FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2010-11-15

SCC accreditation recognized by Foundation for Food Safety Certification

Ottawa, Ontario (November 15, 2010) – The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is pleased to announce that it has been formally recognized by The Foundation for Food Safety Certification as an accreditation body under the Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) 22000 scheme.

“The ability to offer accreditation to certification bodies under the FSSC 22000 scheme is a natural compliment to SCC’s existing programs and services”, said SCC Conformity Assessment Director, Stephen Cross.

FSSC 22000 was developed in response to the need for international harmonization of food safety standards, as well as the need for a supply chain approach to the certification of the food safety management systems of food manufacturers that process or manufacture animal products.

Among the criteria to qualify as a recognized accreditation body, the SCC was required to demonstrate that it is a signatory to the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), that it complies with requirements of the international standard for accreditation bodies (ISO/IEC 17011), and that it undergoes peer evaluations by other signatories to the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement.

The Foundation for Food Safety Certification was founded in 2004 and has since developed FSSC 22000, a certification scheme for certification of food manufacturers based on ISO 22000 and BSI PAS 220. The development of FSSC 22000 is supported by the Confederation of the Food and Drink Industries of the European Union (CIAA). In addition, the scheme is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).

The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is a Crown Corporation and a portfolio of Industry Canada. With the goal of enhancing Canada's economic competitiveness and social well-being, the SCC offers accreditation services to both standards development bodies, and conformity assessment organizations. In the area of conformity assessment, it provides services to over 400 clients. Its accreditation programs are based on internationally recognized standards and guides. For additional information on the work of the SCC visit www.scc.ca or email [email protected].

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