Unique Features of GFSI Benchmarked Standards for Food Manufacturers

Maintaining compliance with the requirements of a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) benchmarked scheme is a long-term marriage between the site, its elected certification body (CB), and the scheme owner; once the commitment is made, you’re in it for the long haul. Four popular schemes available to food manufacturers include the BRC Global Standard for Food Safety, Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) 22000, International Featured Standards (IFS) Food standard, and Safe Quality Foods (SQF) Food Safety Code for Manufacturing.

Each scheme is fundamentally similar as it is based on a core set of minimum standards established by the GFSI Benchmarking Requirements document (also known as the GFSI Guidance Document). This provides a framework for scheme owners (also known as certification program owners or CPOs) in establishing and maintaining certification standards and audit protocols, which result in certified food safety management systems (FSMS) of similar quality and effectiveness. At the most basic level, the benchmarking document requires scheme owners to develop standards that contain a core set of FSMS programs based on current, global regulation/ guidance and industry best practices. Notably, some of these programs include a food safety (HACCP) plan, good manufacturing practices (GMPs), food defense plan, food fraud vulnerability assessment, and supplier management program. However, each scheme offers a unique structure, set of requirements, and protocol for assessing a manufacturing site’s food safety system to meet both GFSI requirements and scheme stakeholder input. continue reading...