Quality Matters – BRCGS, IFS Food Standard and ISO 22000 Quality Systems as the Foundation of Modern Vegetable Fat Production

Why Are Quality Certifications So Important?

Quality certifications in the food industry serve several fundamental functions. First and foremost, they guarantee that the manufacturer has implemented and applies comprehensive food safety management systems covering all stages of production – from raw material to finished product. They are also a gateway to cooperation with the largest retail chains and food corporations, which require documented quality standards from their suppliers.

For our business partners, BRCGS, IFS, and ISO 22000 certifications mean confidence that they are working with a reliable, professional manufacturer who meets the highest industry requirements. It’s a guarantee that every delivery will meet quality expectations and that risks associated with product safety are minimized.

BRCGS Food – Global Food Safety Standard

BRCGS (Brand Reputation through Compliance) is one of the most recognized and respected food safety standards in the world, developed by the British Retail Consortium. The BRCGS Food certificate is particularly valued by retail chains in the United Kingdom, Western Europe, and Anglo-Saxon markets.

What Does Having BRCGS Food Certification Mean?

RAFSOL Group’s possession of BRCGS Food certification confirms that our production facility in Zabrze meets stringent requirements regarding:

• Quality and food safety management system (HACCP)
• Production environment standards and hygiene control
• Product safety, authenticity, and legality
• Process management, including raw material control, production, and packaging
• Personnel, training, and employee competencies

For our customers, BRCGS Food certification means they can trust us as a supplier who consistently delivers safe products of the highest quality. Thanks to BRCGS, we can serve demanding customers from the retail, catering, and industrial sectors throughout Europe.

IFS Food Standard – European Standard of Excellence

IFS (International Featured Standards) Food is a standard developed by European retailers from Germany, France, and Italy, widely recognized throughout the European Union. IFS Food focuses on ensuring food safety and compliance with legal requirements, while emphasizing continuous process improvement.

Benefits of IFS Food Certification

The IFS Food certificate held by RAFSOL Group confirms that:

• We have implemented a comprehensive quality management system based on risk analysis
• We apply effective monitoring and control procedures at every stage of production
• We ensure full traceability of products and raw materials
• We conduct systematic personnel training in food safety
• We implement a program of continuous improvement and internal audits

For our business partners, IFS Food certification is assurance that they are working with a manufacturer who meets the highest European quality standards. It’s also a guarantee of compliance with the requirements of the largest retail chains in Europe, which facilitates cooperation and opens new market opportunities.

ISO 22000:2018 – International Food Safety Management System

ISO 22000:2018 is an international standard defining requirements for a food safety management system throughout the supply chain. It is a globally recognized standard that integrates HACCP principles with an ISO-compliant management system.

Value of ISO 22000:2018 Certification

RAFSOL Group’s possession of ISO 22000:2018 certification means that:

• We have implemented an integrated food safety management system
• We apply a process approach and risk-based thinking
• We ensure continuity and consistency of actions throughout the organization
• We conduct systematic evaluations and improvement of the management system
• We meet legal and regulatory requirements applicable in the food industry

ISO 22000:2018 is confirmation for our customers that food safety is our priority at every stage – from raw material acceptance, through production and packaging, to storage and distribution.

Benefits for Our Customers

Holding BRCGS Food, IFS Food, and ISO 22000:2018 certifications translates into specific benefits for our business partners:

• Safety and quality assurance – our products meet the highest food safety standards, which minimizes risk for end consumers and protects our customers’ reputation.
• Compliance with retail chain requirements – BRCGS and IFS certificates are required by most European retail chains, which means that cooperation with RAFSOL Group is seamless and does not require additional audits.
• Full traceability – thanks to rigorous procedures, we can trace the product history from raw material to delivery at any time, which is crucial in case of any inquiries or complaints.
• Supply stability – systematic audits and controls guarantee production continuity and product parameter stability, which translates into predictable cooperation.
• Technical support – our team of quality specialists is always ready to cooperate in implementing new products, optimizing processes, and solving technological challenges.

Quality Culture in the Company’s DNA

At RAFSOL Group, certifications are not just documents on the wall – they are a way of thinking and acting for the entire organization. Every employee, from production line operators to management, is trained in food safety and knows that quality is everyone’s responsibility.

We regularly conduct internal audits, analyze quality indicators, implement corrective actions, and improve our processes. We cooperate with accredited certification bodies that verify our management systems every year in rigorous external audits.