The DNV Business Assurance unit in India recently received the local NABCB accreditation for its food safety management system certification.
National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB), which is the Indian accreditation body representing the local industry, has granted NABCB accreditation to the DNV Business Assurance unit in India for Food Safety certification.
"This is a an important milestone for us," says Chinmayee Deulgaonkar, National Food & Beverages Manager, adding, "The Food Sector continues to be the focus area of DNV and obtaining the NABCB accreditation further reinforces our commitment in the local market. The accreditation gives us an opportunity to extend our services to a wider area of food industry…further strengthening our presence in the local markets.”
Benefitting customers
In 2010, the local food authorities underscored the need for all certification bodies offering FSMS certification services to be accredited by the local accreditation body for their Indian operations. Furthermore, apex government bodies of APEDA and Tea Board which offers financial benefits to organizations, requires these companies to be certified under NABCB accreditation to avail to various benefits and financial schemes offered by the government, says Chinmayee.
Market outlook
“The new Food regulations in India will open opportunities for certification and inspections and it is important that we are accredited locally and tap into the opportunities this offers,” remarked N. R. Krishnakumar, Director of Operations (India, Middle East).
Corroborating Mr. Krishnakumar’s comments, Mr. Ajit Bhupalam, National Technical Manager, Region India & Sri Lanka said, “The NABCB accreditation for FSMS will further enhance our capabilities to expand our market in the certification business…similar to what we have achieved with our Quality and Environment certification in the local market.”