Food Waste Management System Certification
Introduction
Adoption of a comprehensive food waste management approach across the food supply chain can unlock economic opportunities, enhance food security, reduce GHG emissions, and conserve natural resources.
Bureau Veritas' Food Waste Management System Certification is applicable to any operator across the food value chain and evaluates their approach to preventing and reducing food loss and waste. Our robust audit process includes identifying, measuring, and managing food waste generation, verifying implementation of a food waste prevention plan aligned with authoritative guidelines from the Food and Agriculture Organization and European Union. The certification process encompasses gap analysis, documentation review, on-site audits of prevention plan execution, annual surveillance audits for continuous improvement, and renewal audits maintaining standards.
Sectors:
- Primary producers
- Food processors
- Large distributors
- Wholesalers and outlets in the food sector
- Collective caterers
- Logistics operators
Geography:
- Worldwide
Critical use case
Sodexo Iberia S.A. Case: Bureau Veritas demonstrated its expertise in food certification by conducting rigorous audits that validated Sodexo's adherence to the Management Standard for Food Waste Minimization at three major Spanish hospitals. Bureau Veritas' comprehensive certification process enabled Sodexo to significantly reduce food waste, underscoring the former's commitment to promoting sustainable practices.
Lidl Supermercados S.A.U. Case: Showcasing its leadership in food safety and sustainability, Bureau Veritas developed an exclusive standard for Lidl's Food Waste Minimization Management System. Through its meticulous certification process across 630 supermarkets and 10 logistics stores in Spain, Bureau Veritas provided Lidl with brand recognition and consumer trust, solidifying its position as a global leader in inspection and certification services.
Challenges
Food waste represents approximately one-third of all food produced globally for human consumption, amounting to USD 940 billion and 1.3B tons annually according to the United Nations (UN). This waste not only contributes to greenhouse gas emissions but also squanders valuable resources like water, land, and energy.
Addressing this issue requires a multi-pronged approach involving policy makers, technological innovations, and consumer behavioural changes. Certifications focused on food waste management play a crucial role in this endeavour, enabling organizations to streamline processes, reduce operational costs, enhance brand reputation, and contribute to environmental sustainability.
With Bureau Veritas’ Food Waste Management certification, businesses within the sector can optimize processes minimizing losses, mitigate economic burden of food waste, and align with major initiatives like the EU's Farm to Fork strategy and UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 on food waste reduction.
Why Bureau Veritas?
As a global powerhouse in testing, inspection, and certification, Bureau Veritas stands at the forefront of food safety and quality assurance. With a formidable force of 2,000 highly trained food inspectors and auditors strategically positioned worldwide, we are the guardians of trust in the global food supply chain.
Our dedicated teams of seasoned professionals bring unparalleled expertise to the table, meticulously assessing and certifying a comprehensive range of food-specific programs. By partnering with Bureau Veritas, food industry leaders gain a competitive edge, ensuring their products meet the highest standards of excellence while safeguarding consumer well-being.
Our Services
- Customer training
- Gap assessment
- Audits
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