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Certification Connection
EAGLE's Client Newsletter
July 2026
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IMPORTANT KEY UPDATES
ISO 14001:2026 Update
Contributed by Kelly Abbott | Chief Certification Officer
ISO 14001:2026 has officially been published—we're excited to share the news!
For most organizations, the update will require only minor adjustments. However, understanding what is changing, when it takes effect, and how to prepare now will help ensure a smooth and efficient transition.
Please review the infographic below for a clear overview, and use the FAQ link within it to find answers to commonly asked questions.
Standards & Program Revision Update
Contributed by Jessica Osborne | Chief Program Officer
Standards and certification schemes continue to evolve in response to changing regulatory expectations, market demands, and industry priorities. For organizations that rely on accredited certifications, staying current on revision activity and transition timing is essential for planning audits, training teams, and maintaining compliance.
FSSC Key Changes | Version 7
Contributed by Lindsey Stafford | Director of Certification (Food)
As organizations begin preparing for Version 7, understanding the updated requirements, implementation timelines, and changes that may impact the certification process is important. We're sharing key information and resources to help organizations navigate the transition, support continued compliance, and prepare for future audits.
Please review the Requirements infographic below for a quick overview on key changes, important dates, and what to expect next.
PrimusGFS v4.0 Update
Contributed by Mallory Lucas | EAGLE Food Technical Manager
Azzule has released the PrimusGFS v4.0 requirements, and they’re available in the PrimusGFS v4.0 Document Center. There is no mandatory date posted at this time as they are working through the GFSI benchmarking process for the updated standard. Notable changes include the Controlled Environment Agriculture (module 3), pre-harvest water, harvest crew equipment sanitation, and traceability.
EAGLE Achieves ANAB Accreditation for ISO/IEC 27001:2022
Contributed by Jessica Osborne | Chief Program Officer
EAGLE Certification Group is pleased to announce that we have officially achieved ANAB accreditation to provide ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification.
This milestone expands our accredited certification services and enables us to support organizations seeking internationally recognized certification for their Information Security Management Systems (ISMS).
New International Body | Global Accreditation Cooperation Inc. (Global ACI)
Contributed by April Leonard | Director of Certification
Global ACI is the new international organization established to unify the efforts of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC). Launched in January, Global ACI has succeeded IAF and ILAC as the single organization responsible for managing and overseeing Multilateral Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) across all areas of conformity assessment.
Click here to read the ANAB Heads Up notice.
Welcome to the New EAGLE Website!
Contributed by Matt Penny | Director of IT & Facility of Operations
EAGLE is excited to introduce our newly enhanced website! With a fresh, modern design and improved functionality, the updated site delivers a more intuitive and user-friendly experience. You’ll notice streamlined content, simplified navigation, and faster access to the tools and information you use most.
These updates reflect our continued commitment to delivering a more efficient and engaging experience for our clients. We invite you to explore our new site and see what's new!
Cyclospora Overview
Contributed by Mallory Lucas | EAGLE Food Technical Manager
The summer of 2026 has brought along many interesting events, including what is possibly the largest cyclosporiasis outbreak in US history. This is a notable event in fresh produce, and it’s causing consumers to side-eye the fruits and veggies in their fridge. So, what is it, and how can we help protect our industry?
EAGLE successfully hosted another engaging and enriching Boot Camp this year. We sincerely thank all participants for joining us and hope you found the experience both valuable and enjoyable.
Feel free to browse our Google photo album to view some of the memorable moments of learning, collaboration, and fun.
New Products and Programs
What's Incubating?
Contributed by Jessica Osborne | Chief Program Officer
One of EAGLE's ongoing commitments is to evaluate emerging standards, industry initiatives, and market needs to determine how we can best support our clients in the future.
Not every new program becomes a certification service, and not every emerging trend requires immediate action. Our role is to monitor developments, evaluate demand, understand accreditation, certification, and competency requirements, and determine where new opportunities align with our mission and the industries we serve.
2026 IQNET General Assembly Meeting
Contributed by Ben Lakeberg | Global Account Manager
As EAGLE's representative to the 2026 IQNET General Assembly in Madrid, one of my biggest takeaways was a reminder of why IQNET membership remains such an important differentiator for both EAGLE and our clients.
International conformity assessment standards, as deeply embedded in ongoing change management as they are, are undergoing significant transformations to help organizations adapt to the ever-changing climate in which we have found ourselves. Economic uncertainty, geopolitical developments, supply chain challenges, rapid technological advancement, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity concerns, and evolving sustainability expectations are all influencing the way organizations operate.
SQF Excellence in Auditing Award
EAGLE Food Auditor | Brian Shelton
EAGLE is proud to recognize our auditor, Brian Shelton, for being honored with the SQF Excellence in Auditing Award at SQF Unites, held in March in St. Louis. This achievement reflects Brian’s dedication to the auditing profession, his commitment to advancing food safety, and the professionalism he brings to every audit.
Known for his insight, integrity, and collaborative approach, Brian has made a meaningful impact on the organizations he serves and within the SQF community as a whole. We are grateful to have him as part of the EAGLE team and congratulate him on this outstanding and well-deserved achievement.
Podcasts Spotlighted at SQF Unites
Contributed by Kaylor Schuttinger | Senior Business Development Manager
At SQF Unites 2026, several industry podcasts were spotlighted as valuable tools for staying current on food safety topics. To learn more, explore the live links provided below.
One featured recommendation was Risky or Not?, hosted by Ben Chapman and Don Schaffner. This brief, engaging podcast examines everyday food safety scenarios and uses science and practical industry experience to determine whether they are truly “risky or not”.
