Verified Excellence and Standards
Certifications provide independent verification that our products and processes meet recognized standards. While we maintain high internal standards, third-party certification adds credibility and demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement. Each certification requires comprehensive documentation, regular audits, and ongoing compliance with detailed requirements. We pursue certifications that align with our values, meet customer needs, and drive operational excellence.
SQF is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) as one of the most rigorous food safety and quality certification programs. Level 3 represents the highest certification level, indicating comprehensive management systems for both food safety and quality. Achieving and maintaining SQF Level 3 requires implementing and documenting detailed food safety plans based on HACCP principles, maintaining comprehensive quality management systems, conducting regular internal audits, and undergoing annual third-party certification audits. Our SQF certification demonstrates to customers, retailers, and regulators that we operate according to internationally recognized food safety standards.
HACCP is a systematic preventive approach to food safety addressing biological, chemical, and physical hazards in production processes. Our HACCP plans identify potential hazards at each production step, establish critical control points where hazards can be prevented or eliminated, set critical limits for each control point, implement monitoring procedures, define corrective actions when deviations occur, establish verification procedures, and maintain detailed documentation. We have documented HACCP plans for all products, reviewed and updated annually or whenever processes change.
GMPs are minimum sanitary and processing requirements for producing safe food. Our GMP program covers facility design and maintenance, sanitation procedures, employee hygiene and training, process controls, equipment maintenance, pest control, traceability, and recall procedures. We exceed basic GMP requirements in many areas, viewing them as baseline standards rather than aspirational goals. Regular internal audits verify ongoing GMP compliance.
For products labeled organic, we maintain USDA organic certification through an accredited certifying agency. Organic certification requires using certified organic ingredients, avoiding prohibited substances, implementing organic handling procedures, maintaining detailed records, preventing commingling with non-organic products, and undergoing annual inspections. Our organic products are produced in dedicated production runs with thorough cleaning before and after. We maintain organic certification because many customers value organic agriculture and seek verified organic products.
Many of our products are certified kosher by a recognized kosher certifying agency. Kosher certification requires using kosher ingredients, maintaining equipment cleanliness, following kosher production procedures, segregating kosher and non-kosher products, and periodic rabbi inspection. We pursue kosher certification to serve customers who observe kosher dietary laws and because the rigorous cleanliness requirements align with our quality standards.
Products carrying the Non-GMO Project Verified seal have undergone verification that they contain no genetically modified organisms. Verification requires sourcing non-GMO ingredients, testing high-risk ingredients, implementing segregation and traceability systems, and annual audits. We pursue Non-GMO verification for products where customers express preference for non-GMO ingredients and where we can source appropriate materials without compromising quality.
ISO 9001 is an international standard for quality management systems. It requires establishing quality objectives and processes, documenting procedures and maintaining records, implementing internal audits and management reviews, continually improving processes, and focusing on customer satisfaction. Our ISO 9001 certification demonstrates systematic approach to quality management and commitment to continuous improvement. Many business customers require or prefer suppliers with ISO 9001 certification.
Our testing laboratory is accredited to ISO 17025, the international standard for testing laboratory competence. Accreditation requires demonstrating technical competence, using validated test methods, maintaining calibrated equipment, participating in proficiency testing, and undergoing regular assessments. This accreditation provides confidence that our test results are accurate and reliable, which is foundational to our quality program.
As a food manufacturer, we comply with all applicable FDA regulations including Current Good Manufacturing Practices (21 CFR 110), Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requirements, labeling regulations (21 CFR 101), allergen labeling (FALCPA), nutrition labeling, and facility registration. We stay current with regulatory changes and update our practices accordingly. Our regulatory compliance team monitors FDA communications and industry alerts, ensuring we remain compliant as requirements evolve.
Beyond federal requirements, we comply with Oregon state and local regulations. Our facilities are licensed by appropriate state authorities and undergo regular health department inspections. We maintain all required permits and licenses, submit required reports, and cooperate fully with regulatory agencies. Our strong relationships with regulators reflect our commitment to transparency and compliance.
Maintaining certifications requires regular audits by certifying organizations. We undergo scheduled announced audits annually or as required by each certification, unannounced surveillance audits periodically, recertification audits when certifications expire, and special audits if significant changes occur. We view audits as valuable opportunities to receive independent assessment, identify improvement areas, verify our systems are effective, and demonstrate commitment to excellence. Audit findings are reviewed by management and addressed promptly through corrective action plans.
Our certifications extend to our supply chain. We require key suppliers to maintain appropriate certifications including food safety certifications (GFSI-recognized preferred), organic certification for organic ingredients, allergen management programs, and quality management systems. We audit critical suppliers periodically and review their certification documentation annually. This ensures quality and safety throughout our supply chain, not just in our own facility.
Many of our employees hold professional certifications relevant to their roles. Our quality team includes certified food scientists and quality auditors. Production supervisors hold food safety manager certifications. Laboratory technicians are trained in specific analytical methods. Maintenance staff are certified in equipment repair and food-grade systems. We support employee professional development through training reimbursement and provide time for certification preparation and examination.
Certifications require extensive documentation. We maintain detailed records of all procedures and work instructions, training records for all employees, audit reports and corrective actions, test results and certificates of analysis, supplier documentation, equipment calibration and maintenance records, and production records with complete traceability. This documentation is organized, easily accessible, and maintained according to retention requirements. During audits, we can quickly produce any requested documentation, demonstrating the thoroughness of our systems.
We don't view certifications as one-time achievements but as frameworks for continuous improvement. Certification requirements evolve, and we stay ahead by monitoring standard updates, participating in industry organizations, implementing best practices, investing in improved systems and technologies, and exceeding minimum requirements. This proactive approach ensures we maintain certifications easily while continuously enhancing our operations.
While certification involves significant investment of time and resources, the benefits are substantial. Certifications provide external validation of quality and safety, enhance customer confidence, meet retail and foodservice requirements, improve internal systems and processes, reduce risk of quality and safety issues, and demonstrate commitment to excellence. For our customers, certifications offer assurance that Aura Candy products meet recognized standards verified by independent third parties.
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