Certification of an organization according to ISO 22000 ensures that it has implemented a comprehensive food safety management system covering its processes, activities, products, and services, in line with its food safety policy and the requirements of the standard. The standard is applicable to all organizations, regardless of size, involved in any stage of the food chain and wishing to consistently provide safe products. It offers a systematic methodology for analyzing food-related processes, identifying potential hazards, and determining critical control points, ensuring that the food reaching consumers is safe. ISO 22000 certification is a critical tool for the food industry, providing reliability, compliance with international standards, and continuous improvement of food safety processes.

Study and certification

Global Certification Experts provides comprehensive study, development, and support for the implementation and certification of food safety management systems in accordance with ISO 22000. With specialized guidance at all stages, from initial assessment to certification, we ensure your business’s compliance with international requirements and the continuous improvement of your processes.

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) are a system that ensures products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards. Their purpose is to minimize risks that cannot be detected through final product testing, such as: unintended product contamination that may harm health or cause death, incorrect labeling of packaging that may lead to consumer deception or improper information about allergens and ingredients, as well as incorrect product formulation or composition that may affect safety and quality.

GMP covers every aspect of production: from raw materials, facilities, and equipment, to staff training and personal hygiene. Every process that may affect the quality of the final product must be thoroughly documented, and systems must be in place to demonstrate that the correct procedures are consistently applied at every stage of production.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued detailed guidelines on Good Manufacturing Practices, while many countries have established their own standards based on them, with some regions harmonizing their requirements, such as the European Union, ASEAN, and international food safety standards like the Codex Alimentarius and ISO standards.

Is GMP necessary if there is a quality control laboratory?

Yes. Even if a quality control laboratory tests the final products, this does not replace the need for proper production processes. The laboratory identifies problems after they have already occurred, while Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and HACCP focus on prevention. Their implementation ensures that food is safe and of high quality from the very beginning, protecting consumer health and the producer’s reputation. The lack of preventive systems can lead to errors that are much more costly to correct later.

Can manufacturers implement GMP?

Yes, the implementation of GMP and HACCP is feasible for all food producers, regardless of size. Although it requires an initial investment in training, equipment, and procedures, in the long term it reduces losses, waste, and risks to product safety. Producers who apply these systems gain market credibility, increase consumer trust, and protect their business from financial and legal consequences arising from low-quality or health-hazardous food products.

It is mainly applied in companies for food processing, animal feed, food packaging, and other sectors of the food chain that require high recognition from multinational retailers, industries, and export markets.

It offers high trust to the clients, access to international markets, reduction of second-party audits and systematic control of all food safety hazards.

What is the FSSC 22000 system?

FSSC 22000 is a comprehensive Food Safety Management System Certification Scheme (GFSI-recognized), which combines three key elements:

• The standard ISO 22000 (food safety management system requirements).
• Technical specifications for sector-specific PRPs (e.g. ISO/TS 22002-1 for food manufacturing, ISO/TS 22002-4 for food packaging, etc.).
• Additional FSSC requirements (Part 2), such as food defense, food fraud mitigation, allergen management, environmental monitoring, hazard control for cross-contamination, etc

It allows businesses to demonstrate that they implement a strong, reliable, and internationally recognized system, covering the entire chain from raw materials to the final product.

What does FSSC 22000 certification provide?

FSSC 22000 certification provides a comprehensive framework for risk prevention, consumer health protection, and strengthening business credibility.

Why obtain FSSC 22000 certification?

FSSC 22000 is considered the next step after ISO 22000, especially for companies that export, work with large retail chains, or require GFSI recognition. It covers all processes that affect food safety, integrating GMP, HACCP, and additional requirements for food fraud, defense, and allergens.

By implementing it, organizations operate a system within a clear, flexible, and globally recognized framework tailored to their needs. The certification is recognized by international organizations, retailers, and authorities as one of the most effective approaches to safe food.

Benefits of FSSC 22000

The FSSC 22000 Scheme is based on ISO 22000 and is enhanced with PRPs and additional requirements, ensuring a higher level of risk control and continuous improvement.

