Independent verification by an accredited external body that a food business meets a specified standard.
Independent verification by an accredited external body that a food business meets a specified standard. Third-party certification is the process by which an independent, accredited body assesses a food business against a defined standard and, if the requirements are met, issues a certificate. It is called third-party because the assessor is neither the business being audited (first party) nor its customer (second party), which gives the result greater credibility. In food safety, third-party certification is commonly used for schemes such as SQF, BRCGS, ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000. The certification body is itself accredited by a national accreditation authority, creating a chain of oversight that supports confidence in the certificate across markets. For an Australian business, third-party certification is typically driven by customer or market requirements rather than by law, since the Food Standards Code obligations apply whether or not a business is certified. Major retailers and export markets often require a recognised certificate as a condition of supply. Obtaining certification means preparing the required systems, undergoing an initial audit and then maintaining certification through scheduled surveillance or recertification audits. Businesses choose the scheme that best matches their sector and their customers expectations, and the certificate is generally tied to a specific site and scope. A Sydney contract manufacturer pursues third-party certification against a GFSI-recognised scheme so it can win supply contracts with national retailers, engaging an accredited certification body to audit its site each year.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called third-party certification?
Because the assessment is done by an independent body that is neither the business being audited nor its customer, which adds credibility to the result.
Is third-party certification required by Australian law?
Generally no. It is usually driven by customer or market requirements, while the mandatory legal obligations come from the Food Standards Code.
How is a certification body kept accountable?
Certification bodies are accredited by a national accreditation authority, creating a chain of oversight that supports confidence in their certificates.
Which schemes use third-party certification?
Schemes such as SQF, BRCGS, ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000 all rely on independent third-party certification bodies.
How long does a certificate last?
Certificates are maintained through scheduled surveillance or recertification audits, so ongoing compliance is needed to keep certification current.
