FOOD SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (FSMS) CERTIFICATION

ISO 22000:2018 Certification Services

Independent Third-Party FSMS Certification by Institute of Good Manufacturing Practices India

Institute of Good Manufacturing Practices India (IGMPI) provides independent third-party certification of Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) against ISO 22000:2018, within the certification scope and food-chain categories for which IGMPI is authorized/accredited.

ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 establishes requirements for bodies performing third-party audit and certification of management systems, including requirements concerning publicly accessible information. (ISO)

1. FSMS CERTIFICATION SCHEME

IGMPI operates a Food Safety Management System Certification Scheme (FSMSCS) for organizations seeking certification of their food safety management systems against applicable FSMS requirements.

The certification activity is conducted in accordance with:

• ISO 22000:2018 – Food Safety Management Systems
• ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 – Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems
• ISO 22003-1:2022 – Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of food safety management systems
• Applicable accreditation requirements and certification-scheme requirements
• Applicable statutory and regulatory requirements

Certification is a management-system certification and does not constitute product approval, product certification, product quality approval or regulatory authorization for individual food products.

2. SCOPE OF FSMS CERTIFICATION

IGMPI provides FSMS certification for organizations operating within the food chain and within the categories included in its approved certification scope.

The applicable food-chain category and subcategory are determined during application and contract review in accordance with the applicable FSMS certification requirements.

The certification scope identifies the applicable:

• Organization/site
• Food-chain category and subcategory
• Products
• Processes and activities
• Services, where applicable
• Geographical location
• Applicable certification standard

The applicable category and subcategory stated on the certification document correspond to the scope approved through the certification decision process. This approach is consistent with the current IGMPI Management System Manual.

3. TYPES OF ORGANIZATIONS THAT MAY APPLY

Subject to the approved certification scope, FSMS certification may be applicable to organizations such as:

Category C4 – Processing of Ambient Stable Products

This category covers organizations involved in the processing and manufacturing of ambient-stable food products, where the finished products are intended to be stored and distributed under ambient conditions.

Applicable C4 Subcategories / Activities

Depending on the organization’s actual activities and approved certification scope, C4 may include:

• Processing of ambient-stable foods
• Manufacture of shelf-stable packaged foods
• Processing of canned and retorted foods
• Manufacture of preserved foods
• Processing of dry or dehydrated food products
• Manufacture of processed food products intended for ambient storage
• Processing and packing of foods where thermal processing, drying, preservation or other validated processes provide the required food-safety controls

Examples may include:

• Bakery and bakery products
• Biscuits and snacks
• Flour and cereal processing
• Pulses processing and packing
• Tea and coffee processing
• Spice processing
• Sugar processing
• Edible oil processing
• Packaged food manufacturing
• Beverage manufacturing
• Other applicable food manufacturing activities within the approved scope

Catering – Category E / applicable subcategories

Where included within IGMPI's approved scope, this may include:

• Restaurants
• Hotels providing catering
• Cafeterias
• Canteens
• Institutional catering
• Corporate and industrial catering
• Flight catering
• Railway catering
• Outdoor catering
• Event and banquet catering
• Food courts
• Quick-service restaurants
• Cloud kitchens
• Central kitchens
• Contract catering
• Meal preparation and delivery services

Note: The actual certification scope is determined during application review and is restricted to the food-chain categories/subcategories for which IGMPI has applicable authorization/accreditation.

4. CERTIFICATION PROCESS

Step 1 – Enquiry and Application

The applicant submits the required certification application information, including:

• Legal name and address
• Contact details
• Certification standard
• Proposed certification scope
• Site(s) covered
• Products and processes
• Applicable food-chain category/subcategory
• Number of personnel
• Shifts and operating arrangements
• Outsourced processes
• Applicable statutory/regulatory requirements
• Existing certification information
• Relevant previous audit information

IGMPI reviews the information to determine whether sufficient information is available to undertake the certification activity. The current manual specifies that application review considers the requested scope, food-chain category/subcategory, sites, competence, resources, audit time, impartiality and other relevant factors.

5. APPLICATION AND CONTRACT REVIEW

IGMPI conducts an application/contract review before accepting certification.

The review considers:

• Requested certification scope
• Applicable ISO 22000 requirements
• Applicable food-chain category/subcategory
• Site and process information
• Applicable legal requirements
• Complexity of operations
• Required competence
• Availability of competent audit resources
• Audit duration
• Language and accessibility requirements
• Impartiality and conflict-of-interest considerations
• Previous certification information, where applicable

IGMPI may accept or decline an application based on the outcome of the review. Where an application is declined, the reason is documented and communicated to the applicant.

