Page 23 - Getting Started

Chapter 3
Accredited vs. Non-Accredited
What’s the Big deal?

The company or individual who influences your
decision to get certified can determine what type
of certification and third-party certification body
you choose. When you consider your options,
make sure you do research on who the certification
body’s accreditation body (also known as oversight
body) is and if they have national and/or
international approvals where you plan to and/or are
doing business. Select the food standard and
certification body that most appropriately fits your
business and will be accepted by your business
partners.

Some certification bodies are not accredited by
globally accepted associations and use internally
managed controls. These are known as third-party
certification bodies without independent oversight.
In some cases, these certification bodies establish
their own inspection or certification and then
conduct the audits themselves, resulting in little to
no accountability or access to an appeals process,
as well as questionable impartiality. Unfortunately,
this can turn into a disaster waiting to happen for the
company requiring certification.

14