2. FSSC 22000
Best for: Large food manufacturers, beverage producers and multinational processors
FSSC 22000 is widely used by Romanian food manufacturers operating complex production facilities or supplying multiple international customers.
Unlike retailer-focused certification schemes, FSSC 22000 is built around ISO 22000 together with sector-specific prerequisite programmes and additional food safety requirements recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).
The certification is particularly suitable for:
- dairy manufacturers
- beverage companies
- ingredient suppliers
- confectionery producers
- packaging manufacturers
- food processors
- multinational production facilities
Romania’s growing role as a regional manufacturing hub has encouraged many larger producers to adopt FSSC 22000 because it integrates well with broader management systems while supporting international trade.
Many multinational companies operating factories in Romania use FSSC 22000 to maintain consistent food safety systems across production sites in different countries.
Organisation Profile
| Company Profile | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Foundation FSSC |
| Headquarters | Gorinchem, Netherlands |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Organisation Type | Independent non-profit foundation |
| Sector | Food safety management system certification |
| Global Presence | Worldwide |
| Certified Organisations | More than 42,000 certified organisations globally |
| Licensed Partners | More than 100 licensed partners worldwide |
| Offices / Branches | Regional representatives; full office count not publicly disclosed |
| Employees | Information not publicly disclosed |
| Revenue / Income | Information not publicly disclosed |
| Primary Users | Food, ingredient, beverage and packaging manufacturers |
3. BRCGS Food Safety
Best for: Export manufacturers and suppliers serving multinational retailers
BRCGS Food Safety remains one of the world’s most recognised food safety standards and is widely accepted by retailers and food manufacturers supplying international markets.
Although IFS Food generally has stronger influence within Central European supermarket supply chains, BRCGS is particularly valuable for Romanian companies exporting products to the United Kingdom and other international markets.
The standard assesses:
- food safety culture
- HACCP implementation
- quality management
- site standards
- product control
- process control
- traceability
- food defence
- supplier approval
It is widely used across Romania’s:
- meat industry
- dairy processing
- bakery manufacturing
- confectionery production
- beverage manufacturing
- packaging sector
- private label production
Romanian exporters frequently choose BRCGS because many international customers recognise the certification as evidence of robust food safety management and manufacturing controls.
Organisation Profile
| Company Profile | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | BRCGS |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Organisation Type | Global standards organisation |
| Sector | Food safety, packaging and supply chain standards |
| Global Presence | More than 130 countries |
| Offices / Branches | Information not publicly disclosed |
| Employees | Information not publicly disclosed |
| Revenue / Income | Information not publicly disclosed |
| Primary Users | Food manufacturers, packaging suppliers, exporters and retailers |
4. ISO 22000
Best for: Food manufacturers, logistics providers and supply-chain operators
ISO 22000 is an internationally recognised food safety management system used throughout Romania’s food industry.
Unlike retailer-specific certification programmes, ISO 22000 provides a management framework that can be applied throughout the food chain.
Typical users include:
- food manufacturers
- logistics providers
- warehouses
- storage facilities
- ingredient suppliers
- catering businesses
- food distributors
The standard helps organisations establish structured food safety management processes, improve operational consistency and demonstrate commitment to continuous improvement.
Romanian businesses supplying industrial customers or operating integrated management systems often choose ISO 22000 because it aligns well with other ISO standards.
Organisation Profile
| Company Profile | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | International Organization for Standardization (ISO) |
| Headquarters | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Founded | 1947 |
| Organisation Type | Independent international non-governmental organisation |
| Sector | International standards development |
| Global Presence | More than 170 member countries |
| Offices / Branches | National standards body network |
| Employees | Information not publicly disclosed |
| Revenue / Income | Information not publicly disclosed |
| Primary Users | Manufacturers, processors, logistics providers and food businesses |
5. HACCP
Best for: Every food business operating in Romania
HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) forms the foundation of food safety management throughout Romania.
It is not a commercial certification scheme but a systematic methodology for identifying, evaluating and controlling food safety hazards during food production.
