If your organization is looking for a food-grade third party logistics provider (3PL), there’s a lot of due diligence required to make sure your products are protected. Safety, cleanliness, size and employee competence are factors to consider. One of the most important telltale signs is AIB certification.
Formerly known as the American Institute for Baking, AIB International is a leading auditing body and certification provider for food safety and related practices. The Institute was founded in 1919 in the United States and has since grown to become a household name in the food industry.
IAB International is the go-to authority for food safety certification among third-party logistics providers globally. In order to obtain a certificate, providers must pass strict audits and inspections conducted by the Institute. Inspections consist of detailed physical reviews of the facilities and the conditions for food storage, processing and handling
While the process of obtaining an AIB certificate for third-party shipping logistics providers is rigorous, it is certainly worth the effort. Substandard food handling in the supply chain can cost a provider tens of millions of dollars and a permanently damaged reputation, not to mention detrimental health consequences to end consumers. Obtaining AIB’s stamp of approval ensures that all food handling practices are up to par with the latest industry standards.
What Is AIB Certification
AIB certification is an attestation of a company’s compliance with strict food safety standards. Unlike the regulations prescribed by the law (on the federal, state and local levels), the AIB certification isn’t mandatory. However, as it has much stricter requirements, it shows that a 3PL goes above and beyond to ensure absolute food safety, recall readiness and the optimization of all operational processes.
AIB’s Consolidated Standards for Inspection: Explained
In order to standardize the requirements for its food safety inspections, AIB has developed a set of parameters titled Consolidated Standards. The Standards are based on the parameters set by Codex, FDA and other regulatory agencies from around the globe. They consist of five separate categories, each addressing a different area of food safety practices:
– Operational Methods and Personnel Practices: concerns the receipt, storage, monitoring, handling and processing of raw materials, both for further manufacture and distribution.
– Maintenance for Food Safety: addresses the design, management and maintenance of equipment and facilities for the purpose of ensuring a sanitary environment.
– Cleaning Practices: covers the requirements for the cleaning and sanitation of equipment, utensils and facilities, including the chemicals used and the frequency and thoroughness of cleaning activities.
– Integrated Pest Management: relates to the requirements for pest prevention through the identification and elimination of pest-promoting conditions, as well as pest removal in case of infestation.
– Adequacy of Prerequisite and Food Safety Programs: involves the assessment of operational optimization in terms of inter-departmental cooperation and the effectiveness of the food safety programs being implemented.
During an assessment, a 3PL is graded on a 200-point scale for each of these categories, totaling 1000 possible points. A minimum of 700 points is necessary to successfully pass the assessment. However, less than 180 points in any of the five categories could be an indication of substandard food safety practices.
Pros and Cons of AIB Certification for Third-Party Logistics Providers (3PLs)
Clearly, complying with Consolidated Standards and obtaining the AIB certification ensures that a 3PL maintains appropriate food safety measures. What’s more, it has the potential to boost the reputation of the provider and allow them to scale their business. It also bears repeating that high food handling standards, not only in the production stage but also in storage and distribution, are crucial for maintaining public health and ensuring that the product reaches the end consumer in good condition.
That being said, the AIB certification is not without its shortcomings. It is only valid for one year, meaning that 3PLs need to undergo audits and inspections annually. By contrast, FDA conducts audits every three to five years.
Additionally, although the precise price of the assessment is only available on request, it is no secret that obtaining the AIB certification can be quite costly. This, combined with the short duration of the validity of the certificate, can put off many smaller 3PLs that simply cannot afford such an expense.
Why does it matter if your 3PL has AIB certification?
Adhering to the strictest standards for the handling, distribution and storage of food ensures that the third-party logistics provider follows appropriate operational practices, suitable maintenance and cleaning routines and, of course, the safety of end consumers. WorldWide Logistics Group not only meets but exceeds the food safety requirements.