Safeguarding food safety is crucial in the food sector, which is why audits are carried out on a regular basis. Dutch Spices’ compliance with the most stringent quality demands is reaffirmed during annual audits conducted by independent certification agencies: We have been awarded the key certifications for all our claims and management systems. In addition to general certification, such as BRC, Dutch Spices has been awarded specific certification including Halal Correct and, in respect of its ‘allergen free’ claim, SimplyOK.
SimplyOK certification for allergen safety
During the SimplyOK audit the allergen management system is assessed with extra attention being paid to the five fundamental cornerstones of allergen management, including cross-contamination prevention. This audit is supplementary to an FSSC, BRC or IFS audit. SimplyOK’s objective is to substantiate the information on a label regarding allergen cross-contamination in a reliable way.
VITAL standard
In respect of cross-contamination, SimplyOK adheres to the VITAL standard. VITAL stands for Voluntary Incidental Trace Allergen Labelling. This standard was developed by the Allergen Bureau with the aim of supporting manufacturers asking whether allergens from cross-contamination had to be included on labels. VITAL offers a systematic, risk-based approach measured on the basis of allergen threshold values. According to this system, if a product contains an amount of an allergen that is higher than the VITAL standard (threshold value) that allergen must be listed on the product label as a real risk of cross-contamination.
Dutch Spices guarantees that its products comply with the VITAL standard (any possible cross-contamination is below the threshold value) and, therefore, that no declarations or warnings regarding cross-contamination with allergens are necessary.
BRC
Dutch Spices’ production facilities meet the food safety-related requirements of the British Retail Consortium (BRC). BRC Food is recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) – a worldwide coalition in the food chain aimed at ensuring safe food for people everywhere.
Vegan
Dutch Spices has assessed all raw materials according to the criteria applicable for veganism and vegetarianism. All Dutch Spices’ products meet the requirements of a vegan or vegetarian diet. The assessment has included, and ruled out, the possibility of cross-contamination.
Halal
All Dutch Spices’ products have been given halal certification. Both the raw materials and the production process meet the requirements of Halal Correct Certification. This certification body works in accordance with the internationally-recognised halal guidelines on the basis of the ISO 9001:2015 / EC 17065:2012 quality management system.