Another highlighted resource was Food Safety Matters, produced by Food Safety Magazine. This podcast offers in-depth interviews with industry experts, covering current challenges, regulatory developments, and emerging trends in food safety.
Speakers also pointed to Food Safety Talk, where hosts Ben Chapman and Don Schaffner dive deeper into food safety research, outbreaks, and real-world industry issues through longer, conversational discussions.
Revisiting Sustainability & Social Responsibility Opportunities
Contributed by Jessica Osborne | Chief Program Officer
Customer expectations surrounding sustainability, worker welfare, ethical sourcing, and supply chain transparency continue to evolve across many industries. As these expectations grow, EAGLE is revisiting several social responsibility and sustainability-related programs to better understand today's market and our clients' current needs.
Q2 EAGLE Staff Announcements
Contributed by Janet Traxler | Director of HR & Finance
As EAGLE continues to grow, we're proud to recognize new additions and leadership within our team:
Christina Ramsey has been promoted to EAGLE Food Technical Manager. Since joining EAGLE in 2021, Christina has contributed as Certification Manager and Technical Certification Specialist. In her new role, she will lead auditor development and mentoring, support onboarding and technical reviews, and conduct witness audits.
Gwen Steinmetz joins the Food team as Certification Support, bringing experience in tax preparation, banking, bookkeeping, and office management, providing valuable support to our clients and internal operations.
LaDora LaRegina and Staci Snyder are new to our Client Services team as Certification Managers. Together, they bring extensive experience in customer service, account management, scheduling, project coordination, and cross-functional collaboration.
2026 EAGLE Staff Appreciation Day
EAGLE celebrated its annual Staff Appreciation Day earlier this year at The Learning Kitchen in West Chester, Ohio, returning to a favorite spot from two years ago. The day was a wonderful opportunity to recognize and thank our team for the vital role each person plays in making EAGLE so special.
From learning that cooking can be simple and fun to enjoying a shared meal, the day offered something for everyone. While some especially enjoyed the hands-on cooking, the time spent dining and connecting made it a truly rewarding event for all.
New Industry White Papers
Two new EAGLE white papers have been published and are available below. Be sure to check them out for the latest insights and information from EAGLE.
Understanding BRCGS Food Safety Production Risk Zones: A Practical Guide for Manufacturers
Contributed by Kaylor Schuttinger | Senior Business Development Manager
In this article, we examine how risk zoning helps food manufacturers identify appropriate preventive controls, reduce food safety risks, and meet BRCGS requirements with confidence.
The Value of Upgrading from ISO 9001 to IATF 16949 and the Role of the Certification Body
Contributed by Allison McGee | Business Development Manager
This white paper outlines the key differences between the two standards, highlights the strategic value of upgrading, and explains the role a competent CB plays in supporting a successful transition.
Contributed by Ben Lakeberg | Global Account Manager
On June 9, 2026, organizations around the world celebrated World Accreditation Day, recognizing the critical role accreditation plays in fostering innovation, building trust, and supporting a sustainable future.
This year's celebration carries special significance as it marks the first World Accreditation Day following the merger of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) into the newly formed Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated (Global ACI). This historic transition creates a unified global framework for accreditation, strengthening international confidence in accredited certification, inspection, testing, validation, and verification activities.
2026 Sedgwick State of the Nation
Contributed by Ben Lakeberg | Global Account Manager
The latest findings from Sedgwick's 2026 State of the Nation U.S. Product Safety and Recall Index highlight an important reality for auditors: organizations are operating in an environment where product safety, supply chain oversight, and operational controls are under increasing scrutiny.
EAGLE Sponsored Training
Preventive Controls for Human Food, Version 2.0
August 17-19, 2026 | 9AM-5PM ET Daily
This live virtual 3-day course, developed by the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance, uses the ONLY curriculum recognized by the FDA as one way to meet requirements. The course will be taught by a Lead Instructor for the FSPCA Preventive Controls for Human Food Course, and includes increased emphasis on the connection between HACCP and Preventive Controls.
Developing and Implementing HACCP Plans
September 1-2, 2026 | 9AM-5PM ET Daily
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) is a practical, systematic management tool designed to ensure food and product safety. It identifies critical areas of handling and demonstrates where resources should be targeted to reduce the risk of selling an unsafe product.
SQF Edition 10 Readiness: What Changed, What Matters, and What's Next
September 24, 2026 | 12-2PM ET
This 2-hour, mid-day session will provide an overview of the key changes in the newly released SQF Code. It is intended for those who already have an understanding of Edition 9.0 and wish to prepare for Edition 10 implementation.
EAGLE Promoted Training
EAGLE is excited to share information on Food Safety training from Superior Food Safety. These courses are Virtual-Online and On-Site, provided by an SQF-Licensed trainer. All Food Safety Preventive Controls for Human Food courses are authorized by FSPCA and provided by an FSPCA Lead Instructor. Class fees for companies with 7 attendees or more based in California are subsidized through ETP!
EAGLE is pleased to highlight Food Safety and ISO training opportunities offered through D.L. Newslow & Associates, Inc. Courses are available in a variety of formats, including in-person workshops, online, and on-site training tailored to your organization. Training is led by experienced professionals with extensive knowledge of food safety systems and ISO standards. Available topics include BRCGS, FSSC 22000, SQF, PCQI, FSVP, Internal Auditing, HACCP, Advanced HACCP, Food Defense, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and more, including training on FSPCA’s Food Traceability Regulation (FTR) coming in August.