CSQ CERTIFICATION
The CSQ Certification Program and applicable standards were built around ISO/IEC 17067
PrimusGFS Certification: Fresh Produce Food Safety Audits from Farm to Shelf
PrimusGFS is a GFSI-recognized certification program built specifically for the fresh produce supply chain. From field-level GAP audits to packinghouse and processing GMP evaluations, PrimusGFS provides a modular, score-based approach that lets growers, packers, processors, and distributors demonstrate food safety compliance to the retailers and buyers who require it. Kiwa ASI is a licensed PrimusGFS certification body with deep produce industry expertise across all operation types.
- GFSI-Recognized Standard
- Certified in 22+ Countries
- 12-Month Certification Cycle
What is PrimusGFS Certification?
PrimusGFS certification is a GFSI-recognized food safety certification program designed specifically for the fresh produce industry. It provides a modular audit framework covering Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HACCP-based food safety management systems, and preventive controls, allowing operations at every stage of the produce supply chain to demonstrate compliance through a single, internationally accepted standard.
PrimusGFS is owned and managed by Azzule Systems (formerly the Primus Group), which has been developing produce-specific food safety audit programs since the mid-1990s. The standard earned GFSI recognition under the Consumer Goods Forum's benchmarking process, meaning a PrimusGFS certificate is accepted by major retailers and buyers worldwide under the GFSI principle of "once certified, accepted everywhere." The current operative version is PrimusGFS v3.2, aligned with GFSI Benchmarking Requirements v2020.1, with Version 4.0 normative documents released for review and mandatory implementation expected in 2027.
Unlike general food safety standards that cover all food categories, PrimusGFS was purpose-built for produce. Its modular structure lets a field-level grower audit against GAP requirements while a processing facility audits against GMP and HACCP modules, all within the same program. This flexibility, combined with score-based grading that rewards continuous improvement, has made PrimusGFS the certification of choice for fresh produce operations across North America, Central America, and South America, with certified sites in 22+ countries.
Built for Fresh Produce
PrimusGFS is one of the only GFSI-recognized certification programs designed specifically for the fresh produce supply chain. Its modular audit structure covers everything from open-field farming to indoor agriculture, packinghouses, processing, cold storage, and distribution, all within a single program.
Score-Based Continuous Improvement
Unlike pass/fail certification schemes, PrimusGFS uses a score-based grading system that rewards incremental improvement. Operations must achieve a minimum 90% overall score and 85% per module to earn certification, creating a clear path for facilities to measure and improve their food safety performance year over year.
GFSI-Recognized, Globally Accepted
PrimusGFS is benchmarked and recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), meaning certification is accepted by major global retailers including Walmart, Costco, Kroger, Albertsons, and foodservice buyers who require GFSI-level food safety assurance from their produce suppliers.
Regulatory Alignment
PrimusGFS v3.2 incorporates requirements aligned with FDA FSMA's Produce Safety Rule and Preventive Controls for Human Food rule, helping certified operations simultaneously meet both customer and regulatory requirements for food safety.
WHO IT'S FOR
Who Needs PrimusGFS Certification?
PrimusGFS certification applies to operations across the entire fresh produce supply chain, from the field where crops are grown to the distribution center where finished products ship to retailers. The standard uses a modular system with specific audit types for each operation category. If your operation grows, harvests, packs, processes, stores, or distributes fresh fruits, vegetables, or related plant-based products and your buyers require GFSI-recognized certification, PrimusGFS is likely the right fit.
Farm Operations
Open-Field Growers of Fresh Fruits & Vegetables
Field-level operations growing produce in open-air environments, row crops, tree fruit orchards, vine crops, root vegetables, and leafy greens. The Farm module (Module 2) evaluates soil management, agricultural water quality, biological soil amendments, worker hygiene practices, pest and animal intrusion controls, and pre-harvest chemical application management. This is the most common PrimusGFS audit type for growers across North and Central America.
Indoor Agriculture
Greenhouses, Hydroponics & Controlled Environment Operations
Operations growing produce in enclosed or semi-enclosed environments including plastic greenhouses, glass facilities, vertical farms, hydroponic systems, and aquaponic operations. The Indoor Agriculture module (Module 3) addresses the unique risks of controlled-environment growing, nutrient solution management, substrate handling, condensation control, and enclosed growing media sanitation, in addition to standard GAP requirements.
