Comparing Global Food Safety Initiative (Gfsi) Recognised Standards

COMPARING GLOBAL FOOD SAFETY INITIATIVE (GFSI) RECOGNISED STANDARDS

A DISCUSSION ABOUT THE SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE GFSI BENCHMARKED FOOD SAFETY STANDARDS

APRIL 2011

AUTHORs Supreeya Sansawat Global Food Business Manager, SGS Victor Muliyil Technical Manager for North America Food Safety Services, SGS ABSTRACT

This document aims to provide an and the GLOBALG.A.P. For each of a customised single food audit. This overview of the Global Food Safety these, the requirements, benefits and could be of benefit because food safety Initiative (GFSI) and what it means for certification processes are reviewed. standards have an extensive cross-over an international food safety standard There are five further schemes that with environmental, health & safety to be GFSI approved. It then goes on are covered in brief. The most generic and quality standards. A further issue to discuss each of the GFSI approved of the schemes and those most is that there is not necessarily one schemes individually looking in detail commonly adopted by branded goods ‘optimal fit’ food safety standard for at the key schemes which are offered manufacturers (FSSC 22000, BRC, SQF any given organisation. This means by the Global Food Standard (BRC), 2000 and IFS) are then compared, by that a combination of schemes brought FSSC 22000, the International Features discussing the criteria, similarities and together in one audit procedure may be Standard Food (IFS Food), the Safe differences between the schemes. a more suitable solution. Quality Food SQF 2000 and 1000 The paper then looks at the merits of

CONTENTS

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2

II. THE GLOBAL FOOD SAFETY INITIATIVE 3

III. GFSI RECOGNISED FOOD SAFETY SCHEMES 5

IV. A COMPARISON ON THE GFSI RECOGNISED SCHEMES 16

V. COMBINING GFSI RECOGNISED SCHEMES WITH THOSE RELATED TO THE ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH & SAFETY AND QUALITY 24

VI. CONCLUSION 25

1 I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Retailers, manufacturers, foodservice they were purchasing and eating was as more and more organisations within operators, caterers, industry guaranteed as safe for consumption, the the industry are expecting entire associations, technical experts and unneccesarily repetitive audits needed supply chains for a given product to governments all have one thing in to be reduced. It was also important prove this capability. Organisations common when it comes to food safety. that, as food supply chains stretch audited and certified through a GFSI They recognise that consumers’ across the globe, any industry solution approved scheme increase their confidence dropped to an all time low covers both the end-to-end supply chain chances of being a chosen supplier to after a number of public food scares and is able to influence the industry on retailers and/or manufacturers who sent shock waves through the industry an international scale. As a result of all demand their suppliers hold a GFSI just over ten years ago. As with many these combined issues, the Global Food approved certification. The vision of industries, this widespread concern Safety Initiative (GFSI) was developed. the GFSI benchmark of ‘once certified, for safety prompted action. Retailers/ All interested parties around the world accepted everywhere’, is moving in branded manufacturers began to audit joined forces to support the creation of the direction of being realised, both their suppliers so that they could feel a benchmarking and approval scheme across the industry and across the confident in their suppliers’ abilities to that would lay the foundations for an world. With a number of international meet their food safety system demands. industry-wide expectation in terms GFSI approved food safety standards This meant that suppliers often found of food safety management system now available competitive suppliers are themselves being repeatedly audited by deliverables. This then became the already certificated, seeking certification individual customers, creating a massive benchmark against which all food safety or developing their processes and duplication of audit procedures. standards can be tested, verifying identifying the best certification scheme The industry soon came together to that the standard once gained by an for their organisation. The hope is that look at what could be done to improve organisation, proves they are producing as this becomes even more widespread, the situation and reduce the strain or handling food at the level of consumer confidence can be fully on suppliers while maintaining the safety specified. restored and food scares can become a required safety levels. While consumers Holding a GFSI approved certification thing of the past. needed a reassurance that the food is fast becoming an industry standard

