Independent assessment by third-party certification bodies

Independent, third-party, involvement can make a significant contribution towards achievement of improved food safety, and food law compliance. Accredited certification organisations, with wide experience and expertise, such as NSF international, are increasingly supporting food industry and regulators by providing alternative, cost-effective services. The key is true independence: Consultants cannot certify, and an effective "due diligence" defence can be based on a certificate of compliance from an organisation without a conflict of interest in consultancy services. Regulators, too, are increasingly turning for help to accredited third-party organisations to achieve their objectives. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.