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Have you ever thought about what lies behind your morning cup of organic coffee or your evening glass of reserved-designation wine? Perhaps you knew that these distinctive products must comply with specific production standards. Did you know that there is a whole process of validation and verification in place? This rigorous system is what makes these products dependable.
Throughout the world, there are agri-food products that are regulated by standards because of their distinctive character. This is the case both for reserved-designation products and organic products. Production and processing methods are governed by specifications, which also list substances that are permitted in the specific production method concerned. Consequently, an operator wishing to market an organic product must obtain certification to prove that its product meets the standards in place. An independent body grants certification to a product. To do this, it conducts verifications to check whether all the specific production requirements have been met.
Accreditation consists in assessing whether the certification body has the independence and the technical skills necessary to issue certifications impartially and competently. This task falls to an administrative body, often a public body.
Accreditation provides twofold verification for the benefit of consumers and a guarantee that current national and international standards are rigorously applied by certification bodies. This stringent verification process plays an essential part in ensuring that certification systems are dependable. Consumers can thus have complete confidence in these guarantees and consume more responsibly.
Accreditation facilitates international exchanges, since its use worldwide is based on international quality standards. This system also contributes to improving businesses’ economic environment by strengthening the public’s trust in them and optimizing their efficiency.
Accreditation gives the agri-food industry tools to provide transparent proof of sound practices. It also offers businesses an incentive to improve continuously. It therefore gives certification bodies, producers and the entire industry a strong pretext for acknowledging their responsibilities to consumers and society.
The CAEQ’s accreditation of a certification body must, as a minimum, meet the requirements of ISO/IEC 17065. The assessment focuses on three main areas:
The organization’s personnel
The organization’s technical infrastructure regarding
The organization’s structural organization
To conduct our assessment, our team conducts a variety of audits, such as:
These audits are repeated at regular intervals. Monitoring is continuous from the initial accreditation until renewal.
We provide the certification body with reports on these activities. It must correct any non-conformities. If it fails to do so, its accreditation may be suspended or cancelled.
Our team will be pleased to talk with you if you are looking for a partner, either for a new accreditation or a renewal.
Would you like to know more about our services or learn more about the accreditation process? Don't hesitate to ask us your questions.