2 II. THE GLOBAL FOOD SAFETY INITIATIVE (GFSI)

The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) As a result of this continued duplication CEOs and senior management from was originally set-up as a result of food of audits, the GFSI set out to develop 650 retailers, manufacturers, service safety scares in early 2000. Its primary a uniform structure for food safety providers and other stakeholders across purpose is to ensure the safety of food standards. It did this by detailing the food industry. Covering all areas in reaching all consumers internationally, food safety criteria that should be terms of both products and international but it also aims to develop efficiencies, incorporated and by putting common locations the Forum is considered to be promote transparency, guide cost procedures in place for accreditation truly representative of the needs of the savings and become a platform for and certification bodies verifying the industry as a whole. continous improvement in the area implementation of standards. Under the guidance of the Forum, of food safety. It does this by leading It is important to note that GFSI is the GFSI is then governed by: a the global food industry towards a the standard for benchmarking not Board; Technical Working Groups harmonised approach to food safety the standard for auditing, There are and; a Stakeholder Group. While the management systems. a number of food standards have Board sets the strategic direction and Before the GFSI was established, been submitted for benchmarking oversees the GFSI on a daily basis retailers and major buyers across the and that ensure it meets a minimum the Technical Working Groups provide food industry demanded specific food requirements of GFSI guideline. technical expertise and advice. The safety requirements for particular Through this approach the GFSI aims Technical Groups combine to form a products. To prove that these to deliver on its mission to: “Provide Technical Committee composed of requirements were met, food suppliers continuous improvement in food retailers, manufacturers, food service often had to have a number of different safety management systems to ensure operators, standard owners, certification audits of their premises and systems, a confidence in the delivery of safe food bodies, accreditation bodies, industry process that cost them time and money. to consumers worldwide”. In order to associations and other technical experts. From audit to audit there was also do this effectively, it operates with four The GFSI Stakeholder Group brings considerable duplication. major objectives in mind. These are to: retailers, manufacturers, certification This issue was dealt with, to some bodies, accreditation bodies, standards 1. Reduce food safety risks by owners, food safety experts and extent, by the industry developed delivering equivalence and national and regional schemes, such consultants together in a forum to convergence between effective food discuss issues related to the GFSI. as the BRC or the IFS Food standards. safety management systems While these did aggregate the needs All these interested parties have worked and demands of some buyers, there 2. Manage cost in the global food together to develop the GFSI Guidance were many circumstances where system by eliminating Document. This multi-stakeholder suppliers continued to be audited redundancy and improving document sets out the requirements through numerous processes. operational efficiency for food safety management schemes 3. Develop competencies and and provides a framework against which capacity building in food safety to these schemes can be benchmarked. It create consistent and effective global brings together three key elements of food systems food production: 4. Provide a unique international • Food Safety Management Systems stakeholder platform for • Good Practices and HACCP collaboration, knowledge exchange Requirements (GAP, GMP, GDP) and networking • Requirements for the delivery of food The GFSI is run by the Consumer safety management systems Goods Forum, which brings together

3 ELEMENTS OF ALL GFSI RECOGNISED SCHEMEs

Best Practice

GFSI Recognized Schemes

ISO Standard: ISO22000

Legislation - Food Law

Codex - HACCP Principles - GMP

Source: GFSI: Enhancing Food Safety Through Third Party Certifcation

In June 2007 the GFSI achieved Carrefour, Tesco, Metro, Migros, Ahold, manufacturers have agreed to recognise a major breakthrough, which has Wal-Mart and Delhaize pathed the way the GFSI benchmarked schemes. These since augmented its beneficial role in for the future growth in acceptance of include: Asda; ConAgra Foods, Coop; international food safety. At that time GFSI approved schemes and with that Campbells; Cargill; ICA, Kroger; seven major food retailers all agreed to started the GFSI off in the direction of Sodexo; and The Coca Cola Company, reduce duplication in the supply chain achieving its vision of ‘once certified, among others. through the common acceptance of any accepted everywhere’. Subsequently, of the GFSI benchmarked schemes. many further food retailers and

4 III. GFSI RECOGNISED FOOD SAFETY SCHEMES

There is currently a range of The BRC Global Food Standard • Site Standards manufacturing schemes, primary was developed with the objective – External Standards production schemes and combined of specifying the safety, quality schemes that have been benchmarked and operational criteria required for – Security and approved by the GFSI. Each varies in food manufacturers to comply with – Internal Site Standards terms of the scope and criteria covered regulations and protect consumers. It – Utilities as well as in structure, the certification requires all companies involved in the process, validity and the reporting and end-to-end supply chain have a clear – Equipment management conducted. understanding of the products they – Maintenance Each standard has a different structure produce and distribute and have the – Staff Facilities and procedures for meeting each of systems in place to identify and control food safety hazards. – Chemical & Physical Product the three main areas of requirements: Contamination Control The food safety management system; Good manufacturing practices, good The Requirements – Housekeeping & Hygiene distribution practices and Standard are as follows: – Waste/Waste Disposal good agraicultural practices; and • Senior Management Commitment and – Pest Control Hazard analysis and the critical control Continuous Improvement point (HACCP). – Storage & Transport • Food Safety & Quality Here we take a look at each of the • Product Control Management System schemes individually: – Product Design/Development – Food Safety & Quality Policy – Handling Requirements for MANUFACTURING SCHEMES – Food Safety & Quality Manual Specific Materials – Materials – Organisational Structure, Containing Allergens and Identity Global Food Standard (BRC) Responsibilities and Preserved Materials The BRC (British Retail Consortium) Management Authority – Foreign Body Detection is the leading trade body for UK – Contract Review & Customer Focus – Product Packaging retailers. Whether a retailer is a large – Internal Audit – Product Inspection and Laboratory multiple or department store, or a small Testing independent shop, the BRC protects – Purchasing – Supplier Approval & their interests. The BRC has developed Performance Monitoring – Control of Non-conforming Product a set of Global Standards, which is an – General Documentation – Product Release international product safety and quality Requirements • Process Control certification programme and suppliers – Corrective & Preventative Action in more than 100 countries are currently – Control of Operations – Traceability certified against it. Retailers and – Quantity – Weight Volume & manufacturers around the world use the – Complaint Handling Number Control BRC standards as their chosen approved – Management of Incidents, Product – Calibration & Control of Measuring standards for suppliers. The BRC covers Withdrawal and Product Recall and Monitoring Devices the supply chain with four related standards: BRC Global Food Standard; • Personnel BRC Storage and Distribution; – Training BRC IOP for Food Packaging and; BRC – Access & Movement of Personnel Consumer Products. – Personal Hygiene – Medical Screening – Protective Clothing

