Businesses in Malaysia can enjoy a number of benefits by achieving HalaI certification. This internationally-recognized standard demonstrates that a company meets the highest levels of quality and safety requirements set by JAKIM. Certification can open up new markets, help improve operations, and boost the bottom line.
What is MESTI Certification?
The Malaysian Standards for Training and Industrial Institute or MeSTI is Malaysia’s food safety program. Established in 2001, the program was initiated by the Ministry of Health to introduce a food hygiene management and operations management system that involves food safety protection and food quality and safety. The MeSTI certification logo is implemented through this program and SMEs in Malaysia are required to achieve this certification to become a major exporter or producer in the food industry.
The purpose of the MeSTI certification is to ensure that Malaysian businesses meet food safety standards and protect the country’s food exports. The MeSTI program is one of the most comprehensive food safety programs in the world and has been implemented to help Malaysian businesses maintain a high level of food safety protection. It is also the foundation for Halal Certification and must be completed prior to an application for the JAKIM Halal Certification.
The Benefits of MESTI Certification
The benefits of the MeSTI certification are numerous. The most prominent benefits for businesses who obtain the certification are:
– The ability to fulfil the legal requirements set by the government:
In order to export food products to markets all over Malaysia, businesses must comply with the food safety regulations set by the government. The MeSTI certification allows food producers and exporters to access this market by establishing a Food Safety Assurance Programme.
– Provides Foundation for Halal Certificates and More:
Aside from complying with government regulations, businesses that are MeSTI certified also have the foundation to get other certificates for their business. In order to obtain a halal certificate or a more advanced management certificate such as HACCP or ISO, MeSTI is a great foundation to build off further applications as it sets the foundation that’s main focus is food safety assurance.
– Increased consumer confidence :
A MeSTI certification can help businesses increase consumer confidence in their products. By implementing a food safety management system that meets national standards, businesses can ensure customers that their products were manufactured with a through method that limits the risk of hazardous materials in the product and guarantee high quality results every time.
How to get MESTI Certification
In order to obtain MeSTI certification, businesses must go through a rigorous application process that involves an on-site audit and liaison with one of MeSTI’s officers.
First and foremost, companies will have to register a FoSIM account, the Syarikat Dalam Negara and Premis. After the registration is complete, businesses may then proceed with a new MeSTI application. Once an application is submitted, MeSTI will assign an officer in charge to help with the process. This officer will provide a sample manual and guidance throughout the certification process. After amendments to the manual according to the specific company’s operations, submission to the officer in charge will then lead to the auditing process of the application.
The on-site audit is one of the most important stages of the MeSTI certification process and after the review of the amended manual, scheduling of an audit date with the officer is required. During the audit process, the officer will inspect the site and the processes involved including recordkeeping to find nonconformities (NCs).
If any nonconformities are found, the company will have to take corrective actions in order to fix the issue. The MeSTI officer in charge will provide a deadline for the corrective actions and after they have been completed successfully, an audit report will be issued. If there are no nonconformities, the MeSTI certification will be issued and the company may place the logo on their products.
How Interfinite Can Help
For those who wish to save time and money in order to receive their MeSTI certification, Interfinite is able to assist. With over 10 years in the certification industry, we are able to help your company achieve the stamp of approval with our management overview. If you are wondering what Interfinite can do for you, check out MeSTI Certification page and find out more about we can get you certified.