Diving down on diabetes

We talk to Jaques Terblanche, DQS South Africa’s marketing manager, to discover this certification agency’s food safety certification services, industry challenges, and future trends in the food and beverages sector.

DQS offers food safety certification on Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) 22000; International Featured Standards (IFS); International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 22000; Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points; Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), basic and intermediate level; and FSSC Development Programme, level 1 and 2. The DQS Academy also offers training for these standards.

For how long has the company provided these services? How have the food and beverage sector’s audit, certification, and training landscapes changed during this time? 

DQS has been providing food safety certification and training services since 2002. Food security is likely to remain one of the world’s most pressing concerns. Consumers now are allowed to make more informed choices about the foods and beverages they consume. Gaining consumers’ trust and confidence at all levels of the food chain and, at the same time, maintaining food safety regulatory compliance are the critical priorities of the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry. 

Reinforcing the food safety culture through effective training of all interested parties has been reckoned as a critical element in ensuring a strong food safety management system. Labelling, food defence, and fraud mitigation have also been strengthened. Allergen management and environmental monitoring protocols – such as those addressing food waste – have been reinforced.

With the increasing risk of food fraud at a time of financial crisis, traceability is key when it comes to food safety. That’s because when a recall does occur, the food safety team members should be competent in immediately tracking all affected products to contain and minimise the number of consumers exposed. Not only does this protect public health, but it also helps limit the scope and cost of a given recall, while safeguarding the reputation of the concerned food company.

What challenges do these companies face with regard to audits, certification, and training? 

While the prices of raw material ingredients and the minimum wage of workers are on an upward trend, there are also higher costs incurred from audits, certification, and training. The majority of food companies involved in the food supply chain are compelled to be certified on relevant food safety certification schemes to maintain the credibility of their respective businesses, despite being faced with these financial constraints. The situation is worsened by the availability of resources (such as water and electricity) and the high costs for regular testing and inspection – preferably by a trusted and independent third party – all of which are essential components of food safety management systems. Thus, audits, certification, and training become less affordable to some food companies.

How is DQS helping them to overcome these constraints?

Being a customer-driven certification body, DQS supports food and beverage companies by providing professional, reliable, and cost-effective guidance through the certification journey. With the strong leadership and commitment from DQS top management, our dedicated sales executives and experts from the DQS Food Division Centre of Excellence deliver tailored advice and recommendations, helping clients achieve certification smoothly and efficiently. This hands-on support ensures that clients can navigate financial and operational challenges, while upholding strong food safety standards in an impartial manner. 

Are there any audit, certification, and training trends that excite you?

Achieving and maintaining food safety certification not only ensures compliance with regulations and retail/export imperatives, but also boosts consumer confidence, enhances your reputation, and sets you apart in a competitive industry. Irrespective of the increasing costs incurred in food manufacturing, the commitment of food companies in getting certified is exemplary. This is especially true for the GFSI-recognised food safety certification schemes, including FSSC 22000 V6; IFS; and R638 Certificate of Acceptability. The latter is a local regulatory requirement under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, entailing an inspection by the City Health Department Inspectorate, which then issues the certificate accordingly.

What does the future hold for audits, certification, and training in the food and beverage industry?

Selecting the most suitable food safety certification and training services depends on various factors, including the nature of your business, your target market, and your growth aspirations. There is definitely a bright future for audits, certification, and training in the food and beverage industry, as food safety is non-negotiable. 

Is there anything else those in the food and beverage industry should be aware of?

Food safety certification is important for achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on SDG 2 – Zero hunger and SDG 12.3 – Reduce food waste; and sustainable food production.

In terms of SDG 2, food safety certification helps ensure that food is safe and nutritious, which is critical for human health and food security. The FSSC 22000 Food Safety Management System helps achieve this goal by implementing international food safety standards and practices. 

SDG 12.3, meanwhile, aims to halve per capita food waste at the retail and consumer level by 2030. Food safety certification can help develop sustainable food production systems that reduce food loss and waste, as well as increase productivity.