UNDERSTANDING GFSI

Have questions about GFSI Certification? Speak directly with a GFSI expert!

Whether you're in food, packaging, storage, or distribution, our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the GFSI certification process.

From understanding the standards to preparing for audits, we’re here to help you succeed.

What is GFSI Certification?

GFSI certification means a company has been certified to a food safety standard recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), such as SQF, BRCGS, IFS, or FSSC 22000. While GFSI doesn’t certify companies itself, it benchmarks these programs to ensure they meet global food safety standards.

GFSI certification is often required by major retailers and helps businesses strengthen food safety practices, improve supply chain credibility, and access new markets. Certification involves implementing a food safety management system and passing a third-party audit.

FAST AND SIMPLE

GFSI OVERVIEW

Understand Your Scope

Description: Determine the scope of your certification, including the product categories, processes, and facilities to be covered. This step ensures you align with the appropriate GFSI-recognized standard and requirements.

Choose a GFSI-Recognized Standard

Description: Select the certification scheme that fits your scope, such as SQF for food manufacturing or IFS for distribution and retail.

Conduct a Gap Analysis

Description: Identify gaps between current practices and the requirements of the chosen standard.

Implement Food Safety Management System

Description: Develop and implement processes, procedures, and controls to comply with the standard.

Employee Training

Description: Train employees on food safety practices and the requirements of the chosen standard.

Pre-Assessment Audit

Description: Conduct an optional mock audit to ensure readiness for the certification audit.

Certification Audit

Description: An auditor evaluates your compliance with the standard and determines if certification is achieved.

Certification Awarded

Description: Receive your GFSI certification, demonstrating your commitment to food safety.

Continuous Improvement

Description: Maintain compliance through regular updates, internal audits, and continuous improvement.

BENEFITS OF GFSI

Here's how GFSI benefits consumers, businesses, and the entire food industry:

Enhanced Consumer Confidence:

GFSI certification signifies a company's commitment to rigorous food safety standards, leading to consumers trusting the products they buy.

Streamlined Market Access:

GFSI certification allows businesses to comply with food safety requirements across various countries, streamlining access to new markets.

Improved Food Safety Practices:

Implementing GFSI-recognized standards encourages companies to adopt robust food safety procedures, minimizing foodborne illness risks.

Improved Operational Efficiency:

GFSI certification often involves standardized processes and documentation. This can lead to better resource management, streamlined operations, and potential cost savings in the long run.

Stronger Supply Chain Collaboration:

Since GFSI promotes consistent food safety practices across the supply chain, it fosters better communication and collaboration between businesses. This can lead to improved traceability and quicker response times in case of any food safety issues.

Continuous Improvement Culture:

Regular audits and reassessments required for GFSI certification push companies to continuously evaluate and improve their food safety programs. This fosters a culture of learning and innovation, leading to even safer food production.

IN TODAY'S INTERCONNECTED WORLD...

Food safety isn't just a local concern; it's a global one. That's where the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) steps in, a powerful force harmonizing standards and safeguarding plates across borders.

By uniting industry experts, retailers, consumers, and governments, GFSI has already saved countless lives by preventing outbreaks and improving food quality worldwide.

Imagine biting into a juicy apple, confident in its journey from orchard to market, thanks to GFSI-certified farms and supply chains. Or picture small farmers in developing nations, empowered by GFSI training to implement safe food handling practices. These are just glimpses of the impact this initiative has on real people, everywhere.

But the journey isn't over. Challenges like food fraud and antibiotic resistance remain. Join GFSI in its mission for a safer food future. Visit their website, learn more, and let's ensure every bite, every plate, tells a story of health and well-being.

WHAT IS GFSI CERTIFICATION?

GFSI stands for The Global Food Safety Initiative (GSFI).

GFSI DOES NOT PROVIDE FOOD SAFETY CERTIFICATION.

Rather GFSI is a coalition of food manufacturers, distributors and retailers the Consumer Goods Forum manages, and its goal is to standardize food safety and operations across the food supply chain.

GFSI acts as an adviser by providing a set of benchmark requirements for third-party certification organizations. The GFSI's gold-standard recognition provides a universal benchmark for food safety audits.

WHAT ARE THE GFSI APPROVED AUDITING PROGRAMS (SCHEMES)?

As of today, there are 13 major recognized food safety management standards that have been certified by GFSI as meeting their benchmarking requirements. Each set of standards has a unique focus and scope, and though there could be overlap for some requirements, there are also important differences.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING CERTIFICATION RECOGNIZED BY GFSI?

For food manufacturers, certification recognized by GFSI is a must-have.

Here's why:

GFSI recognized certification is recognized by consumers around the world
It helps create trust between your company and consumers
It makes it easier to sell your products in overseas markets
It saves your company money on audits, inspections, and other costs associated with regulatory compliance

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IS CERTIFICATION RECOGNIZED BY GFSI MANDATORY?

While pursuing GFSI certification is a voluntary practice, many food and beverage companies seek the accreditation as a demonstration of their commitment to proactive risk mitigation.

Food and beverage companies are increasingly seeking third-party certification to achieve greater visibility and credibility within their supply chains. They want to ensure that they are sourcing products that meet the highest quality standards, while also mitigating potential risks associated with product recalls or consumer dissatisfaction.