5 The Benefits The Certification Process on-site visit within 28 calendar days of the audit. Once non-conformities There are a number of benefits for The BRC certification process consists have been addressed and the auditor manufacturers who are certified against of four steps: has accepted the evidence, an the BRC Standard. A number of these • Step A – Manufacturers are provided independent technical review of the benefits apply across other standards with a proposal based on the size audit is conducted by an authorised while some are specific to the BRC and nature of their organisation. They Certification Manager who approves Global Standard for Food Safety, can then proceed with the audit by the issuance of a certificate. these are: accepting the proposal from the • Step D – Full recertification audits • The BRC standard has descriptive certification body. are scheduled at defined intervals requirements for process and hygienic • Step B – There is then an optional depending on the outcome of the control which provide clear guidelines ‘pre-audit’ stage, which is often useful certification audit. For Grade A and as to how food safety should be in identifying any weaknesses in B audits this is 12 months later, for a addressed systems and in building confidence Grade C audit this is 6 months later. • It has a simple certification process before the formal audit. The audit is a full re-audit conducted which only requires an on-site audit, • Step C – The formal audit is an on-site in the same way as the initial audit, there is no requirement for a desk audit. All parts of the site and process but the implementation of the action study step covered in the scope are assessed plan is also reviewed, addressing past • It includes a voluntary recertification to determine compliance with every non-conformities and whether the audit, allowing an organisation clause of the standard. Manufacturers audit has taken place by the re-audit to demonstrate its high level of receive a Corrective Action Report at due date. commitment as the certification body the end of the formal audit, identifying can be asked to re-audit the facilities any observed non-conformities. at anytime Depending on their nature, these non- • The standard has a focus on quality, conformities should be closed with as well as food safety and legality documentary evidence or through an

BRC CERTIFICATION PROCESS Year 1

Step C Step A Close out all non Issue Certificate Step D Onsite conformances Agree after successful Certification Recertification Contract (if any) audit Audit

Step B Optional Pre-Audit

6 Food Safety System Certification reviewed against the PAS 220 and the • Applicable codes of practice related to FSSC 22000 additional requirements to ensure they food safety, customer requirements receive the GFSI approved certification. related to food safety, any other Owned by The Foundation for Food additional requirements on food safety Safety Certification, the FSSC 22000 The FSSC 22000 can be applied to determined by the organisation (also known as FS 22000) combines the a wide range of food manufacturing ISO 22000 Food Safety Management organisations, irrelevant of their – The food safety system shall ensure Standard with the Publicly Available size or the complexity of their food and demonstrate conformity with Specification (PAS) 220 (or ISO/ management processes. This includes these requirements TS 22002-1) along with some other public and private companies, and those – Specification of services requirements. Alone the ISO 22000 that manufacture perishable animal or • The food manufacturing organisation was not sufficient to achieve GFSI vegetable products, products with a shall ensure that all services approval due to the weaknesses in the long shelf life, food ingredients and/or (including utilities, transport and prerequisite program (PRP) content. As food additives. maintenance) which may have an a result a group of large multinational impact on food safety: companies came together to write the The Requirements PAS 220, which focuses on covering • Have specified requirements The FSSC 22000 requires that each of the necessary Prerequisite programs the following are met: • Are described in documents to the for food manufacturing. However, the extent needed to conduct hazard • Food Safety Management System GFSI required that there was an overall analysis industry owned scheme that brought the ISO 22000 • Are managed in conformance with two individual programs together, with • Prerequisite Programmes PAS 220 or the requirements of BSI-PAS 220, an emphasis on regulatory and customer ISO/TS 22002-1 clause 9 requirements. So with this in mind, • Additional Requirements the FSSC 22000 was developed. This • Supervision of food safety (3 additional requirements) combination in the form of the FSSC personnel in relation to applicable 22000 created a standard that is fully • Inventory of Applicable Regulations food safety principles recognised by the GFSI and serves as an • The food manufacturing organisation • The organisation shall ensure the international benchmark for food safety. must have an inventory of: effective supervision of the personnel Designed for food manufacturers • Applicable foreign, regulatory and in the correct application of the who supply their products to major statutory requirements on food safety, food safety principles and practices food retailers, or plan to do so, any including those applicable to: Raw commensurate with their activity manufacturer already certified against materials/services provided, and the ISO 22000 only needs to be products manufactured and delivered

