Auriga Research (Certification Division) has been granted Provisional Recognition by FSSAI as a Third-party Food Safety Auditing Agency under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Safety Auditing) Regulation, 2018 for a period of three years, till 2023. As a result of the FSSAI recognition Auriga is authorised to carry out mandatory auditing of food businesses as per requirements prescribed in the Food Safety Auditing Regulations which have been established to ensure a culture of regulatory compliance.
FSSAI has recognised Auriga Research’s scope of auditing for the following food businesses pan India:
- Food Processing
- Dairy
- Slaughter Houses
- iii. Meat and Poultry Processing Units
- Egg & Egg Products
- Fish & Fish Products
- Other Sectors (includes e.g. Bakery, Edible Oil, Fruit & Vegetable processing, ready to eat/cook etc.
- Food Retail and Distribution / Supplier
- Food Catering
FSSAI Mandatory Audits
The FSSAI has mandated audits for Food Businesses to reduce the regulatory Food Safety Inspections conducted by Central or State Licensing Authorities and has recognised private third-party auditing agencies to carry out mandatory auditing. FSSAI has mandated auditing of high-risk food businesses like;
- Dairy Products and Analogues
- Meat and Meat products,
- Poultry, Egg and Egg Products,
- Foods for Nutritional Requirements like Infant Food
- Prepared Foods and Catering.
A Food Safety Audit can strengthen your food safety so you can be assured you are in regulatory compliance and that your food safety management system is operating well. An audit report assures food regulators that your premises and products are in conformance with food safety and also builds consumer confidence that your brand offers safe food.
Food businesses classified by FSSAI for mandatory Food Safety Audits will be liable to get their businesses audited timely by recognised Auditing Agencies. However, food businesses which are not subject to mandatory Food Safety auditing can also go for auditing of their businesses on voluntary basis.
Food Safety Management System
Under FSS Act 2006, it is mandatory for all FBOs to have a Food Safety and Management System Program (FSMS). Any FBO that applies for License or Renewal of License has to submit FSMS program related documents along with the application for license. As part of the food industry whether you are manufacturers, processors transporters, storage/ warehouse owners, retailers, distributors, or are in the hotel, restaurant and catering food business, you could benefit from Auriga Research’s experience in identifying risks, hazards and food safety gaps as well as operational changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic situation.
QCI Recognition for IndiaGHP & IndiaHACCP
Besides being recognised for the Third-Party Auditing Agency by FSSAI, Auriga Research has a provisional approval as a certification body for voluntary certification scheme of lndiaGHP and IndiaHACCP certifications by the Quality Council of India (QCI). FBOs can demonstrate international best practices by opting for IndiaGHP and IndiaHACCP certification scheme as it is based on globally accepted Codex Standards and endorsed by FSSAI. Auriga Research has applied for a formal NABCB accreditation for FSMS as per ISO/IEC 17021-1 as per provisions of the Scheme.
FSSAI has endorsed the IndiaGHP and IndiaHACCP certification scheme and is also encouraging the food industry to rely on IndiaGHP and IndiaHACCP certification scheme as no other formal certification is available for GHP and/or HACCP in India. As a Food Business Operator, you can apply for this voluntary certification scheme initiative to demonstrate international best practices. The IndiaGHP and IndiaHACCP certification scheme is meant for the following categories of food businesses:
- Manufacturers /Processors
- Transporters
- Storage/Warehouse
- Distributors and Wholesalers
About Auriga Research (Certification Division)
Auriga Research Pvt Ltd (An Arbro Group Company) is a contract research, testing and inspection organization having its reach to all sectors of the food industry. For over more than a decade now, it is serving to a large number of individuals, clients and premier customers across industries around the globe. Auriga’s chain of laboratories offer testing and analysis services to the food industry.
Auriga Research’s Certification Division is the latest addition to its portfolio of services. Auriga Research is dedicated to provide business solutions to the food industry that improve safety and quality of the products of its clients.
Auriga Research Certification Division has engaged competent Auditors and an experienced team of individuals like; food safety experts, SMEs and technical and academic professionals for managing the food safety auditing and certification activities.
FBOs can reach out to Auriga Research Certification Division at;
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +91-11-45754546/47 or +91-9891365634.
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