The Conformity assessment and accreditation policy requires the government to recommend UKAS to assessment bodies that are looking for accreditation. UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) is a certified body appointed by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy department of the UK Government to give accreditation. UKAS is an independent body and is self-funding by charging conformity assessment bodies for their services in certification, testing, inspection, calibration and verification. They define accreditation as ‘a means of assessing, in the public interest, the technical competence and integrity of the organisations offering evaluation services including testing, inspection, calibration and certification’.
UKAS certification is recognised by the symbol ‘UKAS crown and tick’ and considered as a ‘gold standard’ in certification. In simple terms, they are ‘checking the checkers’ annually to ensure that the ‘checkers’ or certifying bodies are providing accurate and credible checks.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) estimates that there are 2.4 million cases of foodborne illness. Researchers approximate that these illnesses cause 180 deaths a year in the UK.
UKAS's role is to improve food safety standards by ensuring that food products are safe to consume and reducing food safety incidents through performing various tests, measurements and certificated processes.
Importance of UKAS in the Food & Beverage Industry
UKAS standards ensure consumers that the food or drink they consume, wherever it is or is from, meets a certain standard. Encompassing the entire food and beverage industry, these standards involve assessments ranging from natural resources like water and plant examinations to the evaluation of the entire production chain and food processing units.
UKAS is a member of the IAF (International Accreditation Forum) which aims to harmonise accreditation processes across the world through Mutual Recognition Agreements (MLAs). Considering this, rules are applied considering IAF and MLA requirements and relevant international standards.
UKAS provides users of accredited certification services confidence in them, ensuring that the processes they use are accurate, their staff is competent and they produce reliable and accurate results. By having confidence in your processes through accreditation, it is a powerful way of differentiating your business from your competitors.
Taipec's Road to UKAS Accreditation
At Taipec, two of our certifications– Environmental Management Systems Certification (ISO 14001) and Quality Management Systems Certification (ISO 9001) are accredited by UKAS. ISO stands for the ‘International Organisation for Standardisation’ and is the non-government body with over 150 members that make the global services for trusted goods and services. They define good standards as ‘setting consistent benchmarks to ensure reliability, building trust and simplifying choices’.
The UKAS standards also guide and encourage businesses to take on sustainable and ethical practices. All in all, these standards seamlessly blend quality with conscience, which is what we value highly here at Taipec.
Why UKAS Accreditation is Vital for Bubble Tea Companies
Having UKAS accreditation signifies that a bubble tea company's processes and management systems align with rigorous standards, offering assurance to consumers and stakeholders alike. In an industry where hygiene practices and product consistency are vital, having UKAS accreditation becomes a distinct advantage. It not only sets a company apart but also builds trust among consumers, reinforcing the commitment to delivering top-tier bubble tea products.
Impact of UKAS Accreditation on Bubble Tea Quality and Safety
The UKAS accreditation ensures that the company's processes and management systems align with recognised benchmarks, maintaining the overall quality of their products. In an industry where ingredients, hygiene and preparation processes are critical factors, being UKAS accredited becomes an essential tool that indicates trust and reliability, shaping a positive reputation around the quality and safety of bubble tea drinks.
For consumers, this translates to a greater level of confidence in the safety and consistency of the bubble tea they buy from. They can look for the ‘crown and tick’ logo or use the free online database CertCheck to confirm the validity of claims of UKAS accredited certification.