs), meeting the growing consumer demand for non-GMO foods.
Key Benefits:
- Meets consumer demand for transparency and non-GMO products
- Enhances brand trust and loyalty
- Increases marketability and access to non-GMO markets
Non-GMO Project Verification involves rigorous testing, supply chain traceability, and segregation practices, providing assurance that products meet non-GMO standards.
How to Choose the Right Food Manufacturing Certifications
Selecting the appropriate food manufacturing certifications for your business requires careful consideration. These 5 factors should be taken into account:
- Target market: Identify the specific certifications required or preferred by your customers.
- Product type: Different product categories may have specific certification requirements.
- Business size and resources: Consider the cost, time, and personnel needed to implement and maintain each certification.
- Risk assessment: Prioritize certifications that address the most significant food safety risks for your products.
- Long-term goals: Determine how certifications align with your business’s overall strategy and growth objectives.
Explore Halal Food Certification With AHF!
Remember, the right food manufacturing certifications can open your doors to new markets, improve product quality, and ultimately drive business growth.
Interested in exploring how halal food certification can drive your growth? Get in touch with AHF—the #1 ranked halal certification provider in North America!