Harvest Crews
Contract Harvest Operations & Field Packing Teams
Harvest crew operations that pick, field-pack, or perform initial handling of produce before it reaches a packinghouse. The Harvest Crew module (Module 4) covers safe harvesting practices, field sanitation units, harvest container management, field vehicle cleanliness, and crew hygiene, recognizing that harvesting is often performed by contract crews operating across multiple farm sites.
Packinghouses
Produce Packing & Repacking Facilities
Facilities that receive harvested produce and prepare it for market, washing, sorting, grading, waxing, packing, and labeling. The GMP module (Module 5) for packinghouse operations evaluates facility construction and maintenance, sanitation programs, pest control, employee practices, traceability systems, and product handling from receiving through shipping.
Processing Facilities
Fresh-Cut, Washed, Ready-to-Eat & Minimally Processed Produce
Operations that perform additional processing steps such as cutting, slicing, dicing, shredding, blanching, or juicing fresh produce. Processing facilities are audited under the GMP module (Module 5) with additional HACCP (Module 6) or Preventive Controls (Module 7) requirements, reflecting the higher-risk nature of produce processing where pathogen introduction and cross-contamination controls are critical.
Cooling & Cold Storage
Pre-Cooling, Cold Storage & Controlled Atmosphere Facilities
Facilities that provide pre-cooling services (forced-air cooling, hydrocooling, vacuum cooling) or maintain cold storage and controlled atmosphere environments for fresh produce. The GMP module evaluates temperature management systems, condensation control, facility sanitation, cold chain integrity, and allergen controls where applicable.
Storage & Distribution
Warehousing, Cross-Docking & Produce Distribution Centers
Distribution facilities, warehouses, and logistics operations that store and transport fresh produce to retail or foodservice customers. The Storage & Distribution operation type covers receiving procedures, temperature monitoring, FIFO inventory management, vehicle inspection, loading practices, and pest control programs in distribution environments.
ADVANTAGES
What Are the Advantages of PrimusGFS Certification?
PrimusGFS certification demonstrates your commitment to fresh produce food safety and quality. It opens doors to major North American retailers, satisfies buyer requirements, and provides a clear framework for continuous improvement across your growing, packing, and processing operations.
Major Retailer Access Across North America
PrimusGFS is one of the most widely accepted GFSI certifications among major U.S. retailers including Walmart, Costco, Kroger, and Albertsons. Certification directly qualifies your operation as an approved supplier — often a non-negotiable prerequisite for securing purchase contracts.
GFSI Recognition & Reduced Audit Fatigue
As a GFSI-benchmarked standard, PrimusGFS is accepted by retailers who recognize any GFSI scheme. This eliminates the need for multiple customer-specific audits, reducing costs, operational disruption, and the administrative burden of managing overlapping audit schedules.
FSMA & Produce Safety Rule Alignment
PrimusGFS requirements align with the FDA's FSMA Produce Safety Rule and Preventive Controls for Human Food rule. The optional Module 7 (Preventive Controls) provides specific coverage for FSMA compliance, helping you meet both certification and regulatory requirements simultaneously.
Modular Flexibility for Your Operation
The modular structure means you only audit what's relevant to your operation. A farm audits Modules 1 + 2. A packinghouse audits Modules 1 + 5. A fresh-cut processor adds Module 6 (HACCP). This eliminates irrelevant requirements and keeps audit costs proportional to your scope.
Transparent Scoring & Industry Benchmarking
PrimusGFS audits produce a numerical score (0–100%) and detailed question-level results, all uploaded to the Azzule Systems database. Buyers can verify your certification status and audit scores directly, providing transparent supplier evaluation across the industry.
International Market Access
While strongest in the Americas, PrimusGFS GFSI recognition means your certification is accepted by international buyers in Europe, Asia, and other markets. For exporters of fresh produce, this opens pathways into new revenue streams beyond domestic retail.
THE AUDIT
What Does a PrimusGFS Audit Cover?
A PrimusGFS audit evaluates your operation against a modular set of requirements tailored to your specific operation type. Every audit includes Module 1 (Food Safety Management System), plus the module(s) applicable to your operation — GAP modules for farm-level activities and GMP/HACCP/Preventive Controls modules for post-harvest facilities. The audit is conducted on-site by a licensed PrimusGFS auditor from an approved certification body like Kiwa ASI.
