What is GFSI Certification?

Have you been told by a potential buyer that your product needs to be GFSI certified? 

Well, GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) in itself is NOT a certification program.  However, you can become certified to a food safety standard (certification scheme) that is recognized by GFSI by meeting their stringent benchmarking standards. GFSI is coordinated by The Consumer Goods Forum which is made up of 42 retailers and manufacturers from all over the world. Many buyers will require that its suppliers achieve a “GFSI Benchmarked” certification scheme.  There are many options for GFSI Certification schemes that they recognize, and they are listed below. 

After you select the standard you wish to use like SQF certification or BRC (BRCGS) certification, you implement it in your business and then have a 3rd-party audit conducted by a certification body or (CB). After you successfully pass your audit, you will be granted your certificate.

With FoodReady, you can confidently navigate the complexities of a GFSI audit certification program, ensuring your certification journey is smooth and successful.

FoodReady is your all-in-one food safety management system for GFSI certification.

1. FoodReady has a HACCP/PC builder and recall plan builder for recall management. 
2. FoodReady provides a library of SQF Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) examples as part of its SQF software subscription.
3. FoodReady provides a Verification Dashboard that allows for supervisor sign-offs and review of corrective actions in one single view
4. FoodReady automates the corrective action process with conditional logic checklists and min and max values for food safety criteria, such as pH and temperature, inside the mobile app.  Corrective action management is a requirement of SQF.
5. FoodReady has a robust reporting section that allows for the creation of audit-ready reports for SQF auditors or dashboard views.
6.  FoodReady provides the ability when the FoodReady system is fully implemented to provide production traceability which is also a requirement of SQF.
7. FoodReady has a GFSI consultant to help you prepare for and pass your GFSI audit.
8. FoodReady has record keeping and document management.
9. FoodReady has environmental monitoring programs. 
10. FoodReady has a complaint management system.

FoodReady software and consulting helps you get ready and stay ready for any scheduled or surprise GFSI related audit.

Try it out today and see how FoodReady can help you pass a 3rd-party audit.

What are the benefits of GFSI?

GFSI Certification is accepted by almost every food buyer and is considered the most comprehensive level of food safety management. The Costco audit has their own requirements which are based on GFSI with a few additions specific to Costco. Having a GFSI certification as your base and then implementing the Costco additions is not a huge leap. 

Having GFSI Certification means you are providing safe quality food to the end consumer, while maintaining and improving your brand integrity. It also prepares your facility and process for government regulatory rules in use now and coming in the future.  Getting GFSI compliant now will save you money in the long run by making your product “shelf ready” because virtually all buyers will accept GFSI as their preferred food safety certification for processed foods.

What are the 4 major steps to getting a GFSI Certificate?

Step One – Choose an appropriate GFSI Benchmarked Standard for certification.

GFSI Benchmarked Standards:

• SQF Edition 9 
• BRC (BRCGS)
• FSSC 22000 
• BRC-IOP Global Standard for Food Packaging and Food Packaging Materials 
• Primus GFS Standard 
• Global Red Meat Standard 
• IFS Version 7 
• IFS PACsecure 2 
• CanadaGAP 
• GlobalG.A.P. Standard 

Step Two – Relevant staff must be educated and trained on the requirements of your chosen GFSI Standard. You can find resources online for training for your chosen standard. 

Step Three – Implement your food safety management system.  You must use a document management system and record all the processes related to your food production, recall management, complaint management, batch management, environmental monitoring, HACCP plans, SOPs, PRPs, checklists etc.

Step Four – Pass an audit of your process and facility performed by a Certification Body to receive your certification.

Which GFSI certification is right for your business?

When considering which GFSI certification is most appropriate for your business, several factors should be taken into account:

1. Industry Sector and Market Requirements

• Evaluate your industry sector’s requirements and expectations, as different GFSI certifications may be more relevant to certain sectors.
• Consider your customers’ market demands and preferences. Some retailers and buyers may prefer specific GFSI certifications.

2. Company Size and Complexity

• Assess the size and complexity of your business operations, as certain GFSI certifications may be better suited for larger or more complex organizations.
• Choose a certification scheme that aligns with your business’s scale and the resources available for implementing and maintaining the certification.

3. Risk Assessment and Hazard Analysis

• Conduct a thorough risk assessment and hazard analysis of your food products and processes to identify potential food safety risks and control measures.
• Select a GFSI certification that addresses the specific risks and hazards relevant to your business operations.

4. Regulatory Compliance and Legal Requirements

• Ensure the chosen GFSI certification aligns with regulatory requirements and legal standards applicable to your industry and geographic location.
• Verify that the certification scheme covers all mandatory food safety and quality management aspects to ensure compliance with relevant regulations.

5. Supplier and Customer Requirements

• Consider the requirements of your suppliers and customers, as they may have specific expectations regarding food safety certifications and standards.
• To facilitate business relationships, choose a GFSI certification recognized and accepted by key stakeholders in your supply chain.

Conclusion

GFSI certification is a crucial step for food businesses like yours to meet global food safety standards and build trust with buyers. While GFSI doesn’t certify directly, it recognizes certification programs like SQF and BRCGS that meet its benchmarking requirements.

Earning certification involves a third-party audit by an accredited body, ensuring compliance with strict food safety practices. Preparing for this can be complex, but with FoodReady’s tools and expert guidance, the process becomes manageable and efficient.

Get GFSI certified to protect your brand, meet buyer expectations, and grow your business. Try our services and solutions to simplify your journey and achieve compliance with confidence!

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