ASI Food: A Leading Product Safety Auditing, Training, and Consulting Company
DeliveryRank had the opportunity to chat with Andrew Wood, Director of Business Development at ASI Food, a leading product safety auditing, training, and consulting company based in St. Louis. With a strong reputation in food safety since the 1940s, ASI is an accredited certification body for major industry standards, serving businesses of all sizes, from regional operations to global brands like Coca-Cola and Sprouts. Andrew plays a key role in driving ASI’s mission to simplify certifications, ensure regulatory compliance, and enhance safety programs across the food, beverage, packaging, and cannabis industries.
ASI boasts over 94 years of service, conducting more than 3,000 audits annually with a 97% customer satisfaction rate. How has this extensive experience influenced your approach to helping businesses remain audit-ready and achieve food safety excellence?
Decades of experience have given ASI a wide lens on what truly drives food safety success. By conducting thousands of audits across diverse segments, ASI has identified common challenges, recurring patterns, and industry-specific best practices. This background helps ensure that every audit is more than a box-checking exercise—rather, it becomes an opportunity to strengthen processes and reinforce a culture of continuous improvement. ASI places a strong emphasis on early and ongoing engagement, supporting clients from initial preparation through implementation, so businesses can stay one step ahead of changing standards and maintain consistent, high-level performance.
With a wide array of services—including tailored live online training and a comprehensive suite of certifications such as SQF, BRCGS, and FSSC 22000—how do you customize your approach to meet the unique needs of diverse industries like food processing, packaging, dietary supplements, and cannabis?
ASI understands that each sector faces distinct regulatory requirements, operating environments, and market expectations. The customization starts with a thorough assessment to pinpoint operational risks and compliance gaps. Based on this assessment, ASI adapts its training and certification processes to ensure alignment with the client’s unique products, facility setup, and supply chain considerations. By staying attuned to the intricacies of each industry—from allergen management in food processing to traceability in dietary supplements—ASI can tailor solutions that remain practical, relevant, and effective in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
FSSC 22000 certification involves a rigorous, multi-stage audit process from preparation and initial audits to annual surveillance and recertification. Can you walk us through how ASI supports a client throughout this journey, and what best practices you recommend for developing a robust food safety management system?
ASI begins by clarifying the certification requirements and guiding organizations in establishing clear, accurate documentation. An initial audit is conducted to verify compliance with FSSC 22000 standards, followed by a detailed report of any non-conformities. After corrective actions are taken, the certification audit assesses whether the system meets the standard’s requirements. Once certified, regular surveillance audits are performed to confirm ongoing compliance. Best practices include performing thorough internal audits, maintaining strong record-keeping procedures, training employees at all levels, and developing a proactive approach to identifying and addressing food safety risks. These steps help build a resilient management system that continuously adapts and improves over time.
Certifications such as BRCGS and SQF not only ensure compliance but also serve as critical trust markers that can boost market access and sales. How does ASI help businesses leverage these certifications to enhance their operational credibility and drive new customer opportunities?
ASI underscores the strategic value of certifications by highlighting their role in validating a company’s commitment to strict safety and quality standards. During audits, ASI teams identify practices that go beyond mere compliance, offering insights on how businesses can use these achievements to build brand credibility. This involves emphasizing third-party validation of processes, demonstrating consistent adherence to high standards, and showcasing transparent quality controls. By communicating these strengths to buyers, retailers, and consumers, organizations can differentiate themselves in the market and potentially unlock new distribution channels or expand into regions that demand recognized certifications.
The food safety landscape is continuously evolving with new regulations and industry standards. What strategies does ASI employ to stay ahead of these changes, and how do you ensure that your training services remain both current and effective in promoting sustainable, high-quality practices?
ASI maintains close contact with global and regional regulatory bodies, regularly reviews updates to benchmark standards, and engages with industry associations. Internal teams pursue ongoing professional development, attending conferences and participating in working groups to stay informed on emergent trends. Additionally, ASI gathers and analyzes data from its extensive audit portfolio to spot changes in industry practices. This commitment to continuous learning helps ASI update its training materials and auditing procedures promptly, ensuring they reflect the latest requirements and help clients remain resilient in the face of evolving expectations.
If you would like to find out more about ASI, please visit https://www.asifood.com/