Audit Modules by Operation Type
| OPERATION TYPE | MODULE 1: FSMS | GAP MODULE | GMP MODULE | HACCP/PC MODULE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farm | Required | Module 2: Farm | — | — |
| Indoor Agriculture | Required | Module 3: Indoor Ag | — | — |
| Harvest Crew | Required | Module 4: Harvest Crew | — | — |
| Packinghouse | Required | — | Module 5: GMP | Optional (Module 6 or 7) |
| Processing | Required | — | Module 5: GMP | Required (Module 6 or 7) |
| Cooling & Cold Storage | Required | — | Module 5: GMP | Optional (Module 6 or 7) |
| Storage & Distribution | Required | — | Module 5: GMP | Optional (Module 6 or 7) |
Key Audit Areas by Module
Module 1 — Food Safety Management System (FSMS)
Management commitment, food safety policy, organizational structure, document control, record keeping, specifications and supplier approval, internal audits, corrective and preventive actions, traceability and recall procedures, food defense, and food fraud mitigation.
Module 2 — Farm (GAP)
Worker health and hygiene, sanitary facilities, agricultural water (irrigation and post-harvest), soil amendments and biosolids, crop protection chemicals, pre-harvest assessment, growing practices, and adjacent land use risk assessment.
Module 3 — Indoor Agriculture (GAP)
Growing environment controls, nutrient solution management, substrate and growing media, water quality, condensation management, integrated pest management, worker hygiene, and facility maintenance.
Module 4 — Harvest Crew (GAP)
Field sanitation units, harvest container management, field vehicle sanitation, worker hygiene and training, product handling during harvest, field packing practices, and transportation from field to packinghouse.
Module 5 — Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
Facility construction and design, equipment maintenance, sanitation and cleaning programs, pest control, employee practices and hygiene, receiving and shipping procedures, water management, allergen controls, foreign material prevention, product identification and traceability, and supplier approval programs.
Module 6 — HACCP
HACCP team composition, product descriptions, intended use statements, flow diagrams, hazard analysis (biological, chemical, physical), CCP identification, critical limits, monitoring procedures, corrective actions, verification activities, and HACCP plan documentation.
Module 7 — Preventive Controls
Hazard analysis and risk-based preventive controls aligned with FSMA requirements, including process controls, allergen controls, sanitation controls, supply chain controls, and recall plans. This module is an alternative to Module 6 for operations subject to FDA's Preventive Controls for Human Food rule.
Scoring System
PrimusGFS uses a score-based grading system. Each question in the audit checklist is assigned a point value, and the auditor evaluates conformance for each:
| CONFORMANCE LEVEL | POINTS AWARDED | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
| Total Conformance | Full points | Requirement is fully met with objective evidence |
| Minor Deficiency | Partial points | Requirement is mostly met but with minor gaps |
| Major Deficiency | Reduced points | Significant gap in meeting the requirement |
| Non-Conformance (NC) | 0 points | Requirement is not met or no evidence provided |
Certification Thresholds:
- Overall Total Score: Minimum 90% required for certification
- Individual Module Score: Minimum 85% per module required
- Both thresholds must be met simultaneously — a 92% overall score with one module at 82% would not achieve certification
Automatic Failure Questions
Certain critical questions are designated as "automatic failure" questions. If any of these questions receives a score of NC (0 points), the entire audit results in an automatic failure regardless of the overall score. These questions address fundamental food safety requirements where non-conformance represents an immediate risk to product safety.
Corrective Action Requirements
| ACTION TYPE | TIMELINE | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Corrective Actions | 30 calendar days from audit date | Written corrective actions with root cause analysis and evidence of implementation |
| Extended Corrective Actions | Corrective Action Plan required | When implementation requires more than 30 days, a detailed plan with timeline must be submitted and accepted by the CB |
| Automatic Failure Follow-Up | Re-audit required | Operations that receive an automatic failure must undergo a new full audit after addressing the non-conformity |
New auditees must have a minimum of 3 months of documented records available at the time of the initial audit to demonstrate that food safety programs are operational and established.
How Should You Prepare for a PrimusGFS Audit?
Most operations need 3–6 months of focused preparation before their initial PrimusGFS audit, depending on the maturity of existing food safety programs. Here's a step-by-step approach to getting audit-ready.
