Jerusalem: A 112-year-old who survived back-breaking slave labour at Auschwitz concentration camp has been officially recognised as the world's oldest man..

Polish-born Israel Kristal, who lost his wife and two children in the Holocaust, claimed the Guinness World Records title on March 11 aged 112 years and 178 days.

Marco Frigatti, from Guinness World Records, right, presents Israel Kristal a certificate for being the oldest living man. The Auschwitz survivor is 112 years and 178 days old as of March 11. Credit:GWR/AP

Receiving his certificate at his home in Haifa, Israel, Mr Kristal said he did not know "the secret for long life".