
FSSC 22000 at Benbits.
What is the trigger?
Since 2021, Benbits has been located in Heerhugowaard, where its own production also takes place. Right from the start, Benbits started looking for a partner for quality assurance. Milan Dontje (CEO): ''When we started our production I immediately started looking at how I wanted to set up my quality service. From the past through my father's company (Dobla Chocolade Decoraties) I knew that this is very important, but also time-consuming. After approaching and talking to several parties, I compared the parties together with a QA specialist and we ended up with Précon. The reason for choosing Précon is their professional approach. In addition, Précon also understood that I want to be completely unburdened for this part within our process."
What quality requirements in production?
Starting up a new production site presents many challenges. What are the requirements for a production site? How do we create a hygienic environment? And how do we ensure that the machines used meet the set guidelines?
For this new generation of chewing gum, Benbits wanted to set up a production site with a future-proof quality system according to the FSSC 22000 standard. In addition, the desire was to set up as much as possible digitally. Naturally, the packaging must comply with labeling legislation. And to emphasize the sustainable and vegan character on this packaging, the choice was made to certify the V-label so that the logo for vegan and vegetarian products could be used on the packaging.
"We're still a young company, but Précon has put the quality down in such a way that it feels like we've been doing this for years."
How do you set up a quality system?
Précon started the collaboration by taking stock of the requirements and the work that needed to take place to do so. For Benbits, it was a matter of getting production up and running as quickly as possible. Précon advised on basic conditions and hygienic design. At the same time, work started on setting up a quality management system based on FSSC 22000. Because Benbits wanted the system to be directly available online, Quasydoc software was used. Among other things, the quality manual, supplier evaluation and inspection rounds were implemented in Quasydoc.
Précon's Regulatory Affairs Support team also supported the project for Benbits, namely in preparing a complete end-product specification and through label validation ensuring that the packaging met all regulatory requirements.
FSSC 22000 certificate obtained
Given the diverse range of topics, Précon deployed a team of various specialists, with the same point of contact available to Benbits at all times. By involving different consultants, each with their own specialty, every question could be answered adequately. Milan Dontje: "It is nice to have several specialists. Précon thinks carefully about which consultant fits which issue, so you always have the right person in the right place. I also keep good contact with the project leader, who regularly asks how everything is going and whether help is needed. Benbits is still a young company, but thanks to Précon's experience we have a professional quality system as if we've been doing this for years.''
The cooperation has been crowned by obtaining the FSSC 22000 certificate. A good basis for further cooperation between Précon and Benbits.

About the company.
Benbits is a brand known since the 1970s for being the first sugar-free chewing gum in the Netherlands. Meanwhile, entrepreneur Milan Dontje is breathing new life into the brand and is now reintroducing it not only sugar-free, but also as the first plastic-free chewing gum in the Netherlands.

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