Chain of Custody Certification: Connecting Sustainability, Safety & Trust in the Food Chain

In a world where transparency and integrity are non-negotiable, Chain of Custody (CoC) certification is becoming a strategic asset for food businesses. Whether you're handling fresh produce or seafood, CoC standards like GLOBALG.A.P. and MSC help ensure that certified products remain authentic, traceable, and undiluted throughout the supply chain.

What Is Chain of Custody Certification? 

CoC certification verifies that products bearing a certification label (e.g., GLOBALG.A.P. or MSC) are: 

  • Sourced from certified suppliers 
  • Kept separate from non-certified products 
  • Traceable through every stage of handling and processing 

It applies to processors, packers, distributors, retailers, and any business that takes ownership or physical control of certified goods. 

Examples of CoC Standards 

  • GLOBALG.A.P. CoC: For agricultural and aquaculture products. Ensures traceability from certified farms to retailers. 
  • MSC CoC: For wild-caught seafood. Guarantees that products with the blue MSC label come from sustainable fisheries.
  • MSC & ASC Fisheries: MSC & ASC Fisheries: These certification schemes support responsible sourcing and full traceability of seafood—from the ocean or aquaculture site to the consumer.  

What Do CoC Standards Have in Common? 

Despite sector differences, CoC standards share core principles: 

  • Certified sourcing only: Products must come from certified suppliers. 
  • Product handling integrity: Certified and non-certified products must be either physically separated or managed under a mass balance system, depending on the standard and scope. 
  • Traceability systems: Every movement is documented and verifiable. 
  • Volume reconciliation: Input/output tracking to prevent fraud. 
  • Audit readiness: Regular audits ensure ongoing compliance. 

 

Already GFSI-Certified? Here’s How to Implement CoC

If your company already operates under a GFSI-recognized system (e.g., BRCGS, FSSC 22000, IFS, SQF), implementing CoC is straightforward:

    Gap Analysis

    Compare your current traceability and segregation practices with the CoC requirements.

    Supplier Verification

    Ensure all certified products come from suppliers with valid GLOBALG.A.P. or MSC certificates.

    Product Handling Protocols

    Establish clear procedures for receiving, storing, labelling, and dispatching certified products.

    Documentation and Records

    Maintain batch-level traceability, volume reconciliation, and audit trails.

    Staff Training

    Educate teams on CoC principles, especially around product identification and segregation.

    Choose an Accredited Certification Body

    Work with a body that can audit both your food safety system and CoC to streamline the process. 

Why It Matters 

CoC certification is more than a label because it connects certified production with certified handling, ensuring that sustainability and safety claims are real, traceable, and verifiable. 

Interested in adding CoC certification to your food safety strategy? Our team is here to help you integrate it seamlessly with your existing systems. 

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