HACCP, or Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points, systems underpin the N1 Hygiene Code of Conduct. Implementation of this preventative approach not only ensures food safety, but it also allows N1 to meet larger retailer’s supplier standards and to export to international trade markets. The highly-qualified N1 team that oversee this system is comprised of Steven Pfeifer in the Johannesburg office; and Marius Schneider, assisted by Nomhle Sithole in the Cape Town office.

We previously looked at the evolution of HACCP and its seven principles. In this, the last in the series of ‘N1 Restaurant Suppliers Best Practices’ blogs, we will deal with the process of HACCP certification.

In addition to being HACCP compliant, N1 have also chosen one of the global leaders in certification, DEKRA, to ensure that their Best Practices philosophy is followed from beginning through to end. DEKRA, originally a German company established in 1925, is an internationally focused expert organisation committed to safety and quality; it is currently active in 29 countries. N1 carry the DEKRA seal for safety and quality – as cited on the DEKRA website, their “seal is a form of confirmation that lets you know which criteria have been tested or certified. It’s not a glossy status symbol or a ‘no-hassle guarantee’. It’s clear, transparent proof of performance from an independent body”.

N1 carry DEKRA HACCP Certification and ISO 9001 Certification. The HACCP inspections ensure optimum risk management for food manufacturers and processors. DEKRA base their approach on international guidelines as set out by the Codex Alimentarius Commission of the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO). The ISO 9001 Certification is for the adoption of a quality management system. The ISO 9000 group of standards provides guidelines and tools for companies who want to ensure that their product consistently meets customer expectation and that in this ongoing process, quality is constantly improved. ISO 9001 for quality management is the only standard in the group that can be certified – it is subsequently implemented by over one million companies in more than 170 countries.

Quality, service and delivery are the N1 core values, and by being HACCP and ISO 9001 compliant and certified, the N1 team show their full commitment to these core values. In this way, and by continually reinvesting in their systems, N1 can improve their service to you.