Cosmo First announced that Cosmo Plastech (rigid sheets, thermoforming and injection moulding) has attained the FSSC 22000 food safety certification, a mandatory requirement for the packaging material coming in direct contact with food. FSSC 22000 contains requirements that help companies address risk in areas from food fraud, food defence, food safety and quality culture, quality control, allergen management and environmental monitoring programs.

This certification is based on the existing standard ISO 22000 and complemented by technical standards, such as ISO TS 22002-1 for food manufacturing and ISO TS 22002-4 for packaging manufacturing.

The FSSC 22000 certification includes several benefits for the company and stakeholders such as: Commitment to identify, evaluate, and control food safety hazards to avoid consumer harm directly or indirectly. Helps in meeting food quality/safety requirements and legal compliance. Provides a tool for food safety performance improvement, and the means to monitor and measure food safety performance. Develops a good food safety culture which in turn improves customer confidence and aids in acquiring competitive advantages.

Sharing his views on the certification, Pankaj Poddar, group CEO, Cosmo First said, “The global market is distinguished by its significant youth population, leading to a booming demand for fast food and packaged food. This trend indicates substantial growth potential for the food packaging sector. Therefore, obtaining the FSSC 22000 certification is a positive step for us as a group, enabling enhanced service to the industry.”

Commenting on this achievement, Sanjay Chincholikar, business head, rigid packaging said, “Achieving FSSC 22000 certification exemplifies our commitment to food safety and quality. Earning this accreditation required demonstrating a systematic approach to food packaging production. We understand the role food packaging plays in safeguarding public health. By achieving FSSC 22000 certification, we take a stance in guaranteeing the safety of both our clients and their end consumers.”

The Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) 22000 is applicable for the scope of sheet extrusion, thermoforming, injection moulding, dry offset printing and/or sleeving of PP and HIPS-based rigid plastic cups, lids, trays, and sheets for food packaging application.