As a leading consumer goods retailer in Türkiye, Migros has set an example for food safety and quality by obtaining the FSSC 22000 certification. The company has long been a trailblazer in the Turkish retail sector, and this achievement reflects its thorough commitment to safety and quality in retailing food products.
Since its establishment in 1954 in Istanbul, Türkiye, Migros Ticaret A.Ş. has been dedicated to offering high-quality consumer goods at affordable prices, creating a unique shopping experience for millions of customers. With over 75,000 employees, 23,500 business partners, and a vast network of suppliers, producers, and farmers, Migros has created an ecosystem dedicated to maintaining high standards and supporting sustainable practices throughout its operations.
Why FSSC 22000?
Migros’ journey toward FSSC 22000 certification began with a clear understanding of the Scheme’s proposition of establishing a robust Food Safety Management System (FSMS) and its benefits for the major retailer. “The FSSC 22000 certification Scheme for Food Safety Management Systems offers a systematic methodology for effectively identifying and managing food safety risks,” says Sevil Sen, Migros Quality Management Systems Manager.
The retailer further values that FSSC 22000 offers an independent, ISO-based food safety management program for third-party audits and certification that was accepted by the European Cooperation for Accreditation (EA).
FSSC 22000 helps organizations identify potential hazards, establish preventive measures, and maintain a strong food safety culture, ultimately protecting brand reputation and instilling customer confidence.Sevil Sen, Migros Quality Management Systems Manager
Aligned with the Codex General Principles of Food Hygiene and recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), the FSSC 22000 certification ensures that food safety practices meet international standards and are recognized globally. “Migros’ dedication to food safety and quality across all value chain processes has been validated through FSSC 22000 certification”, says Ms. Sen, and adds: “We are strongly committed to maintaining FSSC 22000 certification to continue offering safe, high-quality, and sustainably produced food to our customers.”
Integrating Good Practices with FSSC 22000 Requirement on Food Loss and Waste
Actively pursuing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets, Migros has fully integrated the Scheme’s additional certification requirement on Food Loss and Waste into its FSMS. Recognizing that this is as much of a responsibility for the industry as for consumers, the company has turned the Scheme requirement into a comprehensive strategy to prevent loss and waste and re-evaluate consumable food. Among others, Migros’ practical initiatives include:
- Offering discounted sales for products nearing expiration.
- Donating unsellable but consumable food.
- Converting organic waste into biogas and compost.
As an active member of the Consumer Goods Forum’s Food Waste Coalition, Migros collaborates with leading retailers and consumer goods companies worldwide. In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the retailer aims to reduce the ratio of food disposal tonnage to food supply tonnage by 50% by 2030, compared to the 2018 base year. By the end of 2023, Migros had already achieved a 29.5% reduction, preventing 100,740 tons of carbon emissions and saving over 62 million meals.
The FSSC 22000 Food Loss and Waste requirement has further helped Migros meticulously review and enhance its efforts to reach its 2030 target, reinforcing its role as a responsible retailer dedicated to sustainability.
Now, the QMS Manager encourages other organizations to consider FSSC 22000 certification for establishing a reliable Food Safety Management System that “adds significant value to organizations by protecting brand reputation, monitoring and improving key processes, and proactively making operations more sustainable.”
For more information about Migros Türkiye, visit www.migros.com.tr
