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Helios Technical Standards
Technical Standard:
Helios has 14 criteria that suppliers must meet to begin or continue working with us:
- Suppliers must submit:
- Pre-approval questionnaire
- Formal agreement to Helios’ Technical Standards
- Material specification for review
- Certifications required:
- Minimum GFSI certification
- HACCP & CCP plan for products supplied
- Senior management must agree to:
- Complete Helios' online supplier approval questionnaire
- Submit a raw material specification questionnaire
- Undergo physical or remote audit
- Join SEDEX and connect with Helios on the platform
- Review of:
- GFSI and other accreditation certificates
- Third-party audit reports
- Ongoing monitoring of certification status and grade
- Suppliers must:
- Sign a Food Warranty Agreement
- Complete and update Helios SAQs every 3 years
- Provide updated technical and safety compliance documents upon request
- Suppliers must have:
- HACCP Aligned with CODEX Principles
- Allergen risk included in HACCP
- A multidisciplinary HACCP Team
- Trained CCP monitoring personnel
- CCPs effectively controlled and validated (annually)
- Annual HACCP review
- A foreign body prevention plan in place
- Include an allergen policy aligned with EU/UK regulations
- Complete allergen risk assessments for cross-contamination
- Validate allergen cleaning procedures
- Provide a non-GMO policy or statement
- Non-contaminants declaration
- Vegan & vegetarian statement
- Halal declaration (if not certified)
- Gluten-free statement
- Supplier must provide:
- Internal & external lab testing schedules
- ISO 17025 accreditation for relevant analyses
- For non-accredited labs:
- Documented testing procedures
- Qualified personnel
- Verification systems
- Annual Contaminants & Specification Testing via ISO 17025 Lab
- Material specifications & test methods
- Shelf-life study & test results
- Supplier must:
- Have a documented traceability system
- Test & verify annually
- Achieve full traceability within 4 Hours
- Include:
- Summary of linked records
- Mass balance calculation
- Fully translated traceability pack
- Lot/Code explanation & flow chart
- Use competent pest control providers or trained internal staff
- Schedule regular inspections and treatments
- Keep detailed records with corrective actions
- Use high-quality, food-grade packaging that complies with EU/UK regulations
- Polyethylene liners and fixings must:
- Be blue or a contrasting color (not clear)
- Never include staples
- Complete and sign Helios' packaging declaration
- Use sound plastic or wooden pallets with no product overhang
- Ensure wooden pallets are ISPM 15 compliant
- Align ethical policies with the ETI base code
- Complete SEDEX supplier questionnaires
- Submit independent ethical audit reports (e.g., SMETA, BSCI)
- Complete a supply chain analysis map
- Identify risks and document mitigation measures
Our Products
Coconut
Coconuts, from the Cocos nucifera palm, are prized for their versatile uses.
Almonds
Almonds, from the Prunus dulcis tree, are famous for their mild flavor and nutrition.
Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts, from the Corylus tree, are packed with rich flavor and nutrients
Vine Fruit
Vine fruits, such as grapes, are known for their sweet flavour and health benefits.