Accreditations, Our Commitment to Quality and Safety Throughout Our Product Ranges
At Joseph Flach & Sons, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality botanical and related products to our customers. As part of our commitment to safety, quality, and reliability, we adhere to several internationally recognised standards (BRCGS, ISO, Kosher, UFAS, Soil Association, Sedex). These accreditations ensure our customers receive products that meet the highest industry requirements, and they demonstrate our dedication to continuous improvement.
BRCGS Accreditation – AA Rating
We are proud to have achieved a AA rating under the BRCGS Storage and Distribution (including wholesale module) Issue 4 standard. This globally recognised accreditation ensures that we meet stringent requirements in storage, handling, and distribution. The AA rating is the highest achievable grade under unannounced audit conditions, reflecting our dedication to maintaining the best possible practices.
The BRCGS certification covers areas such as:
- Ensuring product safety, legality, and quality
- Implementing risk assessment frameworks like HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)
- Managing the storage and transportation process to prevent damage, contamination, or tampering
- Traceability and recall procedures to ensure quick identification and removal of affected products in case of issues
- Staff training and hygiene requirements to ensure personnel handling products maintain high standards
- Security and site standards to prevent unauthorized access or tampering with products
- Pest control program to minimize contamination risks within storage facilities
This accreditation reassures our customers that Joseph Flach & Sons is committed to safe and secure supply chain management.
ISO 22000 – Ensuring Food Safety
In addition to BRCGS certification, we are also certified to the ISO 22000:2018 standard. ISO 22000 is an internationally recognised food safety management system that ensures businesses can effectively identify, control, and mitigate food safety hazards. Our ISO 22000 certification is vital for ensuring the safe handling of our products from sourcing through to delivery.
By following ISO 22000 principles, we:
- Adopt a proactive approach to managing food safety risks
- Implement strong communication throughout the supply chain
- Deliver products that meet customer expectations and comply with legal regulations
- Establish and maintain effective food safety management systems, which are regularly reviewed and updated to adapt to emerging risks and standards
- Focus on continuous improvements to enhance our food safety practices
- Commit to employee training and awareness, ensuring all team members are skilled in food safety standards and practices
Product Fraud Vulnerability Assessment
To further protect our customers, we have implemented an in-house Product Fraud Vulnerability Assessment. This rigorous process helps us identify and mitigate risks associated with product fraud, such as tampering, mislabelling, or substitution.
Our robust Product Safety & Quality Policy outlines how we safeguard product integrity through careful control of storage and transportation. We:
- Inspect our storage facilities monthly
- Conduct vehicle checks before each loading or unloading process
- Work exclusively with pre-approved hauliers to maintain control of product safety during transport
Our internal processes strictly follow the requirement of these regulations:
- The Food Hygiene Regulations (England) amendment 2010
- EC Feed Hygiene Regulations (183/2005)
- EC Food Hygiene Regulation (852/2004)
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
At Joseph Flach & Sons, we continuously review our operations, policies, and procedures to ensure we meet evolving industry standards and customer expectations.
Our Product Safety & Quality Policy is regularly reviewed by senior management, ensuring our commitment to quality remains steadfast.
Our objectives for ongoing improvement include:
- Zero Health and Safety incidents
- Customer complaints below 2% of order volume
- Fewer than 5% non-conformances on internal audits each month
We also gather feedback through customer questionnaires, stay informed via FSA Food Safety Alerts, and maintain active involvement in the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Trade to ensure we uphold best practices.
Supporting Our Team and Customers
We recognise that achieving these high standards is a team effort. All Joseph Flach & Sons employees are trained in product safety and quality, ensuring they understand their role in maintaining our high standards. By fostering a culture of accountability, great communication, awareness, and improvement, we continue to provide products that meet the highest levels of quality and safety.
For further information or to request product samples, please contact us on +44 (0)1733 371221 or email us at sales@josephflach.co.uk.
