Preparing for Seafood Certification
In the last five years the seafood industry has seen a dramatic shift in the number of standards and audits. Challenging regulations, inconsistent quality, unsustainable production methods, and aggressive global competition are challenging the seafood industry. Competitive producers understand the importance of audits. Seafood businesses will have to seek out standards, certification bodies, and consultants who can effectively interpret and implement compliance criteria.
Third party audits have provided owners with a valuable perspective as to the efficiency of internal operations; along with an added level of insurance that operations provide only wholesome and high quality products. Certifying creates an opportunity to streamline production, educate staff, and ensure that products are safe and of the highest quality.
Seafood businesses must take the necessary time to research the standards. Choosing a certification standard cannot be based on the lowest quote received, or which standard is more popular to retailers. Committing to certification is must be researched in terms of auditor competency, reputation of standard, and the integrity of the contracted certification body.
Business owners will face new financial commitments to upgrade operations as a result of these audits. For this reason, owners need to trust that the certification body and its auditors will provide high quality services that will reflect the investments made.
Contact Scott Zimmerman at [email protected] for more information about which standard and certification body is right for your business
If you would like to meet at SENA 2016 (March 5-8th: Boston Seafood Show), please call me (305) 877-1932