6. AUDIT PROCESS

IGMPI's certification audit process consists, as applicable, of:

Stage 1 Audit

Stage 1 is conducted to evaluate readiness for Stage 2 and may include review of:

• FSMS documentation
• Organization and site information
• HACCP/food safety studies
• Applicable prerequisite programmes
• Legal and regulatory requirements
• Internal audit arrangements
• Management review
• Operational preparedness
• Relevant food-chain processes

Stage 2 Audit

Stage 2 evaluates the implementation and effectiveness of the FSMS at the client's site(s).

The audit team evaluates objective evidence against the applicable certification requirements and reports identified nonconformities and other findings in accordance with the certification procedure.

Surveillance Audits

Following certification, surveillance audits are conducted in accordance with the applicable certification programme.

IGMPI's manual specifies that surveillance audits are conducted at least once in each calendar year, except in recertification years, with the first surveillance audit following initial certification scheduled within the applicable required period.

Recertification Audit

A recertification audit is conducted before expiry of the certification cycle to evaluate continued conformity and effectiveness of the FSMS.

7. CERTIFICATION DECISION

Certification is not granted automatically on completion of an audit.

After completion of the audit and closure/evaluation of applicable nonconformities, the certification file undergoes the required independent review and certification decision process.

The person(s) responsible for the certification decision are independent from the personnel who conducted the audit and have the required competence.

The decision may result in:

• Granting certification
• Refusing certification
• Maintaining certification
• Renewing certification
• Expanding certification scope
• Reducing certification scope
• Suspending certification
• Restoring certification following suspension
• Withdrawing certification

Communication with Client – Certification Decision IF_74

The IGMPI manual specifically establishes independent certification decision arrangements for these certification outcomes.

8. GRANTING CERTIFICATION

Certification is granted only after the required certification activities have been completed and an authorized certification decision has been made.

The certificate identifies applicable information such as:

• Certified organization
• Address/site
• Certification standard
• Certification scope
• Applicable food-chain category/subcategory
• Certificate number
• Issue date
• Expiry date
• Other applicable certification/accreditation information

9. REFUSAL OF CERTIFICATION

IGMPI may refuse certification where the applicable certification requirements have not been demonstrated or where the conditions necessary for certification have not been fulfilled.

The decision and applicable reasons are documented in the certification records.

10. MAINTENANCE OF CERTIFICATION

Certified organizations are required to maintain conformity with the applicable certification requirements throughout the certification cycle.

IGMPI verifies continued conformity through the applicable surveillance and other certification activities.

The certified organization is required to notify IGMPI of significant changes that may affect the certified FSMS or certification scope.

Such changes may include changes to:

• Legal or organizational status
• Ownership
• Management
• Certified sites
• Scope of operations
• Products/processes
• FSMS
• Significant operational arrangements

IGMPI evaluates notified changes and determines the appropriate certification action.

11. EXPANSION OR REDUCTION OF CERTIFICATION SCOPE

A certified organization may request expansion or reduction of its certification scope.

IGMPI reviews the requested change and determines the appropriate evaluation/audit activities.

Expansion or reduction of scope is subject to an independent certification decision.

12. SUSPENSION OF CERTIFICATION

Certification may be suspended where the applicable certification requirements are not fulfilled or where circumstances defined within the certification requirements warrant suspension.

During suspension, the organization shall not represent its certification as valid for activities affected by the suspension.

The conditions and process for restoration are determined through the applicable certification procedure.

13. RESTORATION OF CERTIFICATION

Where certification has been suspended, IGMPI evaluates the corrective actions and evidence submitted by the certified organization and determines whether the conditions for restoration have been fulfilled.

Restoration is subject to the applicable certification decision process.

14. WITHDRAWAL OF CERTIFICATION

Certification may be withdrawn in accordance with the applicable certification procedure where the conditions for continued certification are not fulfilled or where withdrawal is otherwise required.

Following withdrawal, the organization shall cease representing itself as certified by IGMPI for the withdrawn scope.

15. CERTIFICATION RENEWAL / RECERTIFICATION

Certification is renewed following successful completion of the applicable recertification process and an independent certification decision.

The recertification process evaluates continued conformity and effectiveness of the FSMS and considers the performance of the management system over the certification cycle.

16. CERTIFICATION STATUS

IGMPI maintains information relating to the certification status of certified organizations.

Information concerning a specific certification may be requested from IGMPI.

The certification status may include, as applicable:

• Certified / valid
• Suspended
• Restored
• Withdrawn
• Expired
• Scope expanded
• Scope reduced

For verification of a particular certificate, please provide the certificate number and/or certified organization's name to IGMPI.

Certification Status Verification: Email: info@igmpi.ac.in Phone: 8826265105

17. INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR A SPECIFIC CERTIFIED CLIENT

Upon request, IGMPI can provide applicable information concerning a specific certified client, including:

• Name of certified organization
• Applicable normative document
• Certified scope
• Applicable food-chain category/subcategory
• Geographical location – city and country
• Certification status

Information is provided subject to applicable confidentiality requirements.