7 The Benefits Further to this, another major benefit of examination. A report then identifies the FSSC 22000 is its acceptance by the any concerns or observed non- Most of the major benefits of the FSSC European Cooperation for Accreditation compliances so that immediate action 22000 relate to its comprehensiveness (EA). This accreditation, which was can be taken as required. as a food safety management system awarded in October 2010, means that standard. This is because: • Step D – This is ‘Stage 2’ of the initial most accreditation bodies will now audit process. The audit includes • It provides a good framework against accept FSSC 22000. interviews with employees and which an organisation can develop examination of records. Observation its food safety management system; The Certification Process of working practices determines it is not too descriptive and has the how compliant actual processes flexibilty to allow the organisation to The FSSC 22000 certification processes are with the standard and with an choose the best way to control its is identical to that for the ISO 22000 and organisation’s own documentation own system and ensure food safety consists of six steps: system. At the end of this stage, the policy and objectives are being met • Step A – A proposal from the findings of the audit are presented certification body is provided based on • It includes comprehensive along with other observations and the size and nature of an organisation. requirements detailing how the opportunities for improvement. Once Once this is accepted the audit organisation can conduct an effective the non-conformities have been process can proceed. HACCP studies and HACCP plan addressed, a technical review of the • The standard promotes continuous • Step B – There is then an optional audit will then be conducted by an improvement in food safety ‘pre-audit’ stage, which is often useful authorised Certification Manager to in identifying any weaknesses in confirm the issuance of a certificate. • It targets its focus on food safety and systems and in building confidence legal compliance • Step E – Surveillance visits are before the formal audit. scheduled at either six or twelve • It easily integrates with an • Step C – The first part of the formal month intervals. During the visits, the organisation’s existing management audit is ‘Stage 1 – Readiness implementation of the action plan is system or other systems in place, Review’. This onsite audit evaluates reviewed, addressing the past non- i.e. quality management systems, the compliance of an organisation’s conformities and examining certain environmental management documented system with the mandatory and other selected parts systems etc. requirements of the standard. As part of the system in line with a provided • It allows small, less structured of this the audit ensures correctness audit plan. organisations to implement an and completeness of hazard • Step F – Shortly before the third externally developed system identification, CCP determination and anniversary of the initial certification, that prerequisite programs are in place • Many major brands have adopted this a routine visit is extended to enable and appropriate to the business. After system and standard so it is beneficial a re-certification audit. Surveillance this stage the rest of the audit can be for ingredients suppliers to be aligned visits then continue, as before, on a effectively planned and key elements with these customers three-year cycle. of the system can undergo an initial

FSSC 22000 & ISO 22000 CERTIFICATION PROCESSES

Assessment Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

Step C Issue Step A Step D Certificate Step E Step F Stage 1 Agree Stage 2 after Visit Visit Visit Visit Visit Recertification Certification Contract Audit successful 2 3 4 5 6 Visit 1R Audit audit

Step B

Optional Visit frequency notes: Pre-Audit Annual surveillance – 2 visits; Twice-yearly surveillance – 5 visits

8 The International Features • HACCP System – Internal Audits Standard (IFS) • Assemble HACCP Team – Site Factory Inspections Originally developed by an association • HACCP Analysis – Process Control of German retailers to serve as an – Documentation Requirements – Calibration & Checking of Qualified alternative to the BRC standard, French Measuring & Monitoring Devices retailers and more recently Italian – Record Keeping retailers both play an important role in • Resource Management – Quantity Checking (Quantity the specifics and operation of the IFS. Control/Filling Quantities) – Human Resource Management In parallel, all major retailers across – Product Analysis Germany, France, Italy and many other – Human Resources – Product Quarantine & EU countries require their suppliers to • Personal Hygiene Product Release comply with the IFS. • Protective Clothing for Personnel – Management of Complaints from The IFS aims to provide a uniform quality Contractors and Visitors Authorities & Customers assurance and food safety standard for • Procedures Applicable to Infectious retailer branded food products. Through – Management of Incidents, Product Diseases a consistent evaluation system and Withdrawal, Product Recall uniform audit procedures the standard – Training – Management of Non-conforming generates transparency throughout the – Sanitary Facilities, Equipment for Products supply chain, while ensuring regulatory Personal Hygiene and Staff Facilities – Corrective Actions requirements are met and that retailers • Production Process and wholesalers are protected against liabilities. – Contract Review The Benefits The IFS provides a range of integrated – Product Specifications There are a number of benefits to IFS certification, including: checks on food safety and food quality – Product Development in food processing companies. It • It has a simple certification process – Purchasing covers all product ranges, offering which only requires an on-site audit, certification across the whole range of – Product Packaging there is no requirement for a desk food processing with the exception of – Factory Environment Standards study step agricultural primary production. The IFS – Housekeeping & Hygiene • The standard has a focus on quality, covers the complete food supply chain as well as food safety and legality. with three related standards: IFS Food; – Waste & Waste Disposal Safety and Quality certification are IFS Broker and; IFS Logistics. – Risk of Foreign Bodies, Metal, both covered in one audit saving Broken Glass & Wood money by reducing the potential for The Requirements – Pest Monitoring/Pest Control further audits The audit assesses whether the – Receipt of Goods & Storage • Once certified, there is no need for elements of an organisation’s quality a re-audit and certification for 1 year, – Transport management system are documented, this applies to all levels awarded implemented, maintained and – Maintenance & Repair • The IFS has a global network of continuously approved. The elements – Equipment strategically placed offices covering that are examined are as follows: – Process Validation Europe, the Americas, and Asia • Senior Management Responsibility supporting retailers, suppliers and – Traceability (including GMOs and Certification Bodies with operational, – Corporate Policy allergens) /Corporate Principles training and business development – Genetically Modifidied Organisms • Suppliers are given a 12-month time – Corporate Structure & Processes (GMOs) period to make corrective actions – Customer Focus – Allergens, Specific Methods of (when not directly related to food – Management Review Production & Treatment safety or regulatory compliance) • Quality Management System • Measurements Analysis & allowing for budget planning and Improvements continuous improvements – HACCP

