Understanding the different certifications and claims in the food industry
HACCP Certification (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point)
The purpose of this certification is to guarantee food safety by identifying and controlling hazards throughout the production process.
Main advantages of HACCP certification for a company:
- Regulatory compliance: HACCP certification allows compliance with current food safety regulations.
- Reduced food risks: The HACCP system identifies, assesses, and controls potential hazards throughout the production chain, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
- Improved product quality: Implementing HACCP principles contributes to overall improvement in the quality and safety of food products.
- Enhanced reputation: Certification demonstrates the company’s commitment to food safety, strengthening consumer and partner confidence.
- Access to new markets: Many clients and distributors require HACCP certification, opening new business opportunities.
- Cost reduction: By preventing food safety issues, HACCP avoids the costs related to product recalls and losses.
- Increased traceability: The HACCP system improves product traceability throughout the supply chain.
- Legal protection: By demonstrating the implementation of preventive measures, certification can offer protection in the event of litigation.
Moreover, certification allows for improved and optimized production and quality control processes. It also helps retain personnel through better training in hygiene and food safety standards.
To obtain certification, the process may seem daunting, but it is necessary to get support and undertake it in stages:
- Preparation and implementation of the HACCP system
- Initial audit by an accredited certifying body
- Correction of any non-conformities found
- Certificate issuance if requirements are met
- Steps include:
- Creation of a HACCP team
- Hazard analysis
- Identification of Critical Control Points (CCP)
- Establishment of critical limits for each CCP
- Implementation of monitoring procedures
- Definition of corrective actions
- Verification procedures
- Recordkeeping and documentation
The full process usually takes 6 to 12 months.
The certificate is typically valid for 3 years, with annual surveillance audits.
Costs vary depending on the size of the company and complexity of the processes.
HACCP certification demonstrates a company’s commitment to food safety and can open new business opportunities.
GFSI Certification (Global Food Safety Initiative)
The GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) certification is an internationally recognized food safety certification.
Its goal is to harmonize food safety standards worldwide to increase consumer and distributor confidence.
GFSI recognizes several certification programs, including:
- BRCGS (British Retail Consortium Global Standard)
- IFS (International Featured Standards)
- FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification)
- SQF (Safe Quality Food)
- PrimusGFS (Canada and the US)
- CanadaGAP (for fresh fruits and vegetables)
Certification program owners (CPOs) must demonstrate that their standards meet GFSI benchmarking requirements, which involve an in-depth GFSI evaluation.
Main benefits for companies:
- International recognition
- Reduction in multiple audits
- Improved food safety
- Easier access to global markets
GFSI requirements are regularly updated to reflect the latest food safety advances and must be implemented within the company.
Gluten-Free (claim OR certification)
A “Gluten-Free” claim is a statement or representation on the label or in advertising indicating, either explicitly or implicitly, that a food is gluten-free. This claim is governed by Section B.24.018 of the Food and Drug Regulations (FDR).
Compliance criteria
To be labeled “gluten-free”, a food must meet the following criteria:
- Contain no gluten protein or modified gluten protein
- Contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten
- Contain no intentionally added sources of gluten
Although the regulation does not specify a precise threshold, Health Canada considers that a gluten protein content below 20 ppm generally poses no health risk to people with celiac disease.
Application and compliance
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for enforcing this regulation. Manufacturers and importers must:
- Make every effort to minimize gluten presence due to cross-contamination
- Have good manufacturing or importing practices in place
Labeling and disclosure
Gluten sources (Rye, Oats, Wheat, Barley, Triticale – SABOT) must be declared on prepackaged food labels, either in the ingredient list or in a “Contains” statement following the list.
In summary, a “gluten-free” claim in Canada means:
- No intentionally added gluten
- Less than 20 ppm gluten content
- Labeling must comply with current regulations
ATTENTION
A GLUTEN-FREE CERTIFICATION is different from a GLUTEN-FREE CLAIM in that manufacturers follow a certification program that is independent of the government. This program provides written assurance that a product or company meets specific requirements. Once certified, manufacturers may display the program’s official logo on certified products. The words “GLUTEN-FREE” usually appear alongside the logo.
