Certification in a complex food supply chain

In a world of increasingly complex supply chains and rising expectations from customers and regulators, transparency and reliability are essential. Trust is never a given: it must be built, substantiated, and continuously monitored. That requires consistent performance, clear communication, and compliance with recognized standards.

“Certification is not just about meeting requirements. It is also about strengthening organizations with expertise, making them more resilient and future-proof.” Speaking is Dr. Mohèb Elwakiel, Business Unit Manager Food & Feed at Control Union. “Especially within the food and feed sector, small process improvements can have a major impact on safety and quality,” he says. “The ultimate goal is to create an organizational culture in which quality is structurally embedded.” However, a certification process is rarely a purely operational choice; it is a strategic decision.

Strategic instrument

In a globalized supply chain, risks can spread rapidly. Prevention, control, and transparency are therefore crucial. Certification and verification help organizations identify and manage risks while building trust with customers, regulators, and other stakeholders. At the same time, consumers expect products to be produced safely, sustainably, and responsibly. Mohèb: “As a result, certification is no longer just an obligation, but a strategic instrument for market access, reputation, and growth.”

Whether an organization is just starting out, expanding, or looking to strengthen its reputation, the chosen standard must align with its objectives. “The right standard offers the optimal balance between effort and return. Some standards are essential for market access, while others strengthen risk management or market positioning. Understanding these differences turns certification into more than compliance: it becomes an investment in sustainable growth.”

Transparency as a foundation

Today’s supply chain is a highly interconnected network of companies, processes, and information flows. The principle is simple: without traceability there is no insight, and without validation there is no certainty. Every link in the chain affects the end product. Quality therefore should not only be checked at the end, but safeguarded at every stage. Certification, verification, and inspection provide effective and practical tools to achieve this. Certification focuses on systems and processes and provides confidence in future compliance. Verification confirms whether results and claims are accurate and reliable. Inspection offers a snapshot of the actual situation on site. Together, they provide a comprehensive view of both processes and performance, supporting targeted management and continuous improvement. “With the growing focus on sustainability, demand for verification in particular is increasing,” says Mohèb. “By identifying deviations and areas for improvement, it serves not only as a control mechanism, but also as a tool for development and growth.”

Control and a learning opportunity

Organizations that use audits as a learning opportunity create a solid foundation for continuous improvement, according to Mohèb: “Audits are more than just a checkpoint. They follow a structured approach of preparation, execution, and follow-up, and provide insight into how processes actually function and where opportunities for improvement lie. Processes, documentation, and day-to-day practices are assessed against established standards. Deviations require effective corrective measures. Combined audits can improve efficiency without compromising quality.” Although audits are sometimes perceived as burdensome, their value lies in transparency and dialogue. An open audit approach strengthens both internal trust and external credibility, directly contributing to a stronger market position.

Dealing with deviations

“Non-conformities can lead to additional inspections, higher costs, or reputational damage, but they also create opportunities,” Mohèb emphasizes. “By analyzing not only the symptoms, but above all the root causes, organizations can implement effective corrective and preventive measures. In this way, deviations become a tool for process improvement, awareness, and strengthening quality standards — from the production floor to management level. Zero risk does not exist,” Mohèb states. “The key lies in identifying and controlling risks at an early stage. A risk-based approach helps organizations prioritize based on impact and likelihood. For QA managers, this means working with robust management systems, clear procedures, strong documentation, and well-trained employees. Internal audits, awareness, and effective follow-up are crucial to safeguarding quality standards over the long term. Digitalization, AI, and stricter regulations are rapidly changing the playing field. Technology creates new opportunities for insight and efficiency — but ultimately, people make the difference.”

www.controlunion.com

Control Union is part of Royal Peterson, a Dutch family-owned company with a history dating back to 1920 and holder of the Royal designation since 2020. What began as a family business has grown into an international organization operating in more than 80 countries. From the Netherlands, with certification activities based in Zwolle, we support customers worldwide in sectors including agriculture, food, the environment, biofuels, and sustainability. We provide assurance in quality, safety, and sustainability — from raw material to finished product — by combining international standards with local expertise. Auditors understand both the standard and day-to-day practice. By combining certification with verification, inspection, and additional services such as laboratory analyses, we offer an integrated approach. This results in greater insight, lower costs, and reduced administrative burden.

At Control Union, people come first. We build long-term partnerships based on trust, commitment, and a long-term vision. For us, quality and safety are an ongoing process. Together, we work towards transparent, safe, and sustainable supply chains — today and tomorrow.