HACCP addresses risks including:
- biological contamination
- chemical contamination
- physical hazards
- allergen management
- cross-contamination
- temperature control
- critical process monitoring
Romanian food businesses are expected to implement HACCP principles as part of European food hygiene legislation.
Although HACCP alone may not satisfy supermarket supplier approval requirements, it provides the operational basis for recognised certification schemes such as IFS Food, BRCGS and FSSC 22000.
Organisation Profile
| Company Profile | Information |
|---|---|
| Framework | HACCP |
| Main International Reference | Codex Alimentarius Commission |
| Headquarters | Rome, Italy |
| Established | Codex Commission established in 1963 |
| Organisation Type | International food safety methodology |
| Sector | Food safety risk management |
| Global Presence | Worldwide |
| Offices / Branches | Not applicable |
| Employees | Not applicable |
| Revenue / Income | Not applicable |
| Primary Users | All food manufacturers, processors, distributors and food businesses |
6. GLOBALG.A.P.
Best for: Fruit and vegetable growers, agricultural producers and fresh produce exporters
GLOBALG.A.P. is one of the most important farm assurance standards used by Romanian agricultural producers supplying supermarkets across Europe.
Unlike IFS Food or BRCGS, which assess food manufacturing facilities, GLOBALG.A.P. focuses on primary agricultural production before products enter the processing stage.
The standard covers:
- food safety
- traceability
- responsible pesticide use
- environmental protection
- water management
- worker health and safety
- sustainable farming
- integrated crop management
Romania is one of Europe’s largest agricultural producers, making GLOBALG.A.P. particularly relevant for:
- fruit growers
- vegetable producers
- greenhouse operations
- potato producers
- fresh produce exporters
- producer organisations
Growers supplying supermarket chains such as Carrefour Romania, Kaufland Romania, Lidl Romania and other European retailers may encounter GLOBALG.A.P. requirements during supplier approval.
For Romanian exporters, the certification also supports access to European retail procurement programmes where farm assurance has become a standard expectation.
Organisation Profile
| Company Profile | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | FoodPLUS GmbH (GLOBALG.A.P.) |
| Headquarters | Cologne, Germany |
| Founded | 1997 (originally EUREPG.A.P.) |
| Organisation Type | Private-sector farm assurance organisation |
| Sector | Agriculture and aquaculture standards |
| Global Presence | More than 130 countries |
| Offices / Branches | International partner and certification network |
| Employees | Information not publicly disclosed |
| Revenue / Income | Information not publicly disclosed |
| Primary Users | Farmers, growers, agricultural cooperatives, exporters and producer organisations |
7. EU Organic Certification
Best for: Organic farms, processors, traders and exporters
Organic food production in Romania follows the European Union’s organic regulatory framework.
Businesses marketing products as organic must comply with rules covering:
- crop production
- livestock management
- processing
- storage
- transport
- labelling
- traceability
- import controls
Romania’s organic sector continues to expand across:
- cereals
- fruit
- vegetables
- honey
- dairy
- wine
- processed foods
Organic certification is carried out by MADR-approved control bodies, while the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR) oversees the national organic system in accordance with EU legislation.
For exporters, EU Organic Certification provides access to organic markets throughout the European Union.
Organisation Profile
| Company Profile | Information |
|---|---|
| Framework | EU Organic Certification |
| Regulatory Authority | European Union |
| Romanian Competent Authority | Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR) |
| Headquarters | Brussels, Belgium |
| Organisation Type | European regulatory framework |
| Sector | Organic agriculture |
| Geographic Coverage | European Union |
| Romanian Control System | MADR-approved control bodies |
| Employees | Not applicable |
| Revenue / Income | Not applicable |
| Primary Users | Organic farmers, processors, traders and exporters |
8. Produs Montan
Best for: Mountain-area food producers
Produs Montan (Mountain Product) is an official quality scheme recognising food produced in designated mountain regions under European Union rules.
Unlike IFS Food or FSSC 22000, Produs Montan is not a food safety certification.
Instead, it identifies products whose production and processing meet the requirements associated with mountain areas.
