Food consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about the safety and quality of the food they eat. With so many options available in the market, it’s important to know how food products are regulated and certified to ensure they are safe for consumption.
In Malaysia, several food safety certification schemes exist to give both businesses and consumers confidence in the quality and safety of food products. The most common certifications include MeSTI, GMP, and HACCP. Let’s take a closer look at what these certifications mean
MeSTI (Makanan Selamat Tanggungjawab Industri)
Focus: Food safety and industrial responsibility
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The MeSTI certification is issued directly by the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM) through the Food Safety and Quality Division (BKKM).
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It ensures that food manufacturers comply with basic hygiene requirements and are accountable for food safety throughout their operations.
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Objective: To assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in establishing a structured food safety management system.
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Scope: Applicable only to the food manufacturing industry in Malaysia.
👉 MeSTI is often seen as the first step in food safety certification before moving on to GMP or HACCP.
GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)
Focus: Consistency and hygiene in production processes
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In Malaysia, GMP certification is overseen by the Ministry of Health (KKM) and conducted through accredited certification bodies recognized by the Department of Standards Malaysia.
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Certification requires compliance with strict standards covering raw materials, production processes, equipment, facilities, and product handling.
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Objective: To ensure consistent product quality and compliance with hygiene regulations.
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Scope: Applied across industries including food, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and cosmetics.
👉 GMP certification provides a solid foundation for HACCP and other international standards such as ISO 22000.
HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)
Focus: Preventive food safety management
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HACCP certification in Malaysia is issued by the Ministry of Health (KKM) and can also be obtained through accredited certification bodies recognized by the Department of Standards Malaysia.
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It requires food businesses to implement a structured hazard analysis system, identify potential food safety risks, and establish critical control points.
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Objective: To proactively prevent, reduce, or eliminate food safety hazards in the production process.
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Scope: Internationally recognized and applicable to all stages of the food supply chain, from farm to table.
👉 HACCP is often a requirement for export markets and is widely accepted as a global standard for food safety assurance.
Why Do These Certifications Matter?
By understanding food safety certification marks, businesses can:
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Build consumer trust and confidence
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Comply with Malaysian regulatory requirements
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Strengthen their brand reputation
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Open opportunities for exports and partnerships
For consumers, these marks mean peace of mind — knowing that the food they consume has been produced under strict safety and hygiene standards.
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Conclusion
Whether you’re a small food manufacturer starting with MeSTI, a growing business pursuing GMP, or a company targeting international markets with HACCP, these certifications play a crucial role in ensuring food safety and quality in Malaysia.
👉 At Flexly Consulting, we help food businesses navigate the certification process — from documentation to implementation — making compliance easier, faster, and stress-free.