• GFSI recognition → global acceptance by retailers and reduction of trade barriers
• Identification and prevention of contamination risks, food fraud, and food defense.
• Enhanced competitiveness and access to international markets
• Compliance with legal requirements and corporate food safety policies
• Reduction of recalls, incidents, and complaints
• Fewer customer audits (second-party audits) due to high reliability
• Public listing of certified companies → increased visibility
• Strong audit integrity program and continuous improvement

More specific benefits

• Acceptance of products at a global level
• Increased food safety and consumer protection
• Strengthening the trust of customers, regulatory authorities, and partners
• Ease of integration with other systems (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, etc.)
• Dynamic communication with suppliers, customers, and authorities on safety issues
• Improved management of allergens, environmental monitoring, and cross-contamination

Certification process

• Submission of a certification application by the client.
• Offer from Global Certification Experts.
• Acceptance of the offer by the client and order confirmation by Global Certification Experts.
• Pre-audit (optional – recommended)
• Certification (Stage 1 Audit + Stage 2 Audit).
• Issuance of the certificate after successful completion of the audit.
• Surveillance audits at predetermined intervals (including one unannounced audit every 3 years)
• Certification renewal every 3 years.

Legislative Framework of HACCP

The HACCP system is based on European and national legislation that defines the obligations of businesses regarding food safety. Among these are included:
Regulation (EC) 852/2004 for food hygiene.
Regulation (EC) 853/2004 for specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin.
National legislation (e.g. health regulations, EFET decisions) which specify requirements by sector.
Government Gazette 3758/B/25-10-2017, which concerns medical screening of personnel and food hygiene and safety rules in public and private infant, nursery, and daycare centers.
These regulatory provisions ensure that businesses comply with the necessary food safety and hygiene standards.

Who must implement HACCP

All businesses involved in the food chain, from production to final consumption, are required to implement an HACCP study. This includes:
1)Restaurants, hotels, and mass catering facilities.
2)Food and beverage industries.
3)Supermarkets and retail food stores.
4Hospitals, schools, and military units.
The implementation of HACCP ensures that food production and distribution processes are safe for the consumer.

Need for HACCP certification

HACCP certification ensures compliance with legislation and enhances the credibility of the business. It is particularly important for:
Obtaining operating licenses and avoiding fines.
Compliance with the requirements of suppliers and partners.
Ensuring consumer health and strengthening the reputation of the business/organization.
HACCP certification is a key tool for safe and responsible food management.

Methodology for establishing and implementing HACCP

Our company applies a comprehensive approach to the development and implementation of the HACCP study, which includes:
Study and introduction of procedural changes for complete implementation of HACCP.
Evaluation of hygiene control techniques and improvement recommendations for preventing cross-contamination.
Establishment of procedures and work instructions for continuous monitoring.
Drafting of basic rules related to HACCP.
Design of forms for all functions covered by the HACCP Codex Alimentarius system.
Internal staff training in HACCP matters and modern food safety control techniques.
With this methodology, full compliance of the business is ensured, along with risk prevention and a high level of food safety.

Services for the public sector

Public sector bodies, such as hospitals, schools, and military facilities, are required to implement strict food safety standards. Our company provides:
HACCP studies tailored to the specifications of the public sector
Consulting for compliance with the requirements of the study.
Design of procedures and forms for all the functions covered by HACCP Codex Alimentarius.
Through our services, full compliance, food safety, and the proper functioning of public sector bodies are ensured.

Export activity requires specialized knowledge of both the target market and the legal framework of the destination country, particularly regarding labeling, packaging, and product compliance. Global Certification Experts provides comprehensive export consulting support, focusing on market research in target countries and labeling in accordance with the requirements of the respective legislation (e.g. EU Regulation 1169/2011 for food in the EU, FDA requirements in the USA, Halal/GCC in the Middle East, etc.).

The service is aimed at Greek businesses that wish to expand internationally, ensuring compliance, avoiding delays/rejections at customs, and maximizing opportunities in new markets.

What is export consulting support?

The service includes systematic analysis and adaptation of your products to the requirements of each target country. It includes:

• Market research: analysis of demand, competition, prices, consumer trends, and distribution channels.
• Regulatory labeling compliance: adaptation of labels to language requirements, mandatory information (ingredients, allergens, nutritional values, dates, country of origin), claims, and warnings.
• Consulting on certifications, customs procedures, and import requirements (e.g. EU FIC Regulation, US FDA Nutrition Facts, and country-specific rules for third countries).

Benefits of export consulting support

Proper preparation reduces the risk of rejections, delays, and fines, while enhancing competitiveness and the speed of entry into new markets.

Why export consulting support?

Each country has different requirements: for example, in the EU mandatory nutritional declaration in kJ/kcal and bold allergens, in the USA FDA Nutrition Facts in imperial/metric units, and in third countries additional languages/additives (e.g. Arabic in GCC). Without proper labeling, products may be rejected at borders or lead to legal issues. With our support, you create compliant labels, adapted to market needs and ready for export, within a clear and flexible framework. The benefits of Export Consulting Support include practical guidance based on current legislation and export experience, ensuring faster and safer entry into markets.