A logo can appear on a gluten-free product if the manufacturer participates in a certification program. Two certification programs are available for Canadian manufacturers, but other logos may appear on grocery products depending on their country of origin.
Organic (claim OR certification)
A distinction must be made between organic claim and organic certification.
ORGANIC CLAIM
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulates the use of the term “organic” on food product labels in Canada.
Any food bearing the term “organic” must comply with Part 13 of the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR).
To use the organic claim, products must be certified according to Canadian organic standards. This certification must be conducted by a certifying body accredited by the CFIA.
https://inspection.canada.ca/en/food-labels/organic-products/regulating
ORGANIC CERTIFICATION
A certified organic product is one whose production, distribution, and labeling rules have been validated as compliant with organic regulations. The certification guarantees that food is produced according to organic practices, without synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers. In Quebec, this certification is issued by organizations accredited by the Conseil des appellations réservées et des termes valorisants (CARTV).
B-Corp
What is a B Corp company?
“B Corps” (short for “beneficial corporations”) are businesses that act in the general public interest.
They define themselves by their belief that a company must not only generate profits but also benefits for society and the environment.
B Corp certification is the only certification that measures a company’s entire social and environmental performance. The certification not only proves that the company excels today—it also commits it to continuing its mission long term.
Halal Certification
Halal certification in Canada is a rigorous process aimed at ensuring that products comply with Islamic requirements.
Several organizations are accredited to issue halal certification in Canada, including:
- Halal Montreal Certification Authority (HMCA)
- Canadian Halal Food Certifying Agency (CHFCA)
The halal certification process generally includes the following steps:
- Initial evaluation of products and production processes
- On-site audit and verification of compliance with halal standards
- Issuance of the halal certificate after validation
To be certified halal, a product must meet several criteria:
- Contain no prohibited ingredients (pork, alcohol, etc.)
- Be prepared with uncontaminated utensils and equipment
- Meat must come from animals slaughtered according to Islamic rites
- No cross-contamination with non-halal products
This certification allows businesses to:
- Access the Muslim market
- Increase consumer trust in their products
- Differentiate themselves in the food market
Certification bodies conduct regular audits to ensure that certified businesses continue to comply with halal standards.
Resources :
Kosher Certification (or Kasher)
Kosher certification (or kasher) is a rigorous process aimed at ensuring that food products comply with Jewish dietary laws.
Several organizations are authorized to issue kosher certification in Canada, including:
- Kosher Alliance
- The Kashruth Council of Canada (COR)
- Kosher Check
- EarthKosher
The kosher certification process generally includes the following steps:
- Submission of a detailed application by the company
- Initial evaluation of ingredients and products
- On-site inspection by a qualified rabbi
- Review of the application and inspection report
- Drafting and signing of a certification contract
After that, the organization issues a kosher certificate.
To be kosher certified, a product must meet several criteria:
- Use only kosher ingredients
- Be prepared with uncontaminated equipment
- Follow specific rules for certain food types (meat, dairy products, etc.)
- Avoid mixing dairy and meat products
Certification organizations carry out regular inspections, often unannounced, to ensure that certified businesses continue to meet kosher standards.
Kosher certification offers several advantages for businesses, such as:
- Access to a specific consumer market
- Perception of quality and product purity
- Potential for increased sales
Once certified, products may display the certifier’s kosher symbol on the label, subject to final approval.
Kosher certification in Canada is a comprehensive process that guarantees to consumers that the products comply with Jewish dietary laws while offering businesses the opportunity to access a specific market and strengthen consumer trust.
MSC Certification (Marine Stewardship Council) – Seafood Products
The MSC certification aims to ensure that seafood products come from sustainable fisheries and are traceable throughout the supply chain.
