How to Get Certified – Healthy Meal Standard
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Certification Guide

How to get certified

Complete Guide Through 4 Phases of the Process — from first contact to receiving the HMS certificate and Healthy Stars verified by Bureau Veritas.

1
Contact
2
Analysis
3
Implementation
4
Certification
Step by step

Your path to HMS certificate

The process is clear, structured and guided by the HMS team — you focus on nutrition, while we take care of the system.

1

Contact and initial inquiry

⏱ 1–3 Days

The first step is simple — contact us with basic information about your institution. Our team will respond within 48 hours with a proposal for the next steps.

Contact Us via Form, Email or Phone
Describe the Type of Institution and Number of Users
Specify Any Special Dietary Needs
Our Team Responds with a Proposed Scope
💡
You Can Use HMS Configurator for an indicative calculation of categories and service packages before contacting us.
2

Gap analysis and Offer

⏱ 1–2 Weeks

Our expert team visits your institution (or conducts a remote analysis) and assesses the current state of the nutrition system in relation to HMS requirements.

Review of the HACCP System and Basic Requirements
Analysis of the Kitchen, Staff and Procurement Processes
Assessment of Existing Menus and Portion Standards
Definition of Relevant HMS Categories
Preparation of a Gap Analysis with a List of Deficiencies
Tailored Offer with Pricing and Timeline
📋
The Gap Analysis identifies all differences between your current state and HMS requirements — serving as a roadmap for implementation.
3

Implementation System

⏱ 4–12 Weeks

The central phase in which the HMS team works with your staff to introduce all elements of the system — from training to complete documentation and testing.

HMS Academy — Training for Kitchen Staff
Development of Menus for Selected Categories
Setup of the HMSAT Diagnostic Tool
Development of the HMS Manual for the Institution
Establishment of an Allergen Monitoring System
Portion Standardisation and Nutritional Profiles of Meals
Setup of the Healthy Meal Planner Tool
Internal Testing and Audit Preparation
The duration depends on the size of the institution and the number of categories. Smaller kindergartens can complete the process in 4 weeks, while larger hospitals may require up to 12 weeks.
4

Certification and Healthy Stars

⏱ 1–3 Days

Final Phase — an independent audit by Bureau Veritas. Upon successful completion, your institution receives the HMS certificate and the corresponding Healthy Stars.

Preparation of Documentation for the Audit
Independent Review by a Bureau Veritas Auditor
Awarding of the HMS Certificate and Healthy Stars
Inclusion in the HMS Facility Directory
Right to Use the HMS Certification Mark
Annual Monitoring and Recertification Plan
🏆
The HMS certificate is a certification mark protected in the EU and the United Kingdom, recognised in 32 countries through the Mediterranean Tourism Foundation.
Prerequisites

Are You Ready for certification?

Before starting the process, check whether your institution meets these basic requirements. If you are unsure, contact us — we will help with the assessment.

Check with Us →
Active HACCP SystemActive Implementation of HACCP Throughout the Entire Food Chain
In-House Kitchen and StaffOwning a kitchen and qualified culinary staff
No Incidents for 6 MonthsNo Incidents in the Food Chain in the Last Six Months
Relevant Institution CategoryHotel, School, Kindergarten, Hospital, Care Home, Polyclinic or Catering Service
After Certification

What You Receive permanent

📜

HMS Certificate

Internationally Recognised Certificate Verified by Bureau Veritas

Healthy Stars

Stars depending on the number of certified categories

📊

HM Planner Access

Healthy Meal Planner Application for Nutrition Management

🔄

Annual Monitoring

Continuous Monitoring, Improvement and Support from the HMS Team

Ready for first step?

Contact us for a free initial assessment or calculate an indicative service package through the configurator. Average process duration: 2–4 months.

Free Initial Assessment · No Obligation · Response Within 48h