Self-checking guides

What is a self-checking guide?

The guide sets out how you can comply with the legal requirements for hygiene, traceability and self-checking. Before a self-checking guide is published, it must be approved by the FASFC. Here you will find an overview of the approved guides. Every operator in the food chain is legally required to set up a self-checking system in their company (Art. 3 of the Royal Decree of 14 November 2003).

What is self-checking?

Self-checking is the set of measures aimed at guaranteeing the safety of the food products your company offers to consumers.

Advantages of a certified self-checking system

You can have your self-checking system validated by an external certification body. This is not a legal obligation, but it offers many advantages:

bonus/malus

With a validated self-checking system, you get a 50% discount on the annual contribution you pay to the FASFC.

Companies without a validated self-checking system pay a malus on their annual contribution. We check for you whether the bonus makes the certification costs worthwhile.

FASFC inspection frequency

Companies with a validated self-checking system are inspected (at a cost) less frequently by the FASFC.

Combination with other audits

The validation of a self-checking guide can be combined with other certification audits. Most certification bodies take this into account when setting the audit duration, which saves you additional audit costs.

What is the Smiley quality mark?

A Smiley is a quality mark awarded by the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) to restaurants and cafés, food shops, catering companies and other food businesses that meet strict food safety and hygiene standards. It shows that the business makes every effort to guarantee a high level of hygiene and food safety.

Purpose of the Smiley quality mark

The Smiley aims to:

• give consumers confidence that their food is prepared and handled safely;
• encourage businesses to work proactively on hygiene and food safety;
• reward the practical application of self-checking (through a self-checking system).

How do you obtain a Smiley quality mark?

A business can obtain a Smiley by:

• setting up and implementing a self-checking system that meets the FASFC's standards;
• having this system checked and approved by an accredited certification body;
• receiving a positive assessment from the FASFC inspectors, based on audits and inspections.

Period of validity

A Smiley is valid for 3 years, after which the business must demonstrate again that it meets the requirements in order to keep the quality mark.

Benefits of a Smiley quality mark

• Customers place more trust in businesses with a Smiley.
• Strict procedures and checks improve efficiency and food safety.
• Businesses with a Smiley are inspected less frequently.
• The quality mark contributes to transparency and strengthens consumer confidence in the Belgian food chain.

Frequently asked questions about self-checking guides and the Smiley label

Is a self-checking system mandatory?

Yes. Every operator in the food chain is legally required to set up a self-checking system in their business (Art. 3 of the Royal Decree of 14 November 2003). Having the system validated by an external certification body is not mandatory, but it does offer advantages.

What does a validated self-checking system deliver?

You get a 50% discount on the annual contribution you pay to the FASFC; companies without a validated system pay a surcharge. You are also inspected less often (FASFC inspections are chargeable), and you can combine the validation with other certification audits to save on audit costs.

How do you obtain a Smiley?

You set up a self-checking system that meets the FASFC's standards, have it checked and approved by an accredited certification body and receive a positive evaluation from FASFC inspectors based on audits and checks.

How long is a Smiley valid?

A Smiley is valid for 3 years. After that, the business must demonstrate again that it meets the requirements in order to keep the label.

Further reading in our knowledge centre

• AGF Self-Checking Guide version 6: the main changes
• Change to Royal Decree on FASFC inspection frequency
• Inhibitors in raw milk