The ISO 9001/2 series of standards for Quality Managment Systems is of increasing importance to the food and drink industry; it functions as an outward and visible sign to customers that the industry has a defined quality management system that has been independently appraised and is regularly audited. ISO 9001/2 certification can enable a company to reduce the audit burden from a multitude of customers and can also help the manufacturer or distributor involved in auditing its own suppliers. Above all, it may improve the effectiveness of its own operation and profits.