9 • Audits can be conducted electronically steps and excludes a desk study stage or observed non-conformities. An with software support, which also in advance of the on-site audit: organisation is given two weeks to provides reporting with year-on-year • Step A – A proposal is provided respond to the non-conformities (4 results, certification audit importing/ based on the size and nature of an weeks from audit date). These non- analysis, and global category specific organisation. Once this is accepted conformities need to be closed with benchmarking the audit process can proceed. documentary evidence or through an on-site visit. Once the non- • All of the IFS criteria are risk-based • Step B – There is then an optional and there are no prescriptive elements conformities have been addressed ‘pre-audit’ stage, which is often useful and the auditor has accepted the • The IFS Audit Portal is both a in identifying any weaknesses in evidence, an independent technical database and a reporting and systems and in building confidence review of the audit is conducted by an notification tool before the formal audit. authorised Certification Manager who • The IFS offers an Integrity Program • Step C - The formal audit is an on-site approves the issuance of a certificate. providing Quality Assurance and audit. All parts of the site and process • Step D – The certificate is valid for a formal Complaint Management covered in the scope are assessed one year so a full recertification audit system for retailer confidence to determine compliance with every is scheduled for twelve-months later. clause of the standard. Organisations The audit is a full re-audit conducted The Certification Process receive a Corrective Action Report at in the same way as the initial audit, the end of this audit, identifying any The IFS has two levels of certification: but the implementation of the action observed non-conformities. Within Foundation and; Higher Level. The plan is also reviewed and past two weeks of this stage a pre-report certification process consists of four non-conformities are addressed. is issued identifying any concerns

IFS CERTIFICATION PROCESS

Step C Step A Close out all non Issue Certificate Step D Onsite conformances Agree after successful Certification Recertification Contract (if any) audit Audit

Visit frequency notes: Step B Foundation Level – 12 Months Optional Higher Level – 12 Months Pre-Audit Follow up audit (if required) – No more than 6 months from

For IFS Logistics Achieve higher level twice – 18 months.

10 Safe Quality Food (SQF) the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) in chain, suppliers can assure their 2000 Standard the USA, the scheme aims to meet customers that food has been produced, the needs of buyers and suppliers processed, prepared and handled to the The SQF 2000 standard is half of worldwide. The standard certifies that highest possible standards at every step a two-part scheme covering food a supplier’s food safety and quality of the way. manufacturing and distribution as well management system complies with as primary production, the latter under Each SQF standard can be achieved at 3 international and domestic food safety the SQF 1000 standard. Developed in different levels( level 1 , level 2 and level regulations. As the SQF standard Western Australia but now owned by 3.) level 2 being GFSI approved. incorporates the complete supply

THE THREE SQF CERTIFICATE LEVELS

• All requirements of the SQF2000 Code met Compliant with • SQF Certificate level 3 HACCP Quality management systems

• SQF 2000 Plan ++ (HACCP Plan) Compliant • SQF Certificate Level 2 with HACCP food safety requirements

• GMP/GHP ++ Compliant with • SQF Expert systems based • SQF Training on GMP • SQF Certificate Level 1

The Requirements – Site Requirements and Approval • Enhancement of the organisation’s food safety management system The SQF 2000 standard requires each of – Food Handling Area the following, where appropriate, to be – Water and Ice Supply • It demonstrates commitment to achieved at the level detailed: producing and trading safe food – Storage Facilities • SQF 2000 System Requirements • It increases consumer confidence in – Separation of Functions the products produced – Commitment – On-site Laboratories • Brand equity is enhanced – Document Control and Records – Staff Amenities • It prepares organisations for – Specification and Product – First Aid Facilities inspection by regulatory authorities Development – Waste disposal and other stakeholders – Attaining Food Safety – Exterior • It improves new market and – Verification customer prospects • Food Safety Fundamentals: – Product Identification, Trace, Pre-requisite programs • If SQF level 3 is achieved Withdrawal and Recall organisations can use the SQF quality – Site Security mark on their products The Benefits – Identity Preserved Foods Certifying an organisation’s food • Food Safety Fundamentals: management system against the SQF Building and Equipment Design programme requirements brings the and Construction following benefits:

