Icelandirect Sets New Safety Bar with FSSC 22000 Certification

CLIFTON, N.J. – May 27, 2026 – Icelandirect, LLC, a prominent U.S. contract manufacturer of supplements for both humans and pets, has significantly raised the stakes for quality and safety in the nutraceutical industry by achieving FSSC 22000 Version 6 certification. This globally recognized food safety credential, awarded after a rigorous third-party audit by SGS North America Inc., solidifies the company’s position as a leader in manufacturing excellence and provides a new layer of assurance to its brand partners and their customers.

The certification applies to Icelandirect's manufacturing facility in Clifton, New Jersey, confirming it operates under one of the world's most stringent Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS). For an industry where consumer trust is paramount, this achievement represents a critical differentiator, signaling a move beyond standard compliance to a comprehensive, proactive approach to product safety.

The New Gold Standard in Supplement Safety

FSSC 22000 is far more than another certificate to hang on the wall. Recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), it represents an internationally accepted benchmark for producing safe food and supplements. Built on the foundation of the ISO 22000 standard, FSSC 22000 incorporates sector-specific requirements and additional mandates that create a holistic framework for managing safety risks. Over 40,000 organizations worldwide rely on this standard, which is often a prerequisite for supplying major retailers and entering international markets.

For consumers, the certification translates into a verifiable promise of product integrity. It ensures that the supplements manufactured at the facility are produced within a system that meticulously identifies and controls potential hazards, from the sourcing of raw ingredients to the delivery of the finished product. The latest Version 6 of the standard, which Icelandirect has now met, places an even greater emphasis on critical areas such as allergen management, food defense against intentional contamination, food fraud mitigation, and environmental monitoring.

Achieving this standard involves implementing a comprehensive Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan, maintaining exhaustive documentation, and undergoing regular, intensive audits. A key component of Version 6 is the mandatory integration of a robust Food Safety and Quality Culture Plan, which requires companies to demonstrate that a commitment to safety is embedded throughout the organization, from leadership to the production floor.

A Strategic Play for Market Leadership

While the consumer benefits are clear, Icelandirect's achievement is also a calculated strategic move within the highly competitive supplement manufacturing landscape. The certification serves as a powerful market differentiator, providing clients with the verified confidence needed to navigate a complex regulatory environment and meet the demands of discerning retailers.

This milestone comes at a time of significant strategic expansion for the company. Earlier this year, Icelandirect announced its acquisition of SOMA LABS, a move that dramatically broadened its manufacturing capabilities. Previously known as a specialist in softgels and liquids, the company can now offer a full suite of dosage forms, including powders, hard-shell capsules, tablets, and chewable tablets for both human and pet supplement brands.

This combination of expanded capability and elevated quality assurance creates a compelling, turnkey solution for supplement brands. Companies are increasingly looking to consolidate their manufacturing with fewer, more capable partners who can handle diverse product lines without compromising on quality. By pairing its newly acquired solid-dose manufacturing expertise with the gold-standard FSSC 22000 certification, Icelandirect is positioning itself as a one-stop-shop for brands seeking to scale with confidence.

Building a Culture of Uncompromising Quality

Company leadership emphasizes that this achievement was not the work of a single department but a company-wide endeavor reflecting a deep-seated commitment to excellence. The process required extraordinary collaboration across all functions, from documentation and systems implementation to operational readiness and audit preparation.

“Achieving FSSC 22000 certification reflects who we are as a company and the standard we hold ourselves to every single day,” stated Brandon Miller, Chief Executive Officer of Icelandirect, in a press release. “Our clients trust us to manufacture products that meet rigorous standards and that responsibility drives everything we do. This certification is not just a credential on the wall — it is a verified testament to our team’s dedication, our systems, and our culture of excellence.”

This new certification joins an already formidable portfolio that demonstrates a long-term dedication to quality. Icelandirect’s credentials include NSF GMP certification, ISO 9001 for quality management, HACCP compliance, FDA registration, and sustainability certifications from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Friend of the Sea. This comprehensive approach to compliance and quality management underscores a culture that aims to operate well above the minimum regulatory requirements, providing a solid foundation for quality-driven growth.

Proactive Steps Toward Future Standards

In a testament to its forward-thinking approach, Icelandirect is not resting on its laurels. The company has announced that it is already actively preparing for FSSC 22000 Version 7 compliance, with the upgraded certification targeted for early 2027. Version 7, published in May 2026, introduces even more rigorous requirements aligned with evolving global challenges and consumer expectations.

Key updates in the next iteration of the standard include a stronger focus on supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly concerning food loss and waste. It also introduces new requirements for product design and development, specifically addressing the use of sustainable packaging materials. This proactive preparation ensures that Icelandirect's clients will continue to benefit from the most current and robust food safety standards in the world.

By anticipating future trends in regulation, sustainability, and consumer demand, Icelandirect is positioning itself not just as a manufacturer, but as a strategic partner equipped to help brands navigate the future of the nutraceutical industry. This forward-looking commitment to continuous improvement ensures that both the company and its clients are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands for safety, quality, and transparency in the global market.