The fishery certification and evaluation process is based on three principles:
- Health of fish stocks
- Impact on the marine environment
- Effective fishery management
An annual audit is conducted to maintain the certification.
Certification offers several benefits:
- Access to new markets requiring certified sustainable products
- Market differentiation
- Assurance for consumers regarding the sustainable origin of products
Certified products can carry the MSC label with the little blue fish, recognized internationally.
ASC Certification (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) – Seafood Products
The ASC certification ensures that aquaculture products are produced responsibly, both environmentally and socially.
Certification process:
- Assessment of the aquaculture farm according to ASC species-specific standards
- Audit by an accredited independent certification body
- Certification of the Chain of Custody for businesses in the supply chain
An annual audit is required to maintain the certification.
ASC has developed standards for several aquaculture species important in Canada, including:
- Salmon
- Trout
- Mussels and oysters
- Arctic char
Certification offers several benefits:
- Access to new markets requiring certified sustainable products
- Market differentiation
- Guarantee for consumers of the responsible origin of the products
Certified products may bear the ASC label with the little green fish, internationally recognized.
Fairtrade Certification (fair trade)
Fairtrade certification involves a rigorous process in several steps:
- The company submits an application to FLOCERT, the independent certification body of Fairtrade.
- FLOCERT assesses eligibility and sends a certification file to complete.
- A FLOCERT auditor performs an on-site visit to verify compliance with Fairtrade standards. The audit includes the inspection of facilities, review of documents, and interviews with employees/members.
- FLOCERT then analyzes the audit results and evaluates compliance with the standards. If non-conformities are identified, the company must correct them.
Once all non-conformities are resolved, official certification is granted.
A temporary permission to trade Fairtrade products may be granted after a successful application (for traders) or in the absence of major non-conformities (for producers).
To use the Fairtrade logo, recipes and packaging must be approved. To ensure this, periodic audits are conducted to maintain the certification (every 3 years for producers, 5 years for traders).
Certification allows official use of the Fairtrade label and marketing of certified products.
The process aims to ensure compliance with standards throughout the supply chain.
Rainforest Alliance Certification (fair trade)
Rainforest Alliance certification in Canada follows a process similar to that applied in other countries.
To obtain the certification, you must:
- Review and comply with the requirements of the Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Standard
- Complete the online training offered by Rainforest Alliance
Then you must register:
- Sign up on the Rainforest Alliance Certification Platform (RACP)
- Complete a Supply Chain Risk Assessment (SCRA)
Finally, you may apply for certification:
- Fill out the Certification Application Form (CAF) on the Rainforest Alliance website
- Submit the CAF to an accredited certification body to receive a quote
An independent auditor performs an on-site visit to verify compliance. The audit includes document reviews, staff interviews, and facility inspections.
The certification body produces a report detailing the audit results.
The company must correct all identified non-conformities, and once all these steps are completed and respected, you receive the certificate and approval to use the Rainforest Alliance seal on products.
The certificate is valid for 3 years, with annual maintenance audits.
Certification allows Canadian companies to access new markets, meet consumer expectations for sustainability, and demonstrate their commitment to responsible practices.
Non-GMO Certification (Genetically Modified Organism)
The Non-GMO Project is a voluntary certification program that aims to ensure that products are made without the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
To obtain the certification, you must ensure that food products are made without the use of GMOs throughout the supply chain.
Preparing your application:
- Review of the requirements of the Non-GMO Project standard
- Submission of an application to an accredited technical administrator
- Review of formulations, ingredients, and procedures
- Verification of traceability and segregation systems
Laboratory tests may be carried out to detect the presence of GMOs
An on-site visit by an independent auditor verifies compliance with the requirements. If these are met and satisfactory, a certificate valid for one year will be issued and renewed annually with annual surveillance audits.
The Non-GMO certification allows you to access a growing market that meets consumers’ expectations for transparency; additionally, it allows for differentiation in the marketplace.
Certified products may carry the “Non-GMO Project Verified” label with the characteristic butterfly, widely recognized by consumers.
