Each year, millions of Americans become sick with foodborne illnesses caused by food and water contamination. If you’ve skimmed the news, you may be familiar with some of the most common foodborne germs – Norovirus, Salmonella and Staph. These bacteria and viruses cause all sorts of unpleasant symptoms and can sometimes even be fatal. To prevent foodborne illnesses, it’s important to take food safety seriously.
Standards and regulations have been established for food processing facilities, and recently, Atlas Copco became the first compressed air manufacturer to become ISO 22000 certified in their commitment to preventing food safety hazards.
About ISO
ISO is the International Organization for Standardization. The independent, non-governmental, international organization includes members from 163 different countries. Members work together to develop standards that support innovation and provide solutions to global challenges, such as controlling food safety hazards and ensuring that food is safe for consumers. With regulations developed by globally-established experts, regulators and governments can rely on ISO standards to help develop guidelines and regulations. In turn, consumers can have peace of mind knowing their products are safe, reliable and high quality.
ISO 22000
ISO 22000 establishes guidelines for food safety throughout the food chain from farm to table. Since compressed air is widely used in the food and beverage industry, it made sense for Atlas Copco to become ISO 22000 certified. The certification process began with an audit of the Oil-free Air Division in Antwerp, Belgium, which manufactures oil-free compressors, blowers and air treatment products. Next, Atlas Copco built a documented Food Safety Management System (FSMS) that helps identify, prevent and eliminate food safety hazards. The FSMS includes a critical control plan, a hazards analysis and programs to ensure a sanitary environment.
Having the ISO 22000 certificate ensures food and beverage manufacturers that their compressed air equipment is made in an environment that promotes food safety and complies with international quality standards.
Do you work with a manufacturer who is also ISO 22000 certified? Leave us a comment below, and tell us why this certification is important to you.
