EC accreditation is a crucial certification for cheese producers who want to trade their products within the European Union. For us as a producer of high-quality goat cheese specialties, this accreditation is essential to be able to supply our traditional cheeses to industrial customers. In this article, we answer the most important questions about EC accreditation, specifically for producers of industrial goat cheese.
What exactly is EC accreditation for cheese producers?
EC accreditation is an official recognition from the European Commission that confirms that a cheese production company complies with all EU regulations for food safety, hygiene and quality. This accreditation guarantees that the production facility, processes and products meet the strict European standards for dairy processing.
The accreditation covers various aspects of the production process. First, the hygienic conditions in the production facility are assessed, looking at the layout of production spaces, the separation between dirty and clean zones, and the presence of adequate sanitary facilities. Second, the HACCP system (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) is checked, which identifies and controls risks in the production process.
For goat cheese producers, EC accreditation also means that specific requirements for processing goat milk are met. This includes proper temperature control during pasteurization, correct storage of raw materials, and traceability of all ingredients from farm to final product. The accreditation is periodically checked by independent inspectors acting on behalf of national food authorities.
Why is EC accreditation important for industrial goat cheese?
EC accreditation is essential for industrial goat cheese producers because it guarantees access to the European market and ensures confidence from industrial customers. Without this accreditation, cheese products may not be traded within the EU, which drastically limits sales opportunities.
For industrial customers such as producers of ready meals, pizzas or other food products, EC accreditation is a basic requirement. These companies must be able to demonstrate that all ingredients in their products meet the highest safety standards. An EC-certified supplier of goat cheese provides assurance that the cheese is safe for further processing and consumption.
The accreditation also plays an important role in international trade. Many countries outside the EU recognize EC accreditation as proof of high quality standards, which increases export opportunities. For us as a producer of goat cheese crumbles, slices and other industrial formats, this means we can supply our products worldwide with confidence that they meet international standards.
Furthermore, EC accreditation protects against liability claims. In case of food safety incidents, certified producers can demonstrate that they have followed all prescribed procedures, providing legal protection.
What requirements does EC accreditation place on goat cheese producers?
EC accreditation places extensive requirements on goat cheese producers in the areas of facilities, processes, personnel and documentation. These requirements are laid down in EU regulations 852/2004 and 853/2004, which contain specific conditions for dairy processing.
The physical production facility must meet strict construction requirements. This includes smooth, washable walls and floors, adequate ventilation and lighting, and separate spaces for different production steps. For goat cheese production, specific ripening chambers with controlled temperature and humidity are required. All equipment must be made of food-grade material and regularly maintained according to an established schedule.
At the process level, producers must implement a complete HACCP system. This means that all critical control points in the production process have been identified, from milk receipt to final product packaging. For fresh goat cheese, such as our spreadable varieties, specific temperature requirements apply during production and storage. Aged goat cheeses additionally require controlled ripening conditions with regular monitoring.
Personnel requirements include mandatory training in food safety and hygiene for all employees who come into contact with the product. Health certificates and regular medical checks are mandatory. Documentation must be complete and up-to-date, including recipes, production logs, temperature recordings and traceability systems that can track each batch of cheese from raw material to final product.
How does a goat cheese producer obtain EC accreditation?
Obtaining EC accreditation for goat cheese production is a structured process that begins with an application to the national food authority, in the Netherlands the NVWA. The process takes an average of 6 to 12 months, depending on the company’s readiness.
The process starts with a thorough self-evaluation where the company tests all processes, procedures and facilities against EC requirements. Often an external consultant with experience in dairy certification is hired for this. After this evaluation follows the implementation of improvements, such as adapting production spaces, installing new equipment, or developing missing procedures.
The formal application is submitted with extensive documentation, including facility floor plans, process diagrams, HACCP plans, and personnel procedures. The NVWA then schedules an initial inspection where all aspects of production are assessed. This inspection is very thorough and can last several days for complex production facilities.
After the inspection, the company receives a report with any deficiencies that must be resolved. Once all points have been addressed, a re-inspection follows. Upon approval, EC accreditation is granted and the company receives a unique recognition number that must be stated on all packaging. Annual control inspections ensure that standards are maintained.
