January 10/Herentals, Belgium/Press Release (Kemin Industries) -- Kemin Industries has received Food Safety System Certification 22000 (FSSC 22000) for all food ingredients manufactured in its Belgian facility. FSSC22000 has been formally recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), a dominant force in food safety.

FSSC 22000, was developed by the Foundation for Food Safety Certification for food safety systems of organizations in the food chain that process or manufacture animal products, perishable vegetable products, products with a long shelflife and other food ingredients, including: additives, vitamins, bio-cultures and food packaging material manufacturing. The scheme is based on ISO 22000, the PAS 220 and ISO TS 22003.

Melanie Galloway, president of the food technologies division at Kemin explained although acquiring GFSI recognized certifications is not required of Kemin, the company realized this level of certification will provide additional value to its customers, as well as peace of mind knowing Kemin delivers on its promise to provide quality, safe ingredients. “As a manufacturer of ingredients used in the global food supply, our number one priority is to ensure the quality and safety of our products,” she said.

Kemin said this level of quality and food safety certification reinforces the company’s commitment to providing only the highest quality products, which includes steps such as:   compliance with relevant food safety regulations;  monitoring suppliers, partners and contractors to ensure good manufacturing practices are in place, and the stringent quality and safety standards required by Kemin are met; securing a continuous, safe supply through comprehensive raw material risk assessments; and fostering leadership that promotes employee involvement.

“At Kemin, food safety begins with innovative product development, continues with Good Manufacturing Practices, and extends until the final product is consumed by the end-user,” said Chris Nelson, Ph.D., president and CEO of Kemin Industries. “We remain committed to integrating food safety and quality management principles into our critical business processes and decision-making practices.”

From the January 11, 2012, Prepared Foods' Daily News.