Eligible products may include:
- cheese
- honey
- meat products
- fruit
- vegetables
- herbal products
- dairy products
The scheme is administered in Romania through the National Agency for Mountain Areas (ANZM) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
For Romanian producers located in mountain regions, the designation can help differentiate products and strengthen consumer confidence in origin and authenticity.
Organisation Profile
| Company Profile | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | National Agency for Mountain Areas (ANZM) |
| Country | Romania |
| Supervising Authority | Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development |
| Organisation Type | Government agency |
| Sector | Mountain agriculture and quality schemes |
| Geographic Coverage | Romania |
| Offices / Branches | Regional offices operating within mountain areas |
| Employees | Information not publicly disclosed |
| Budget | Government funded |
| Primary Users | Mountain farmers, food producers and agricultural businesses |
9. Produs Tradițional
Best for: Producers of traditional Romanian foods
Produs Tradițional (Traditional Product) is Romania’s official recognition programme for foods produced using traditional methods and recipes.
The programme helps preserve Romania’s culinary heritage while allowing recognised producers to differentiate their products in the marketplace.
Typical products include:
- cured meats
- cheeses
- bakery products
- confectionery
- preserves
- traditional beverages
Although it does not replace food safety certification, the scheme supports consumer confidence by recognising authentic Romanian food traditions.
Manufacturers must still comply with all applicable food safety legislation and retailer requirements.
Organisation Profile
| Company Profile | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development |
| Country | Romania |
| Organisation Type | Government quality programme |
| Sector | Traditional food recognition |
| Geographic Coverage | Romania |
| Offices / Branches | Government administration |
| Employees | Information not publicly disclosed specifically for the programme |
| Budget | Government funded |
| Primary Users | Traditional food producers and artisan manufacturers |
10. Rețetă Consacrată
Best for: Manufacturers using established Romanian recipes
Rețetă Consacrată (Consecrated Recipe) is a Romanian quality programme recognising foods produced according to recipes that have been used consistently over many years.
The scheme helps protect recognised recipes while promoting product consistency and preserving Romania’s food heritage.
Products commonly registered include:
- meat products
- bakery goods
- confectionery
- processed foods
- traditional prepared meals
Like Produs Tradițional, it complements rather than replaces recognised food safety certification schemes.
Manufacturers participating in the programme must continue meeting all legal food safety obligations and customer requirements.
Organisation Profile
| Company Profile | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development |
| Country | Romania |
| Organisation Type | Government quality programme |
| Sector | Traditional recipe recognition |
| Geographic Coverage | Romania |
| Offices / Branches | Government administration |
| Employees | Information not publicly disclosed specifically for the programme |
| Budget | Government funded |
| Primary Users | Romanian food manufacturers producing recognised traditional recipes |
Which Romanian Food Sectors Depend Most on Certification?
Different sectors of Romania’s food industry rely on different certification systems depending on their products, customers and export markets.
Dairy
Romania has a well-established dairy industry producing milk, cheese, yoghurt, butter and other processed dairy products.
Manufacturers commonly use:
- IFS Food
- FSSC 22000
- HACCP
- EU Organic Certification (where applicable)
Some traditional dairy products also benefit from protected geographical indications or national quality schemes.
Meat and Poultry
Romania is one of Eastern Europe’s important producers of meat and poultry.
Manufacturers supplying supermarkets and export markets typically rely on:
- IFS Food
- BRCGS Food Safety
- HACCP
- Halal Certification (for selected export markets)
Food safety, traceability and temperature control remain key priorities across the sector.
Bakery and Confectionery
Romania’s bakery and confectionery industries serve both domestic retailers and export customers.
The most common certifications include:
- IFS Food
- BRCGS Food Safety
- FSSC 22000
- HACCP
Manufacturers exporting specialist products may also obtain Kosher certification where customer demand exists.
Fresh Produce
Romania is one of Europe’s largest producers of fruit and vegetables.
Growers commonly depend on:
- GLOBALG.A.P.
- EU Organic Certification
- Produs Montan (where eligible)
These schemes help producers meet retailer sourcing requirements while improving export opportunities.
Wine and Beverage Manufacturing
Romania has a long-established wine and beverage industry.
