GFSI Certification
What is GFSI?
GFSI stands for the 'Global Food Safety Initiative', and is based around improving costs in the supply chain. It is a collaboration between retailers, manufacturers and service providers within the supply chain, and co-ordinated by The Consumer Goods Forum. By benchmarking standards against each other to a set of criteria, GFSI aims to reduce the duplication of retailers asking for separate, yet nearly identical, audits.
Following a number of food safety scares, there is no doubt for the need for food safety certification to enhance food safety, ensure consumer protection and to strengthen consumer confidence. The multiplicity of standards available, however, often made the process out of reach for many food suppliers. GFSI sets requirements for food safety schemes through a benchmarking process in order to improve cost efficiency throughout the food supply chain.
What this means for many companies is that a single food safety audit is theoretically recognized by many multiple different retailers. There are a variety of GFSI benchmarked standards.
Is it working?
GFSI has experienced success with retailers now accepting a variety of standards. The aim is for companies to choose which standard is correct for their business out of a list of GFSI approved standards. These include GlobalGAP, BRC, SQF 1000, SQF 2000, FSSC 22000, PrimusGFS.
Which is the best GFSI standard for me?
We would recommend reviewing the relevant standards and making an informed decision about which is the most appropriate for your business. Each standard has its advantages and disadvantages. Contact us and we can help review your situation.
Can NCSI Americas help me identify and certify the right standard for me?
Certainly - depending on where your company is at, we can certainly help.
NCSI Americas are pleased to be able to offer a variety of certifications that meet the benchmark for GFSI. For information about costs and dates available for your organization please Request a Quote, or for specific questions about the standards please Contact Us.