GFSI Certification
Inspire consumer confidence with GFSI, the gold standard in food safety.
Opening the doors to buyers everywhere
Devastating food safety issues in the 1990s prompted the establishment of the Global Food Safety Initiative to secure our global food supply. Today, GFSI is either mandatory or strongly preferred by many retailers and co packers. And it’s absolutely essential if you want to work with big brands. From choosing the right scheme and developing your food safety manual to preparing you for the audit, we help you get certified.
Why GFSI?
Get one certificate, accepted everywhere
Historically, food manufacturers had 15-20 audits per year — a huge financial burden. A GFSI certificate indicates your compliance through one globally recognized and accepted scheme.
Minimize risk for everyone
Your buyers have a brand and consumers to protect. GFSI certification gives them peace of mind that you have a comprehensive food safety program that controls your production process.
Grow your business
If you want to compete as a national or global food supplier, a GFSI certification is a must. It’s not only the gateway to new business, but it streamlines your processes to boost performance.
Global Food Safety Consultants got us GFSI certified. They delivered on everything they said they would and managed the entire process from start to finish, we could not be happier
— Daniel Tran, Owner Always Green/LT Farms
Who Needs GFSI Certification
Farmers
Food Processors and Manufacturers
Fresh Produce Handlers
Packaging Manufacturers
Food and Packaging Storage Facilities
Global Food Consultants is your GFSI Consulting Partner
GFSI certification is a time-consuming and complex process. And it should be placed in the capable hands of an experienced GFSI consultant. We’ve successfully completed certifications for food suppliers because we take the time to get it right.
1
Develop your Food Safety Manual
This involves a formalized record of your procedures, policies, hazard analysis, verification activities and validation record.
2
Conduct an Internal Audit
A preaudit assessment is recommended to identify gaps in your Food Safety Program against your chosen GFSI food safety scheme.
3
Schedule your GFSI Audit
The 3rd party auditor will tour your facility, interview employees and review all food safety documentations, forms, logs, and policies.
4
Obtain your GFSI Certificate
If the auditor provides corrective actions, you’ll have 30 days to resolve them. Once you pass, the GFSI certification body will issue your certificate.
5
Get Recertified Annually
GFSI certification is not a one time deal. Your certificate will expire in 12 months and you’ll need annual recertification that ensures you’re compliant.
The 5 Key Elements of the GFSI Certification
Assure buyers and consumers that your business has the right food safety processes in place.
Food Safety Management System
Policies and procedures that are implemented to establish roles and responsibilities for the safe handling of food. A food safety policy is displayed in a location for all employees to read.
Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) or Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
GAPs ensure a safe growing and handling environment for raw agricultural products. GMPs ensure the safe production of food from receipt of ingredients to final packaging and labeling.
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP)
Prerequisite Programs
These food safety programs support the HACCP plan and include cleaning and sanitation, pest control, supplier management, environmental monitoring, etc.
General Requirements
All GFSI schemes contain parameters for corrective actions, traceability, and the ability to recall your product from the marketplace in the event an adverse food safety issue occurs.
The GFSI Certification process should be handled by professionals.
Trust Global Food Safety Consultants to get it done right.
Select the right GFSI Scheme
Choosing the wrong GFSI-recognized scheme can result in lost time and resources. We evaluate your requirements, audit frequency and duration, audit criteria, commodity, and food safety experience to select the scheme that matches your business needs.
PrimusGFS
For the production and packing of fresh or minimally processed foods, it’s ideal for operations involved in the growing, harvesting, packing and light processing of food for humans.
British Retail Consortium (BRC)
Preferred by companies in the EU and recognized in 100+ countries, it can be applied to all types of food including manufactured and processed.
Book a Free Consultation
Align with a food safety consultant that can secure your place in the food chain.