Vegetarian Certification
Vegetarian certification (not to be confused with vegan certification) aims to ensure that a product contains no animal-derived ingredients resulting from slaughter.
Here are the main points to remember about this certification:
- No meat, fish, poultry, or seafood
- No animal by-products resulting from slaughter
However, it may include dairy products, eggs, and honey. There are several certification bodies around the world that offer vegetarian certifications, but in Canada, it is “certifié végétal” that manages the certification.
To meet this certification, you must meet the following criteria:
- Review of ingredients and manufacturing process
- On-site audit by an independent organization
- Laboratory testing if necessary
Afterward, you will receive a certificate of compliance with the requirements.
There are some advantages to obtaining the certification, such as gaining credibility with vegetarian consumers, differentiating your product in the market, accessing a growing retail and institutional market segment.
The CFIA would therefore not object to the general term “vegetarian” being used to describe foods suitable for one of the types of vegetarian diets:
- Ovo-vegetarian (or ovo-lacto) consumes plant-based foods, dairy products, and eggs
- Lacto-vegetarian consumes plant-based foods and dairy products, but no eggs
- Ovo-vegetarian consumes plant-based foods and eggs, but no dairy products
If a claim referring to one of the vegetarian diets above or another type of “vegetarian” claim is made on a food, it must contain only ingredients from sources included in that type of diet.
Vegan Certification
Vegan certification in Canada (also called plant-based) is a process that guarantees that a product meets the following four requirements:
- No ingredients of animal origin or derived from animals
- No animal testing on ingredients or the finished product
- No genetically modified organisms involving animal genes or animal derivatives
Several organizations offer vegan/plant-based certifications in Canada, such as Vegan Canada.
The certification process includes:
- Review of ingredients and the manufacturing process
- Total absence of ingredients of animal origin
- No testing on animals
- On-site audit by an independent organization
- Verification of the absence of ingredients and animal testing
Afterward, you will receive a certificate of compliance with the requirements.
There are several advantages to obtaining the certification, such as gaining more credibility with vegan consumers, differentiating yourself in a fast-growing market, and meeting the expectations of consumers concerned with ethics and the environment.
Certification applies to various sectors such as food and beverages, but also to cosmetics, textiles, cleaning products…
It is important to distinguish the consumption of vegan food from the practice of veganism, which is a lifestyle combining an exclusively plant-based diet (veganism) and the refusal to consume any product (clothing, shoes, cosmetics, etc.) derived from animals or their exploitation.
Aliments du Québec Certification
The Aliments du Québec certification is a program that aims to identify and promote Quebec food products.
Aliments du Québec offers four certification marks:
- Aliments du Québec: Products composed of a minimum of 85% Quebec-origin ingredients. All main ingredients must come from Quebec.
- Aliments du Québec Bio: Same criteria as above, but with organic certification.
- Aliments préparés au Québec: Products whose processing and packaging are done in Quebec. Ingredients must be of Quebec origin when available in sufficient quantity.
- Aliments préparés Québec Bio: Same criteria as above, but with organic certification.
To apply for certification and obtain your certification, the process is:
- Review of ingredients and the manufacturing process
- Verification of compliance with requirements
If all criteria are met, Aliments du Québec will issue you a certificate.
The certification offers many advantages, such as easy recognition of Quebec products by consumers, promotion of local products, and support for the Quebec economy.
Certified products may bear the Aliments du Québec logo on their packaging, making them easily identifiable to consumers.
SFCR (Safe Food for Canadians Regulations)
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is mandated to enforce Canadian laws governing food, including the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR), which introduced new requirements for food businesses since coming into force on January 15, 2019.
Although many of the details in the regulation concern food safety and traceability, it also includes important requirements related to trade and commerce, particularly concerning buyers and sellers of fresh fruits and vegetables. The regulation provides specific requirements for affected Canadians.
Understanding the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations: Guide for Food Businesses.
