Global Food Safety Initiative guideline document contains elements of a globally recognized food safety system. There are multiple auditing schemes that were developed according to GFSI guideline and are considered GFSI benchmarked. The most popular GFSI certification schemes in the US are SQF (Safe Quality Foods), and BRC (British retail Consortium). Others include IFS, FSSC 22000, Primus GFS and Canada GAP.
The mission of GFSI is to have one food safety certification standard that would be recognized globally. The goal was to reduce the number of audits and assure that food regardless of where it is made, meets the same level of food safety. According to GFSI guideline, food safety system must contain HACCP Plan as a center component of the system, Pre-requisite Programs to support HACCP plan and GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices). GFSI requires verification of certain elements of the food safety system including validation. Food Safety System must be audited internally to assure its elements are working and the system was properly implemented.
Being BRC or SQF certified is a statement that facility has a robust food safety system. Having GFSI certification is based on continuous operation and system improvement. GFSI benchmarked audits are thorough and require year-round maintenance, not just a short-term preparation. In addition to assuring food safety and protecting business liability, GFSI (BRC and SQF certification) are used as marketing tool and could be a factor deciding about winning or losing new business.
Business owners that are serious about growing their companies and expanding to new markets should seriously think about obtaining BRC or SQF certification. Process of obtaining GFSI certification could be time and resource consuming. Many smaller businesses may not have those resources and must relay on outside assistance.
BD Food Safety Consultants LLC has the expertise your business needs. We are registered SQF Consultants in various high risk food sector categories. Our firm provides complex assistance with SQF and BRC audits preparations which means we will guide you from start to finish. As an option, our team will assist during the actual audit to assure your system’s documents are presented to the auditor in a clear manner. Visit our website at https://bdfoodsafety.com/sqf-consultants/ to learn more about our consulting service. Our firm also provides FSPCA and HACCP courses to assure regulatory compliance. Contact us today to make an appointment by clicking here.