Manufacturers commonly implement:
- FSSC 22000
- ISO 22000
- HACCP
Wine producers may also market products under protected geographical indication or designation schemes where applicable.
Private Label Manufacturing
Private label production continues to grow across Romanian supermarkets.
Manufacturers supplying retailer own-brand products commonly maintain:
- IFS Food
- BRCGS Food Safety
- HACCP
Retailers frequently supplement third-party certification with their own supplier approval and product quality audits.
Recommended Certification Path by Supplier Type
| Supplier Type | Recommended Certification |
|---|---|
| Private Label Manufacturer | IFS Food, HACCP |
| Dairy Producer | FSSC 22000, IFS Food, HACCP |
| Meat Processor | IFS Food, BRCGS, HACCP |
| Poultry Producer | IFS Food, HACCP, Halal (where required) |
| Bakery Manufacturer | IFS Food, HACCP |
| Beverage Producer | FSSC 22000, ISO 22000 |
| Fresh Produce Grower | GLOBALG.A.P., EU Organic Certification |
| Organic Food Producer | EU Organic Certification |
| Traditional Food Producer | Produs Tradițional, Rețetă Consacrată (where eligible) |
| Mountain Producer | Produs Montan |
| Export-Oriented Manufacturer | IFS Food, BRCGS, FSSC 22000 |
| Ingredient Supplier | ISO 22000, FSSC 22000 |
FAQ
Which food safety certification is most important in Romania?
IFS Food is generally regarded as the most commercially important certification for Romanian manufacturers supplying supermarkets and private label programmes.
However, the most appropriate certification depends on the product category, customer requirements and export destination.
Is HACCP mandatory in Romania?
Yes.
Romanian food businesses must implement HACCP-based food safety procedures under European Union food hygiene legislation.
However, supermarket buyers frequently require recognised third-party certification in addition to HACCP.
What is Produs Montan?
Produs Montan is Romania’s official mountain product quality scheme.
It identifies food products produced in eligible mountain regions under European Union rules and is administered nationally by the National Agency for Mountain Areas.
What is the difference between Produs Tradițional and Rețetă Consacrată?
Both programmes recognise Romanian food heritage.
Produs Tradițional focuses on foods produced using traditional methods, while Rețetă Consacrată recognises products manufactured according to long-established Romanian recipes.
Neither programme replaces recognised food safety certification.
Is GLOBALG.A.P. important in Romania?
Yes.
GLOBALG.A.P. is one of the leading farm assurance standards for Romanian fruit and vegetable growers supplying supermarkets and export markets.
What Happens Next for Food Safety Certification in Romania?
Romanian food supplier requirements are expected to become increasingly focused on digital traceability, sustainability and transparent supply chains.
Retailers are likely to place greater emphasis on:
- food safety culture
- supplier transparency
- responsible sourcing
- packaging compliance
- digital traceability
- environmental reporting
- operational consistency
The Romanian supermarket sector is expected to continue favouring suppliers that combine internationally recognised food safety certifications with strong quality management systems and reliable traceability.
Across the Romanian FMCG sector, manufacturers are likely to invest further in certification to strengthen export opportunities, retailer confidence and long-term competitiveness.
The Romanian private label market is also expected to continue expanding, increasing demand for manufacturers capable of consistently meeting retailer audit requirements and internationally recognised food safety standards.
Romania’s dairy, meat, poultry, bakery, beverage, wine, fresh produce and food manufacturing industries are likely to remain among the country’s most certification-intensive sectors.
For suppliers serving Romanian retailers and international food markets, certification is becoming more than a compliance requirement.
It is increasingly a measure of product quality, operational excellence and long-term supplier credibility across Romania’s food industry.
Editor’s Note: Information for this article was compiled from publicly available resources published by the Romanian Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR), the National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA), the National Agency for Mountain Areas (ANZM), the European Commission, IFS Management GmbH, Foundation FSSC, BRCGS, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), GLOBALG.A.P., the Codex Alimentarius Commission, and other recognised food safety and certification organisations. Organisation profiles and company information reflect publicly available information available at the time of publication.