01
Determine Your Operation Type and Required Modules
Identify which PrimusGFS operation type matches your facility (Farm, Indoor Agriculture, Harvest Crew, Packinghouse, Processing, Cooling & Cold Storage, or Storage & Distribution). This determines which audit modules apply. Processing facilities will need both GMP (Module 5) and HACCP (Module 6) or Preventive Controls (Module 7), while a farm operation needs only FSMS (Module 1) and the Farm GAP module (Module 2).
02
Obtain and Study the Current PrimusGFS Standard
Download the PrimusGFS v3.2 normative documents — including the General Regulations, Questions and Expectations document, and your applicable module checklists — from primusgfs.com. Review each scored question to understand exactly what auditors will evaluate and what evidence is required.
03
Conduct a Gap Analysis
Perform an internal assessment comparing your current food safety programs against every requirement in your applicable PrimusGFS modules. Document gaps, assign responsibility for each, and prioritize based on risk and the point value of each question. Kiwa ASI offers pre-assessment services that can help identify gaps before your official certification audit.
04
Build or Strengthen Your Food Safety Management System
Develop the foundational programs required by Module 1: a documented food safety policy, organizational chart with food safety responsibilities, document control system, supplier approval program, internal audit schedule, corrective and preventive action procedures, traceability and recall plan, food defense plan, and food fraud mitigation strategy.
05
Implement Prerequisite Programs and Operational Controls
Address the specific requirements of your GAP or GMP modules. For farm operations, this includes water testing programs, soil amendment application records, and pre-harvest assessments. For GMP facilities, focus on sanitation SOPs, pest control programs, equipment maintenance schedules, allergen controls, and foreign material prevention programs. Ensure every program is documented with written procedures and ongoing records.
06
Develop Your HACCP Plan or Preventive Controls Plan
If your operation type requires Module 6 or Module 7, develop a complete HACCP or preventive controls plan. This includes assembling a qualified HACCP/PC team, conducting a thorough hazard analysis, identifying CCPs or preventive controls, establishing critical limits, defining monitoring procedures, and documenting corrective actions. Your PCQI or HACCP team leader should have completed recognized training.
07
Train Your Team
Ensure all employees receive food safety training appropriate to their role. Field workers need GAP and hygiene training; packinghouse and processing staff need GMP, sanitation, and allergen awareness training; and your HACCP/PC team needs formal certification training. Document all training with records including topic, date, trainer, and attendee signatures. See our training section above for available courses.
08
Conduct Internal Audits and Build Your Record History
Perform at least one full internal audit against your applicable PrimusGFS checklist before scheduling your certification audit. Address any findings with documented corrective actions. Remember: new auditees must have a minimum of 3 months of operational records available at the time of the audit, so start documenting early.
09
Schedule Your PrimusGFS Certification Audit with Kiwa ASI
Contact Kiwa ASI to schedule your certification audit. Our team will confirm your operation type, applicable modules, and audit duration based on your facility size and complexity. We recommend scheduling at least 4–6 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date. Contact us at info@asifood.com or call 1 (800) 477-0778.
Why Choose Kiwa ASI for PrimusGFS Certification?
Kiwa ASI has been providing food safety solutions to the produce industry since the 1940s. As a licensed PrimusGFS certification body, we combine decades of fresh produce expertise with the global resources of the Kiwa network to deliver a certification experience that's thorough, efficient, and genuinely helpful.
Produce Industry Expertise
Auditors Who Know Fresh Produce
Kiwa ASI's PrimusGFS auditors bring hands-on experience across the produce supply chain, from field-level GAP audits on leafy greens and tree fruit operations to GMP and HACCP evaluations in fresh-cut processing facilities. Our auditors understand the practical realities of produce operations, including seasonal pressures, harvest crew logistics, and cold chain management, which means audits that are rigorous but grounded in real-world application.
Licensed Certification Body
ANAB-Accredited, PrimusGFS-Licensed
Kiwa ASI is accredited by ANAB (ANSI National Accreditation Board) and licensed by Azzule Systems as an approved PrimusGFS certification body. This means your audit results and certification are issued through a recognized, accredited entity, giving your certification the credibility that retailers and buyers require.
