A Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) certification is a recognized certification that demonstrates a company has met rigorous safety standards. These standards are benchmarked against leading food safety standards, such as FSSC 22000, SQF and BRC. Getting a GFSI certification is voluntary, but it is highly valued, as it helps to ensure the safety and quality of the food products being sold.

GFSI certification also helps to improve supply chain efficiency and increase consumer confidence. Companies that are GFSI certified are audited on a regular basis to ensure they are maintaining the high standards required by the Global Food Safety Initiative.

How To Get A GFSI Certification 

To obtain a GFSI certification, companies must first select a benchmarking scheme that is appropriate for their operations. Once a scheme is selected, they will then implement the food safety management system that is outlined in that scheme. This typically involves conducting a gap analysis, creating a food safety plan, and implementing the necessary controls to ensure that the plan is being followed.

1. Identify The Appropriate Standard: GFSI recognizes several different food safety standards, including FSSC 22000, SQF and BRC. Companies should choose the standard that is most appropriate for their business and products.
   
2. Implement Food Safety Management System (FSMS): Companies must implement an FSMS that meets the requirements of the chosen GFSI standard. This will typically involve developing and documenting policies and procedures, training employees, and implementing controls.
   
3. Obtain Gap Analysis: A gap analysis is an assessment that compares a company’s FSMS against the requirements of the chosen GFSI standard. This can help identify any areas that need improvement in order to meet the standard.
   
4. Make Necessary Improvements: Based on the results of the gap analysis, companies may need to make improvements to their FSMS in order to meet the requirements of the chosen GFSI standard.
   
5. Receive Certification: Once a company’s FSMS meets the requirements of the chosen GFSI standard, it can undergo an independent certification audit. If the audit is successful, the company will be awarded a GFSI certification.

Presage Analytics Makes It Easy

To help companies improve their scores during the certification audit process, Presage Analytics offers a digital platform that allows companies to record and schedule essential checklists to be completed. This can include checklists for sanitation, personal hygiene, and pest control, and more. With Presage, companies can ensure that all the necessary checklists are completed on time and the necessary documentation is in order.

Overall, obtaining a GFSI certification involves implementing a robust FSMS and undergoing an independent certification audit to demonstrate compliance with the chosen GFSI standard. Companies can use digital tools like Presage Analytics to help them manage the certification process more effectively and improve their competitiveness in the marketplace. Schedule a demo today to learn more!