11 The Certification Process against the requirements of the and opportunities for improvement standard with the goal of achieving are presented to the organisation. The SQF certification process consists a better understanding of the nature Once non-conformities have been of seven steps: of the organisation, planning the addressed a technical review of the • Step A – A proposal is provided rest of the audit as effectively as audit is conducted by an authorised based on the size and nature of an possible and examining key elements Certification Manager to confirm the organisation. Once this is accepted of the system at a basic level. After issuance of a certificate. the audit process can proceed. this, organisations receive a report • Step F – Surveillance visits, if required, • Step B – Once an organisation has identifying any concerns or observed are scheduled at six-month intervals accepted the proposal, it registers on non-compliances so that immediate depending on the outcome of the the SQFI website (www.sqfi.com). action can be taken as required. All certification audit and the grade This is a requirement of the SQFI. major non-conformities need to be received. During the visits, we review closed out prior to the Stage 2 audit. • Step C – There is then an optional the implementation of the action plan ‘gap-analysis’ stage assessing an • Step E – This is ‘Stage 2 – addressing the past non-conformities organisation’s readiness for the audit. Assessment Process: Certification and examining certain mandatory and This is often useful in identifying Audit’ of the initial audit process. other selected parts of the system in any weaknesses in systems and in The audit includes interviews line with an audit plan provided before building confidence before the with employees and examination each visit. formal audit. of records. Observation of an • Step G – Recertification audits are organisation’s working practices • Step D – The first part of the formal scheduled at twelve-month intervals. determines how compliant its actual audit is the ‘Stage 1 – Assessment The Recertification audit is undertaken processes are with the standard and Process: Document Review’. Here to verify the continued effectiveness with its documentation system. At the the compliance of an organisation’s of an organisation’s SQF System in end of this stage, the findings of the documented system is evaluated its entirety. audit along with other observations

SQF CERTIFICATION PROCESS Year 1

STEP D STEP E Issue STEP F STEP A STEP B Certificate STEP G Stage 1 Stage 2 Surveillance Agree Supplier SQF after Onsite Annual Document Onsite (depend on Contract registration successful Recertification review Certification audit grade)

STEP C

Optional Pre-Audit

Best aquaculture practices Aquaculture Alliance is a non-profit NGO supply chain from hatchery and feed (BAP) standards working to advance environmentally mill to farm and processing plant. and socially responsible aquaculture Although individual BAP standards The BAP Standards have been and a safe supply of seafood. As part vary by facility type, each addresses developed by the Global Aquaculture of this, BAP certification covers the community and employee relations, Alliance to address environmental most important elements of responsible conservation of biodiversity, soil and and social responsibility, animal aquaculture and provides quantitive water management, and drug and welfare, food safety and traceability guidelines compliance can be measured chemical management. in a voluntary certification program against. The standards spread across for aquaculture facilities. The Global every type of organisation in the seafood

