Cognis’ Esterification Plant Gets ISO OK

MONHEIM, Germany—The esterification plant at the Cognis Nutrition & Health Competence Center in Illertissen, Germany, received ISO 22000:2005 certification from DQS GmbH. The ISO standard for food safety places rigorous demands on all process levels and along the whole chain of food production.

The ISO certification confirms all products manufactured, filled and globally marketed out of the Illertissen facility meet the established quality and safety requirements. These products include Vegapure® (sterol esters), Tonalin® (conjugated linoleic acid), Omevital® (omega-3 fish oils), Delios® (MCT oils) and special triglycerides for use in the functional food and dietary supplement markets. Cognis implemented several new processes to meet the ISO requirements, including appointing a food safety team responsible for monitoring the safety and production protocols, and integrating a HACCP (hazard analysis critical control points) system into its operating procedures.

Gerhard Lobmaier, vice president Nutrition & Health Europe, said: “Our new management system for food safety complements our existing systems for quality and environmental management perfectly. For our customers all over the world, this successful certification is a further proof that our products meet the highest quality standards.”