Building Trust Through Certification: Strengthening Caribbean Agri-Food Exports with FSSC 22000

CAHFSA successfully hosted the FSSC 22000 Awareness Seminar on January 22, 2026, bringing together 107 participants from across the Caribbean’s agri-food sector. The seminar, titled “Building Trust Through Certification: Strengthening Caribbean Agri-Food Exports with FSSC 22000,” highlighted the vital role that globally recognized food safety certification plays in enhancing competitiveness, market access, and consumer confidence.

The webinar provided an in-depth introduction to FSSC 22000, a leading food safety management system recognized internationally and benchmarked by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). Participants gained valuable insights into how certification can transform food businesses of all sizes, strengthen supply chain integrity, and build trust with consumers and trading partners.

Key Highlights of the Webinar

• Understanding the Power of FSSC 22000: Participants were briefed on how the certification strengthens food safety management, reduces risks, and unlocks tangible business value.
• Introduction to the FSSC Foundation: The webinar also provided an overview of the Foundation’s global work, the certification program’s structure, and how accredited Certification Bodies uphold integrity and trust.
• What Sets FSSC 22000 Apart: Attendees learned the unique strengths of FSSC 22000 as a true management system, including its ISO-based framework, global applicability, and compatibility with integrated management systems.
• Support for Small and Growing Enterprises: The FSSC Development Program was highlighted as a practical pathway for small businesses to adopt structured, internationally recognized food safety practices.

 Who Attended

The seminar drew a diverse audience, including food producers and manufacturers, quality assurance and food safety professionals, laboratory and technical specialists, government and regulatory authorities, and business owners, consultants, and trade professionals.

 Interactive Learning Experience

The session included a comprehensive overview of the FSSC 22000 certification requirements, the integrity and accreditation processes, and the benefits of certification. An interactive Q&A addressed:

• Management commitment to adopting FSSC 22000,
• Duration of initial certification and recertification requirements,
• Mandatory prerequisite programmes (PRPs),
• The role of independent consultants in supporting FSSC 22000 implementation,
• The distinction between certified and conforming organizations listed in the online public register,
• Application requirements and associated costs,
• Market recognition of the conforming programme, and
• Certification systems applicable to regulatory authorities.

Looking Ahead

CAHFSA remains committed to strengthening food safety culture in the Caribbean and supporting agri-food businesses in achieving internationally recognized certification. By building trust through robust food safety management systems, Caribbean producers are better positioned to access global markets and ensure consumer confidence in their products.

If you would like to have a repeat of this webinar contact: nicoline.hofdom@cahfsa.org

For more information about FSSC 22000 and CAHFSA’s capacity-building initiatives, visit the following websites: www.cahfsa.org; www.fssc.com, or email: josouthee@fssc.com, and jarimura@fssc.com

Introduction Foundation FSSC

FSSC 22000 Certification in the Caribbean

FSSC Global Support

Group foto FSSC Awareness Webinar