12 Global Red Meat Standard PRIMARY PRODUCTION SCHEMES seeds and all the farming activities up to the point the product leaves the site. It The Danish Agriculture & Food Council has become a key point of reference for has, in co-operation with the Danish CanadaGAP Good Agricultural Practices. Fresh fruit Co-operative of Slaughterhouses and The CanadaGAP Good Agricultural and vegetables, propagation material, the Danish Meat Institute, developed Practices standard is owned by the integrated farm assurance (livestock, the Global Red Meat Standard (GRMS). Candian Horticultural Council and is dairy, pigs, poultry, combinable crops The scheme is specifically for the meat essentially an on farm food safety and grains, tea, coffee, aquaculture), industry and aims to deliver EN45011 program. It combines national food flowers and ornamentals are all covered certified standards though an auditing safety standards with a certification by the standard. programme. The standard covers all system for the safe production, aspects of transport, lairage, stunning, storage and packing of fresh fruits Members of GLOBALG.A.P are made up slaughtering, deboning, cutting and and vegetables. of farmers, ranchers, product marketing handling of meat and meat products and organisations, grower’s co-operatives, The program is aimed at producers, assesses: Buildings; External Areas; food manufacturers and retailers. packers and storage intermediaries Process Layout and Equipment; Product The standard and the certification are of horticultural crops and has been Handling; Process Management and approved by the Technical and Standards designed to help them implement food Production Monitoring; Dispatch and Committees for each product sector: safety procedures into their operations. External Storage; Cleaning Programmes; Crops; Livestock; and Aquaculture. It is crop specific, laying out six differing Traceability; Product Recall Procedures; These committees are supported by sets of Good Agricultural Practices that Non-conformance Procedures; Product FoodPLUS, which is the GLOBALG.A.P have been developed by the horticultural Specifications; Measuring Equipment; secretariat based in Germany. industry and technically verified by Complaints Procedures; HACCP Canadian government officials. Each set System; Internal Audit; Purchasing; The Requirements of practices is based on the seven basic Sales; Quality Management Systems; principles of HACCP and is recognised The standards are separated into four Management Responsibilities; by the GFSI. different categories: Personnel, Visitors and External Labour; and Training. By achieving certification a primary • The GLOBALG.A.P Integrated Farm producer can prove to their customers Assurance Standard (IFA) Synergy 22000 that they have the systems and • The GLOBALG.A.P Compound Feed procedures in place to minimise the Manufacturer Standard (CFM) The Synergy 22000 certification risk of contamination to the product • The GLOBALG.A.P Plant Propagation combines two complementary produced. As part of this the auditor Material Standard (PPM) standards to provide a GFSI recognised gains evidence that an on-going, Food Safety Management System. maintained food safety system is • The GLOBALG.A.P Risk Assessment The initial standard is the ISO 22000, present within an organisation’s on Social Practice (GRASP) which is a requirement for any operations. Within each, the requirements are organisation within the food supply organised into six sections, each of chain, accompanied by either PRP GLOBALG.A.P which having its own set of required 22000 or ISO TS 22002-1. Both these elements. Organisations being assessed options cover Prerequisite Programme GLOBALG.A.P promotes Good against the standard combine the (PRP) requirements for organisations in Agricultural Practices (GAP) and as such applicable elements from each of the six the food supply chain in relation to food is committed to supporting food safety sections to make a package relevant to safety management systems. As part and sustainability in the agricultural, their business. The six sections are of the Synergy 22000 scheme and in livestock and aquaculture supply as follows: conjunction with these standards, the chains. Compliance with GLOBALG.A.P most appropriate PRPs need to be in standards ensures that food products • System rules referred to as place, as specfied. The Synergy 22000 are safe and farmed or raised in a General Regulations (GR), sustainable manner. This means the also sets out the operating procedures • GLOBALG.A.P requirements referred environmental impacts of farming and protocol for the certification to as Control Points and Compliance operations are minimised, chemical scheme. The ISO 22000 and PRP 22000 Criteria (CPCC) combination is applicable to the entire inputs are reduced and that through • Inspection documents referred to as food chain and related activities, while every aspect of the production process Checklists (CL) the combination of ISO 22000 & ISO TS worker health and safety and animal 22002-1 is only applicable to the food welfare have been considered. • National GAP requirements referred processing or manufacturing step of the The GLOBALG.A.P standard brings to as Approved National food chain. together the needs of agricultural Interpretation Guidelines producers and retailers. It covers all • Guidelines and Supporting aspects of the production process up documents to the farm gate. This includes feed,

13 • Harmonisation tools referred to as • Livestock housing and facilities The Certification Process Benchmarking Cross Reference • Livestock health The GLOBALG.A.P certification process Checklist (BMCL), where applicable • Medicines consists of five steps: • Step A – A proposal is provided All farm base module • Fallen stock disposal based on the size and nature of an • Livestock dispatch • Site history and site management organisation. Once this is accepted • Record keeping and internal self- the audit process can proceed. Applies to: assessment/internal inspection • Step B – There is then an optional Ruminant base - Cattle and sheep • Workers health, safety and welfare ‘gap-analysis’ stage assessing an Dairy organisation’s readiness for the audit. • Subcontractors Calf/Young beef This is often useful in identifying • Waste and pollution management, any weaknesses in systems and in Pig recycling and re-use building confidence before the • Environment and conservation Poultry formal audit. • Complaints Turkey • Step C – The first part of the formal audit is the ‘Stage 1 – Assessment • Recall/withdrawal procedure Aquaculture Module Process: Document Review’ (Option • Food defence (not applicable for 2 only). Here the compliance of an • Site management flowers and ornamentals) organisation’s documented system is • GlobalG.A.P status • Reproduction evaluated against the requirements of the standard with the goal of • Logo use • Chemicals achieving a better understanding • Occupational health and safety • Traceability and segregation of the nature of the organisation, (obligatory when producer is • Fish welfare, management planning the rest of the audit as registered for parallel production/ and husbandry effectively as possible and examining parallel ownership) • Harvesting key elements of the system at a basic level. After this, organisations receive • Sampling and testing Crops Base Module a report identifying any concerns or • Feed management observed non-compliances so that • Traceability • Pest control immediate action can be taken as • Propagation material required. All major non-conformities • Environmental and • Site history and site management need to be closed out prior to the biodiversity management Stage 2 audit. • Soil management • Water usage and disposal • Step D –This is ‘Stage 2 – Assessment • Fertilizer application • Post harvest - Process: Certification Audit’ of the • Irrigation/fertigation mass balance and traceability initial audit process. The audit includes • Integrated pest management • Post harvest - operations interviews with employees and examination of records. Observation • Plant protection products • Social criteria of an organisation’s working practices • Equipment determines how compliant its actual The Benefits processes are with the standard and Applies to: Certifying on-farm management with its documentation system. At the Fruit and Vegetables systems against the GLOBALG.A.P end of this stage, the findings of the audit along with other observations Combinable Crops requirements provides an organisation with the following benefits: and opportunities for improvement Green Coffee are presented to the organisation. • Enhanced on-farm food safety Once non-conformities have been Tea management systems addressed a technical review of the • Demonstrates commitment to audit is conducted by an authorised Livestock base producing or trading safe food Certification Manager to confirm the • Site • Leads to acceptance into the issuance of a certificate. • Worker health, safety and welfare GLOBALG.A.P community • Livestock sourcing, identification and • Increases consumer and customer traceability confidence in product safety • Livestock feed and water and quality