Training & Preparation Support
Build Audit Readiness Before Certification
Through ASI Training and Consulting, LLC, Kiwa ASI offers HACCP certification training, PCQI training, internal auditor courses, and custom on-site programs, all directly relevant to PrimusGFS certification preparation. Training is offered separately from certification services to maintain accreditation body independence.
Responsive Scheduling & Client Service
Fast Turnaround, Flexible Scheduling
We know produce operations run on tight timelines, harvest seasons don't wait. Kiwa ASI offers responsive scheduling with dedicated client service representatives who coordinate audit logistics, answer questions about scope and module requirements, and ensure a smooth experience from quote through certificate issuance.
Global Kiwa Network
Local Expertise, International Reach
As part of Kiwa, a global testing, inspection, and certification company operating in 30+ countries, Kiwa ASI can support multi-site and international produce operations. Whether you're a single-location farm in California or a vertically integrated grower-shipper with operations across multiple countries, Kiwa ASI has the infrastructure and auditor network to serve your certification needs consistently.
Frequently Asked Questions About PrimusGFS Certification
PrimusGFS is a GFSI-recognized food safety certification program designed specifically for the fresh produce industry. It provides a modular audit framework covering Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HACCP, and preventive controls, allowing operations at every stage of the produce supply chain, from farm to distribution, to demonstrate food safety compliance through a globally accepted standard. PrimusGFS is owned by Azzule Systems and currently operates under Version 3.2.
The current operative version is PrimusGFS v3.2, which aligns with GFSI Benchmarking Requirements v2020.1. Version 4.0 normative documents have been published for review and are expected to become mandatory no earlier than 2027. Until then, all certification audits are conducted against v3.2.
PrimusGFS certification is valid for 12 months from the date of the certification decision. Operations must complete a re-certification audit before the 12-month period expires to maintain continuous certification. There is no multi-year certification cycle — annual audits are required every year.
You need a minimum overall total score of 90% and a minimum score of 85% in each individual module. Both thresholds must be met simultaneously. For example, if your overall score is 92% but one module scores only 82%, certification would not be issued until the module deficiency is addressed.
PrimusGFS is the GFSI-recognized version of the Primus audit program, meaning it meets the Global Food Safety Initiative's benchmarking requirements and is accepted by retailers who require GFSI certification. The Primus Standard (also called Primus GFS Lite or the Primus audit) is a non-GFSI food safety audit that covers similar areas but does not carry GFSI recognition. If your buyers require a GFSI-recognized certification, you need PrimusGFS — not the Primus Standard.
Every PrimusGFS audit includes Module 1 (Food Safety Management System). Beyond that, modules are assigned based on your operation type: Farm operations add Module 2, Indoor Agriculture adds Module 3, Harvest Crews add Module 4, and post-harvest facilities (Packinghouse, Processing, Cooling & Cold Storage, Storage & Distribution) add Module 5 (GMP). Processing facilities must also include Module 6 (HACCP) or Module 7 (Preventive Controls). Other post-harvest operations may optionally add a HACCP or Preventive Controls module.
Audit duration depends on the size and complexity of your operation and the number of modules being audited. A farm GAP audit (Modules 1 + 2) for a single-commodity operation may take 1 day, while a processing facility audit (Modules 1 + 5 + 6 or 7) with multiple product lines could require 2–3 days. Kiwa ASI will confirm the expected audit duration when you request a quote.
If your overall score falls below 90%, any module scores below 85%, or you receive an automatic failure on a critical question, certification will not be issued. You will receive a detailed audit report identifying all deficiencies. After implementing corrective actions and addressing root causes, you can schedule a re-audit with your certification body. The re-audit evaluates all modules, it is a full audit, not a partial follow-up.
The cost of PrimusGFS certification depends on several factors: the number and type of modules being audited, facility size, number of product lines, and audit duration. Travel costs for the auditor may also apply. Contact Kiwa ASI at info@asifood.com or call 1 (800) 477-0778 for a customized quote based on your specific operation.
Yes, you can transfer your PrimusGFS certification to Kiwa ASI. Contact our team to discuss the transfer process, which typically involves providing your current audit report and certificate details. Transfers are coordinated through the Azzule/PrimusGFS system to ensure continuity of your certification status. Reach out to info@asifood.com to get started.
All consulting services are offered through ASI Training and Consulting, LLC. All activity is conducted separately from our accredited certification body, ASI Food Safety, LLC, in order to safeguard against any conflicts of interest.