Advantages

• Avoidance of customs rejections due to non-compliant labeling.
• Accurate market research for selecting the right target countries and strategy
• Adaptation of labels into multiple languages and to different regulations (EU, USA, third countries)
• Enhancement of competitiveness through proper labeling and claims
• Long-term cost reduction (fewer returns and fines)
• Compliance with legal requirements and corporate policies
• Easier access to new markets and partnerships

More specific benefits

• Acceptance of products at an international level without barriers
• Ιncreased confidence from customers and import authorities.
• Faster market entry with customized labels
• Ease of integration into existing systems (e.g. FSSC 22000, ISO)
• Dynamic communication with importers, authorities, and partners
• Continuous updates on legislative changes (e.g. new EU FIC rules, FDA updates)

Export consulting support process

• Submission of an application / description of products and target countries by the client
• Offer from Global Certification Experts.
• Acceptance of the offer and confirmation of the order
• Preliminary analysis (optional – market scan & label check)
• Market research & regulatory labeling analysis
• Label and claims adaptation proposals
• Label creation / revision (translation, compliance)
• Implementation support & final review
• Ongoing support for new markets or regulatory changes

OpenBusiness replaced NotifyBusiness as of February 2025 and allows 24/7 submission of applications, uploading of supporting documents, tracking of requests, and recording of inspections. Businesses operating under older licenses or notifications are required to register/update their data (with deadlines that have been extended in certain cases).

The service is aimed at businesses that are starting or continuing activities in these sectors, ensuring compliance, avoidance of fines, and rapid legal operation.

What is the OpenBusiness system?

OpenBusiness is the official digital platform of the Ministry of Development for the licensing and supervision of economic activities under Law 4442/2016. It supports notifications, establishment/operation approvals, and the registration of existing businesses in sectors such as:

• Health-regulated establishments (mass catering, food/beverage retail, hair salons, funeral homes, etc.).
• Manufacturing (food processing, related activities, storage centers).
• Logistic Services (warehousing & distribution centers – NACE codes, supply chain).

It integrates TaxisNet authentication, automated procedures, and connection with authorities (Municipalities, Health Services, etc.

Benefits of licensing through OpenBusiness

Digital processing reduces bureaucracy, time, and cost, while ensuring full legality and readiness for inspections. The system is based on the principles of freedom to conduct business activities with restrictions only for reasons of public interest, and provides full digital support.

Why licensing through OpenBusiness?

The system covers all activities under Law 4442/2016, with emphasis on health-regulated, manufacturing, and logistics sectors. Without proper registration/notification/submission of supporting documents, penalties are imposed (e.g. fines, suspension of operations).

With our support, businesses operate within a clear, flexible, and fully digital framework tailored to their needs. The platform is recognized as a key tool for simplifying licensing by the Ministry of Development.

Advantages

• Fully digital process without physical presence
• Fast notification/approval (often immediate)
• Avoidance of fines for failure to register/upload documents (e.g. after deadlines such as 31/12/2025)
• Enhanced competitiveness through legal and fast start/continuation of operations
• Compliance with health, urban planning, and environmental requirements
• Recording of inspections and results for supervision
• Easier management of changes (e.g. change of owner, expansion of activity)

More specific benefits

• Immediate legal operation without delays
• Reduction of administrative burden and costs (no paper forms or postal services)
• Increased trust from authorities and customers
• Ease of integration with other systems (e.g. FSSC 22000, ISO)
• Dynamic monitoring and updates on legislative changes
• Support for logistics and food processing with specific requirements

The experienced staff of Global Certification Experts has specialized knowledge for the supervision and support of the implementation of all ISO management systems. The service can be provided on an annual basis or with the frequency desired by the client, ensuring the continuous proper implementation and improvement of the systems.

• Support and guidance for the preparation of audits and the collection of documents
• Updating of legislation lists and compliance recommendations
• Staff training
• Conducting internal audits and evaluation of findings
• Support in implementing corrective actions
• Participation in the management system review and revision
• Presence during audits by certification bodies
• Support in resolving any non-conformities

Facilities must meet hygiene requirements, implement HACCP, and be inspected by the competent authorities (local Veterinary Services/DAOK for the initial stage, EFET for processing). The list of approved establishments is published on the EFET website.

