Definition: Important distinction often confused in cold chain.
Certification:
- Voluntary third-party verification
- Issued by accredited certification body
- Examples: ISO 22000, BRC, HACCP, Halaal
Compliance:
- Mandatory regulatory requirement
- No certificate issued
- Must be demonstrated during inspections
- Examples: R638, R2906, OHS Act
Common Misconception: “R638 certificate” – R638 is regulatory compliance, NOT certification. There is no R638 certificate issued by any authority.
Related Terms: R638, Food Safety, Quality Management, Regulatory Compliance