Food Manufacturing magazine recently interviewed Deepak Vetal, product marketing manager at Atlas Copco, to discuss the new ISO 22000 Certification and its impact on the food industry. The following is an excerpt from the article, Food Manufacturing Q&A: ISO 22000 Certification with Deepak Vetal of Atlas Copco.
What is ISO 22000 and why did Atlas Copco apply for certification?
ISO 22000 is a quality certification from the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) that can be applied to any organization in the food chain. It is a food and beverage (F&B) specific derivative of ISO 9001.
Compressed air is widely used in the F&B industry and is sometimes referred to as the “fourth utility” next to electricity, water and gas. Due to its safety and reliability, more than 90 percent of all processing companies use compressed air as a power source. Atlas Copco has already achieved ISO 8573-1 Class Zero certification, which ensures that the compressed air is oil-free and will not contaminate the F&B manufacturing process. The next logical step was to apply for ISO 22000 certification.
In May 2015, the production facility of Atlas Copco’s Oil-free Air Division in Antwerp, Belgium was awarded ISO 22000 certification after an audit executed by Lloyd’s. The Antwerp facility manufacturers oil-free air compressors, blowers and air treatment products. The certification means Atlas Copco is helping to further the F&B industry’s goal to provide safe, fresh food to its consumers.
We realize that ISO 22000 certification is a key certification for F&B manufacturers. Because compressed air plays such an important role in the F&B manufacturing process, we believe it should also be a key certification for compressor manufacturers who supply equipment to the F&B industry.
What steps are required for ISO 22000 certification?
ISO 22000 certification requires that you build a documented Food Safety Management System (FSMS), which includes instituting a critical control plan, a hazard analysis and programs to ensure a sanitary environment. The documented FSMS helps identify, prevent and eliminate food safety hazards and is becoming increasingly important, as consumers demand safe food and food processors require safe ingredients.
Does ISO 22000 describe a certain quality of food or, more specifically, quality of compressed air?
No, ISO 22000 is a quality management system. The system establishes tested procedures that guarantee the product manufactured is not a food safety risk. As such, the standard does not allow contaminant limits. By using this system, manufacturers prove that their product, equipment and preparation measures do not create a food safety risk.
Interested in learning more?
The ISO 22000 certification serves to reassure consumers that the business they are buying from is working with a supplier who conforms to international quality, safety and reliability standards. Atlas Copco is the first compressed air manufacturer with an ISO 22000 Certification. You can continue reading the article here: Food Manufacturing Q&A: ISO 22000 Certification with Deepak Vetal of Atlas Copco.
