ISO 9001 is the internationally recognised standard for quality management systems, specifying requirements for consistent processes, customer focus, corrective action and continual improvement across any type of organisation, including food and agricultural businesses.
In trade practice
In food supply chains, ISO 9001 is often held by logistics providers, packaging suppliers and ingredient traders who are not subject to food-safety scheme requirements but whose buyers require evidence of systematic quality management. It does not include HACCP or food-safety-specific prerequisite programmes, so it is not accepted as a substitute for GFSI-benchmarked schemes by most food manufacturers or retailers. Certification is granted by an accredited third-party body following an audit, with annual surveillance and three-yearly recertification. Buyers should check whether their supplier’s ISO 9001 scope covers the specific activity relevant to the contract, such as storage, processing or trading.
In a specification
Where ISO 9001 is required, a contract should state the applicable version, the certified scope, and the obligation to provide a current certificate and to notify the buyer of any suspension or withdrawal.