Frequently Asked Questions

What is ISO?
ISO stands for the International Organization for Standardization. A non-governmental organization headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, ISO is a federation of the national standards bodies for approximately 150 countries, representing the developed, developing and transitional economies throughout the world. By developing standards that distill an international consensus from a broad base of stakeholder groups, ISO standards are widely respected and accepted in both the private and public sectors.

Who is VeriPrime?
VPI is a Delaware-based, for profit, non-stock, member-owned cooperative organized to provide its members with the services and coordination required for members to provide and comply with food safety standards, food safety assurance and certification, food traceability and technologies. VeriPrime developed, with consensus of over 100 industry participants, the VeriPrime Traceability Assurance System as described in the VeriPrime Standards Manual

What is Chain Traceability?
Chain traceability is the ability to trace the history, application, or location of a food item by means of record-keeping throughout the entire food chain. The objectives of the traceability system certified under VTAS and implemented by participants include: facilitate implementation of internal traceability (one up/ one back) to the producer level, provide a commercial mechanism to specify certified traceable product, support food safety and quality: document the history or origin of the product, facilitate withdrawal and/or recall of products; facilitate the verification of specific information about the product, and communicate traceability information to relevant stakeholders and consumers.

How far (forward and back) in the production cycle does each applicant need to be able to demonstrate traceability to meet the VTAS standard?
To be a VeriPrime Certified Participant, an entity must demonstrate compliance with the requirements set forth in the VeriPrime Traceability Assurance System Standards Manual, Section 5. These requirements constitute a rigorous basis for determination of internal traceability. When each producer agrees to share internal traceability information, it is possible to provide seamless chain traceability for all product.  

How much does it cost to become certified?
The sliding fee schedule is based upon operation type and size, and is available in the Agri Food Certification Quality Manual posted on this web page.

Does the VTAS Program prescribe a particular method for animal identification and tracking?
Neither VeriPrime nor Agri Food Certification prescribe or endorse a particular hardware solution for the tracking of product. Product, device, or equipment selection is at the discretion of the producer, as long as the performance criteria for ID Tags and other ID devices set forth in the VTAS Standards Manual are met and can be demonstrated. 

Where does Agri Food Certification get its auditors from?
Agri Food seeks auditors who meet minimum education, training and experiential requirements. Auditors are commonly licensed veterinarians, graduate and post-graduate students, agricultural inspectors or auditors from the manufacturing and production environment. Click here to view the qualifications for prospective auditors.

How does Agri Food Certification ensure the impartiality of its inspectors/auditors?
Applicants to serve as Agri Food Certification auditors within the VeriPrime Traceability Assurance System are subject to disclosure. This means that all auditors must disclose ongoing contractual, financial and business arrangements as they pertain to applicants for certification. Auditors will not be assigned to conduct on-site audits of premises with which they have a perceived conflict of interest, whether disclosed or undisclosed.