What are the benefits of EC-certified goat cheese for buyers?
EC-certified goat cheese offers industrial buyers guaranteed food safety, consistent quality and complete traceability. This certification eliminates risks in the supply chain and simplifies compliance with their own quality systems.
For buyers like Marco Visser, who work in the food industry, EC certification means they can rely on consistent product specifications. Whether it’s goat cheese crumbles for pizza applications or fresh goat cheese slices for ready meals, the certification guarantees that every delivery meets the same high standards. This reduces the risk of production disruptions due to varying quality.
The administrative benefits are also significant. EC-certified suppliers have extensive documentation systems that simplify audits. Traceability is guaranteed, which means that in case of quality questions, it can quickly be determined which raw materials were used and under what conditions production took place. This saves time during supplier audits and reduces the administrative burden.
Commercially, EC certification opens doors to new markets. Products with goat cheese can be exported throughout the EU without additional certification. For producers of international food products, this is essential. Furthermore, many non-EU countries accept EC certification as proof of high quality standards, which increases the export opportunities of final products.
How DeJong Cheese helps with EC accreditation for industrial goat cheese
As an EC-certified producer since 1995, we at DeJong Cheese understand exactly what industrial customers need in terms of certification and quality guarantees. Our years of experience with EC accreditation translates into reliable deliveries of high-quality goat cheese products for the industry.
We offer concrete support to our industrial customers:
- Complete documentation: All certificates, specifications and safety data sheets are directly available through our customer portal
- Traceability system: Every batch of fresh goat cheese, aged goat cheese or goat cheese balls is fully traceable from milk receipt
- Flexible audit possibilities: We welcome customer audits and proactively share our NVWA inspection reports
- Consistent quality: Our EC procedures guarantee that every delivery of goat cheese slices or spreadable goat cheese exactly meets specifications
- Private label possibilities: Even for private label products, we maintain the same high EC standards
Are you looking for a reliable supplier of EC-certified industrial goat cheese? Contact us for more information about our certifications and products. Visit our homepage for the complete overview of our goat cheese specialties, or discover where you can find our products through our sales points page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does EC accreditation remain valid and what are the costs for renewal?
EC accreditation has no fixed expiration date, but requires annual control inspections by the NVWA to maintain status. Costs vary per company size, but expect €2,000-€5,000 per year for inspections and administrative costs. Major changes in production processes or facilities require an additional inspection, which brings extra costs.
Can small artisanal goat cheese producers also obtain EC accreditation?
Yes, small producers can also obtain EC accreditation, but the requirements remain the same regardless of company size. For small-scale producers, simplified procedures sometimes exist, but the basic standards for food safety are non-negotiable. It is advisable to work with a consultant who has experience with small-scale dairy certification to keep costs manageable.
What happens if deficiencies are found during an inspection?
With minor deficiencies, the company usually gets 30-90 days to implement improvements without loss of accreditation. With serious violations, production can be temporarily shut down or accreditation can be withdrawn. The company always receives a detailed report with concrete improvement points and deadlines, followed by a re-inspection to check if all points have been resolved.
Is EC accreditation sufficient for export to countries outside the EU?
EC accreditation is recognized by many countries as a basic standard, but some countries impose additional requirements. The US requires FDA registration, China has its own import certificates, and Islamic countries often ask for halal certification. Always check the specific import requirements of the destination country and consult with your supplier about which additional certifications they can provide.
How can I as a buyer verify if a goat cheese producer is actually EC certified?
Always ask for the official recognition number that must appear on all packaging (NL number for Dutch producers). You can verify this number through the NVWA database or the EU database of approved companies. Additionally ask for recent inspection reports and check if the company is on the list of approved exporters for your specific application.
What specific challenges are there with EC accreditation for organic goat cheese?
Organic goat cheese production requires double certification: both EC accreditation and organic certification according to EU regulation 834/2007. This means stricter requirements for raw materials, separate production processes, and more extensive documentation. The biggest challenge is preventing cross-contamination between organic and conventional products, which may require separate production days or even separate production lines.