The service is aimed at businesses that establish or operate such facilities, ensuring legal production, trade, and export of products of animal origin without rejections or penalties.

What are the approval codes for veterinary establishments?

Approval codes are unique numbers (e.g. EL 12-345) issued by the competent authorities (EFET/Ministry of Rural Development and Food) after inspection for compliance with EU hygiene regulations for food of animal origin. They cover:

• Meat cutting/processing facilities (cutting plants, minced meat, preparations).
• Milk and dairy facilities (collection centers, cheese dairies, yogurts).
• Fishery processing facilities (fish, molluscs, factory vessels).

They are required for legal operation, product labeling (traceability marking, CE marking), and exports.

Benefits of obtaining approval codes

Obtaining an approval code ensures legal production, access to markets, and trust from consumers and authorities.

Why obtain approval codes for veterinary establishments?

Facilities processing products of animal origin are subject to strict hygiene and safety controls (Regulation (EC) 853/2004). Without an approved code, production, distribution, and export are prohibited, with the risk of fines, suspension of operations, or rejection of consignments.

With our support, businesses achieve full compliance, operate within a clear framework, and adapt to the required regulations.

Benefits of obtaining approval codes – advantages

We provide full support for compliance checks, preparation of the application file, and issuance of the approval code.

• Legal operation & product labeling (e.g. traceability marking, EL code)
• Access to domestic and international markets without barriers
• Avoidance of fines, rejections, and suspension of activities
• Increased competitiveness and trust from customers and authorities
• Compliance with EU and national legislation (Regulations 853/2004, 625/2017)
• Easier integration with food safety systems (FSSC 22000, ISO 22000)
• Publication in the list of approved establishments of EFET

More specific benefits

• Immediate legal production and trade of products of animal origin
• Reduction of risks and costs from non-compliance
• Increased trust from authorities (EFET, Ministry of Rural Development and Food) and for exports
• Ease in inspections and certifications
• Dynamic updates on legislative changes and requirements
• Support for new facilities or modifications

Procedure for issuing approval codes

• Submission of application / description of the facility and activity by the client
• Offer from Global Certification Experts.
• Preliminary analysis (optional – site inspection, document review, HACCP assessment)
• Collection and preparation of supporting documents (plans, technical specifications, hygiene requirements, self-checks)
• Submission of the application to the competent Veterinary Service / EFET (via gov.gr or directly)
• On-site inspection by authorities (local Veterinary Service / EFET)
• Positive recommendation and issuance of the approval decision and code number
• Issuance of a certificate / attestation and activation of operation
• Ongoing support for supervisory inspections, changes, or renewals

What is FDA registration

Registration and compliance with the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) is mandatory for businesses that want to import, distribute, or market food products and dietary supplements in the U.S. market. The FDA oversees the safety, quality, and proper labeling of products, protecting public health.

• Facility registration (Food Facility Registration) : mandatory for any company that manufactures or distributes food in the United States.
• Designation of a U.S. Agent in the United States : mandatory for businesses outside the United States.
• Compliance with labeling requirements : Nutrition Facts, allergens, ingredients, and usage instructions.
• Compliance with production standards (cGMP – Current Good Manufacturing Practices). : ensuring safe and high-quality products.
• Prior Notice for food imports : mandatory notification prior to the arrival of products in the United States.

Benefits of FDA compliance in the United States.

Proper compliance with the FDA:

• Legitimizes the sale of food in the United States.
• Reduces the risk of delays or holds at customs.
• Reduces the risk of fines or product recalls.
• Enhances credibility and trust from consumers and business partners.
• Enables cooperation with major retail chains and marketplaces.
• It can be combined with certifications Food ISO standards, enhancing overall quality.

Why is FDA compliance necessary?

The U.S. market is highly regulated. The FDA may:

• Reject imported food products (Import Refusal).
• Detain products at the border.
• Issue warnings or require product recalls.

Main advantages

• Access to one of the largest markets in the world
• Improvement of corporate image and credibility
• Reduction of legal and commercial risks
• Easier cooperation with distributors in the United States
• Combined use with ISO certifications

FDA registration and compliance process

• Product category determination food or dietary supplements.
• Facility registration with the FDA (Food Facility Registration).
• Designation of a U.S. Agent mandatory for businesses outside the United States.
• Product Listing (where required) : Declaration of products for specific categories
• Compliance with labeling regulations in accordance with FDA labeling guidelines.
• Compliance with manufacturing standards (cGMP).
• Submission of Prior Notice before shipping products to the United States.
• Continuous registration renewal for food products, every 2 years.