At Canpro Nutrition Association, we believe that setting and maintaining high industry standards is crucial for ensuring the quality, safety, and reliability of protein products. Our Industry Standards initiative is at the core of our efforts to advance the protein sector and foster consumer trust.

Canpro Nutrition Association’s Certification and Compliance program ensures that protein products meet our rigorous standards for quality, safety, and sustainability. Our certification process is thorough, transparent, and designed to drive continuous improvement in the protein industry.

Certification Process

1. Application

• Submit detailed product and process information
• Provide documentation of current quality management systems
• Pay application fee

2. Initial Assessment

• Document review by Canpro certification experts
• Identification of any gaps or areas for improvement
• Feedback and guidance provided to applicant

3. On-Site Audit

• Comprehensive facility inspection
• Review of production processes, quality control measures, and record-keeping
• Interviews with key personnel

4. Product Testing

• Sample collection for independent laboratory analysis
• Verification of protein content, quality, and safety parameters
• Assessment of compliance with labeling claims

5. Certification Decision

• Review of audit findings and test results by Certification Committee
• Decision on certification status
• Issuance of certification upon successful completion

 

Compliance Monitoring

1. Annual Surveillance Audits

• Scheduled on-site inspections to verify ongoing compliance
• Review of any changes to production processes or product formulations
• Verification of continued adherence to Canpro standards

2. Periodic Product Testing

• Random sampling and testing of certified products
• Verification of ongoing compliance with quality and safety standards
• Assessment of consistency with certified specifications

3. Complaint Investigation

• Prompt investigation of any complaints or concerns raised about certified products
• Corrective action requirements for verified issues
• Potential for additional audits or increased monitoring based on findings

4. Continuous Improvement

• Regular review and updating of certification criteria
• Encouragement of certified companies to exceed minimum standards
• Recognition of industry leaders and innovators

 

Benefits of Certification

• Enhanced credibility and consumer trust
• Access to Canpro Nutrition Association’s certification mark for product labeling
• Listing in Canpro’s directory of certified products
• Participation in Canpro marketing and promotional activities
• Access to industry networking events and knowledge-sharing platforms
• Priority technical support and consulting services

Maintaining Certification

1. Validity Period

• Certifications are valid for three years, subject to successful annual surveillance audits

2. Renewal Process

• Simplified renewal application
• Comprehensive re-assessment audit
• Review of compliance history and continuous improvement efforts

3. Changes and Notifications

• Requirement to notify Canpro of significant changes to products or processes
• Assessment of changes to determine if additional auditing is required

Non-Compliance and Sanctions

1. Non-Compliance Categories

• Minor: Issues that do not directly affect product quality or safety
• Major: Significant issues that could impact product quality or safety
• Critical: Severe issues that pose immediate risks to consumers or severely undermine the integrity of the certification

2. Corrective Actions

• Development and implementation of corrective action plans
• Follow-up audits to verify effective implementation of corrective actions

3. Sanctions

• Warnings for minor non-compliances
• Suspension of certification for major or repeated non-compliances
• Revocation of certification for critical or persistent non-compliances

 

Dispute Resolution

• Formal process for appealing certification decisions or non-compliance findings
• Independent review panel for addressing disputes
• Commitment to fair and transparent resolution of all issues

 

Certification Costs

• Initial certification fee
• Annual surveillance audit fees
• Product testing fees (may be partially covered by Canpro for routine tests)
• Renewal fees every three years