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UNDERSTANDING GFSI CERTIFICATION IN FOOD SAFETY

GFSI certification is the global benchmark for ensuring stringent food safety standards throughout the entire food supply chain.

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WHAT IS GFSI?

GFSI isn't a single certification you see on products. Instead, it's the guiding force that ensures consistent food safety practices worldwide. Think of it as the setter of food safety standards, working with certification bodies to make sure everyone's on the same page. This gold-standard approach guarantees thorough food safety audits, no matter where your food comes from.

IN TODAY'S INTERCONNECTED WORLD...

Food safety isn't just a local concern; it's a global one. That's where the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) steps in, a powerful force harmonizing standards and safeguarding plates across borders.

By uniting industry experts, retailers, consumers, and governments, GFSI has already saved countless lives by preventing outbreaks and improving food quality worldwide.

Imagine biting into a juicy apple, confident in its journey from orchard to market, thanks to GFSI-certified farms and supply chains. Or picture small farmers in developing nations, empowered by GFSI training to implement safe food handling practices. These are just glimpses of the impact this initiative has on real people, everywhere.

But the journey isn't over. Challenges like food fraud and antibiotic resistance remain. Join GFSI in its mission for a safer food future. Visit their website, learn more, and let's ensure every bite, every plate, tells a story of health and well-being.

Here's how ASI can assist you:

Choosing the GFSI Scheme: There are several GFSI-recognized certification programs, each with its strengths. ASI can help you understand the different options and select the program that best aligns with your specific needs and industry.

 

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FREE DOWNLOAD

GFSI COMPARISON CHART

Download ASI's GFSI comparison chart to simplify choosing the right GFSI certification program for your business need.

BENEFITS OF GFSI

Here's how GFSI benefits consumers, businesses, and the entire food industry:

1
Enhanced Consumer Confidence:
GFSI certification signifies a company's commitment to rigorous food safety standards, leading to consumers trusting the products they buy.
2
Streamlined Market Access:
GFSI certification allows businesses to comply with food safety requirements across various countries, streamlining access to new markets.
3
Improved Food Safety Practices:
Implementing GFSI-recognized standards encourages companies to adopt robust food safety procedures, minimizing foodborne illness risks.
4
Improved Operational Efficiency:
GFSI certification often involves standardized processes and documentation. This can lead to better resource management, streamlined operations, and potential cost savings in the long run.
5
Stronger Supply Chain Collaboration:
Since GFSI promotes consistent food safety practices across the supply chain, it fosters better communication and collaboration between businesses. This can lead to improved traceability and quicker response times in case of any food safety issues.
6
Continuous Improvement Culture:
Regular audits and reassessments required for GFSI certification push companies to continuously evaluate and improve their food safety programs. This fosters a culture of learning and innovation, leading to even safer food production.

WHAT IS GFSI CERTIFICATION?

GFSI stands for The Global Food Safety Initiative (GSFI).

GFSI DOES NOT PROVIDE FOOD SAFETY CERTIFICATION.

Rather GFSI is a coalition of food manufacturers, distributors and retailers the Consumer Goods Forum manages, and its goal is to standardize food safety and operations across the food supply chain.

GFSI acts as an adviser by providing a set of benchmark requirements for third-party certification organizations. The GFSI's gold-standard recognition provides a universal benchmark for food safety audits.

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WHAT ARE THE GFSI APPROVED AUDITING PROGRAMS (SCHEMES)?

As of today, there are 13 major recognized food safety management standards that have been certified by GFSI as meeting their benchmarking requirements. Each set of standards has a unique focus and scope, and though there could be overlap for some requirements, there are also important differences.

HOW DO I ACHIEVE GFSI RECOGNIZED CERTIFICATION?

In order to achieve GFSI-recognized certification, companies must successfully undergo third-party audit against a program operated by a GFSI-recognized Certification Program Owner (CPO), like ASI Food Safety.

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HOW DO I GET GFSI RECOGNIZED CERTIFIED?

  1. Determine which certification (example, SQF, BRCS, and FSSC 22000) is best for the organization
  2. Contact a certification company (like ASI Food Safety)
  3. Align your processes with the certification program
  4. Request an audit
  5. Maintain compliance
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WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING CERTIFICATION RECOGNIZED BY GFSI?

For food manufacturers, certification recognized by GFSI is a must-have.

Here's why:

  • GFSI recognized certification is recognized by consumers around the world
  • It helps create trust between your company and consumers
  • It makes it easier to sell your products in overseas markets
  • It saves your company money on audits, inspections, and other costs associated with regulatory compliance
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IS CERTIFICATION RECOGNIZED BY GFSI MANDATORY?

While pursuing GFSI certification is a voluntary practice, many food and beverage companies seek the accreditation as a demonstration of their commitment to proactive risk mitigation.

Food and beverage companies are increasingly seeking third-party certification to achieve greater visibility and credibility within their supply chains. They want to ensure that they are sourcing products that meet the highest quality standards, while also mitigating potential risks associated with product recalls or consumer dissatisfaction.

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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.