The IGMPI Management System Manual specifically identifies these categories of information for provision upon request under its Clause 8.1.2 implementation.

18. GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS OF OPERATION

IGMPI operates its FSMS certification activities from its office in:

Institute of Good Manufacturing Practices India C-6, Qutab Institutional Area, Near Old JNU Campus New Delhi – 110016, India

Geographical area of certification activity: Operates in India, subject to IGMPI's approved/accredited certification scope and applicable contractual and accreditation requirements.

Requests concerning certification activities outside the stated operational scope shall be reviewed by IGMPI before acceptance.

19. COMPLAINTS

IGMPI provides a documented process for handling complaints relating to its certification activities.

A complaint may concern, for example:

• Certification activities
• Audit activities
• Certification decisions
• Conduct of personnel
• Certification information
• Use of certification marks
• Certified-client certification claims

How to submit a complaint

Complaints may be submitted in writing to:

Email: info@igmpi.ac.in Subject: Complaint – FSMS Certification

The complaint should include:

• Name and contact details of complainant
• Organization concerned, where applicable
• Certificate number, where applicable
• Description of the complaint
• Supporting evidence
• Date and relevant details

IGMPI will acknowledge, review and process complaints in accordance with its documented complaints procedure.

Complaints are handled through an appropriate and impartial process. The IGMPI Management System Manual provides for acknowledgement, investigation, root-cause analysis, correction/corrective action where applicable, documentation and analysis of complaints.

Complaints Handling Process (FSMS Certification) IP_09 and IF_31(B)

Procedure for cancellation suspention-IP_13

Public Complaint Submission (Website Content)

Email: info@igmpi.ac.in

Information to include

• Name of complainant
• Organization (if applicable)
• Contact email & phone
• Certificate number (if applicable)
• Description of complaint
• Supporting documents

Commitment: IGMPI acknowledges complaints within 2 working days, investigates them impartially, maintains complete records, and ensures appropriate correction and corrective action in accordance with ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015.

22. USE OF IGMPI NAME, CERTIFICATION MARK AND LOGO- IP_03

Certified organizations may use the IGMPI certification mark/logo only in accordance with the applicable certification-mark rules and written authorization.

The certification mark:

• May be used only for the certified management-system scope.
• Shall not imply that an individual product has been certified where only the management system has been certified.
• Shall not be used in a misleading manner.
• Shall not be used after suspension, withdrawal or expiry of certification.
• Shall comply with the applicable IGMPI certification-mark guidelines.

Certification marks are authorized only after the certification decision has been completed and certification is valid.

23. CONFIDENTIALITY

IGMPI protects confidential information obtained or created during certification activities.

Information is disclosed only where:

• Required by applicable law;
• Required by accreditation requirements;
• Authorized by contractual arrangements;
• Authorized by the client; or
• Otherwise permitted/required under applicable certification requirements.

Public information requirements do not remove IGMPI's obligations regarding client confidentiality.

24. REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

Stakeholders may request information relating to IGMPI's FSMS certification activities.

Requests may include information regarding:

• Certification process
• Certification scheme
• Certification status
• Certified client information
• Geographical areas of operation
• Complaints
• Appeals
• Certification marks
• Impartiality

For Impartiality see IMPARTIALITY POLICY IF_06

Contact: Institute of Good Manufacturing Practices India C-6, Qutab Institutional Area, Near Old JNU Campus New Delhi – 110016, India

Email: info@igmpi.ac.in Phone: 8826265105

25. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR APPLICATION

Applicants should be prepared to provide, as applicable:

• Legal registration documents
• Regulatory/licence documents
• Organization and site information
• Process flow diagrams
• Product/process information
• HACCP/food safety studies
• FSMS documentation
• Internal audit records
• Management review records
• Applicable legal/regulatory information
• Employee/personnel information
• Site/layout information
• Outsourced-process information
• Previous certification information, where applicable

26. CERTIFICATION IS NOT PRODUCT APPROVAL

Important: IGMPI FSMS certification certifies conformity of the organization's Food Safety Management System against the applicable certification requirements and defined certification scope.

It does not mean that IGMPI has approved, tested, certified or guaranteed individual food products unless a separate applicable product-certification scheme specifically applies.

ISO itself also distinguishes certification by independent certification bodies from ISO's standards-development role; ISO does not itself perform certification or issue ISO certificates. (ISO)

27. CONTACT IGMPI

Institute of Good Manufacturing Practices India

Address: C-6, Qutab Institutional Area, Near Old JNU Campus New Delhi – 110016, India

Email: info@igmpi.ac.in Phone: 8826265105

FSMS Certification Enquiry: For certification applications, certification-status verification, complaints, appeals or requests for information, contact IGMPI using the above details.