14 • Step E– Unannounced surveillance • Step F – Full recertification audits are mandatory and other selected parts visits are scheduled between scheduled at twelve-month intervals. of the system are also examined to certifications. During the visits, At the same time, implementation of ensure they are in line with an audit the implementation of standard the action plan to address the past plan provided before each visit. maintenance is reviewed. non-conformities is reviewed. Certain

GLOBALG.A.P CERTIFICATION PROCESS Year 1

STEP D Step A Step B Issue Certificate Step E Step F Stage 2 Agree Stage 1 after successful Unannounced Annual Onsite Contract Document review audit Audit Recertification Certification

Step C For Unannounced Audit: Optional Option 1 (Individual Grower Certification): Depending on Certification body, sampling Pre-Audit 10% of all certificates issued by Certification body. Option 2 (Group Certification): Mandatory

Safe Quality Food (Sqf) 1000 Level 2 – Specifications procedure. All non-compliance findings from the document review stage again The SQF 1000 is much the same as the – Attaining Food Safety need to be addressed before the on- SQF 2000, except that it is designed – Verification site audit can begin. The certification for primary producers such as growers – Product Identification Trace & Recall issued lasts one year with a six-month and farms rather than manufacturers. As surveillance audit for any organisations with the SQF 2000, which is discussed – Site Security only achieving a grade C award. For the under the section on Manufacturing • Food Safety Fundamentals: Site full details of the certification process Schemes, the SQF 1000 standard is Requirements, Facilities and see the SQF 2000 section. made up of three levels, of which level Production Inputs 2 is GFSI approved. The SQF 1000 • Food Safety Fundamentals: system consists of the SQF code and PRIMARY AND MANUFACTURING Pre-requisite Programs (Good its corresponding guidance documents. SCHEMES Agriculture Practice) It is a HACCP-based supplier assurance code designed to meet the food safety • GlobalG.A.P. PrimusGFS and quality system requirements applied – Genetically Modified Organisms The PrimusGFS standard focuses on by a primary producer. – Fertiliser the food safety of agricultural products The scope and related requirements of designated for human consumption in – Crop Protection the SQF 1000 are much the same as for their fresh or in a minorly processed the SQF 2000 described previously, with – Workers’ Health, Safety & Welfare way. PrimusGFS establishes a series the exception of one section. The SQF – Environmental of requirements for managing the 2000 has a section titled: Requirements production, handling, processing and • Implementing SQF 1000 Systems for Food Contained in Hermetically storing operations, which should be met Sealed Rigid, Flexible or Semi Rigid • Principles and Application of HACCP for consumer safety. Containers, which is not part of the SQF • Certifying SQF 1000 Systems The PrimusGFS scheme covers the 1000. Instead the SQF has a section • SQFI Audit & Certification full supply chain, from pre to post-farm covering GlobalG.A.P, specifically Management System and Supplier gate production, with an integrated laying out requirements in relation Database supply chain approach. It is a voluntary to: Genetically Modified Organisms; worldwide certification scheme Fertilisers; Crop Protection and; Workers • SQF 1000 Certification Trademark – certifying agricultural sector products. Health, Safety and Welfare. Below the Rules for Use It sets minimum acceptable levels in requirements are outlined: • Multi-site Certification relation to each of the requirements • SQF 1000 System Requirements As with the SQF 2000, the certification it includes. – Commitment process covers a combination of both desk research and an on-site audit – Document Control & Records

15 IV. A COMPARISON OF THE GFSI RECOGNISED SCHEMES

Each scheme has a number of similarities as to be GFSI approved the GFSI requirements have to be met. Although, the exact details can vary from scheme to scheme and there may also be a number of other elements built in to make a scheme specific to a certain purpose or industry sector. The most all-encompassing schemes are the FSSC 22000 standard, the BRC standard, the SQF 2000 standard and the IFS. These are compared in more detail below.

S tructural overview of FSSC 22000, BRC, SQF 2000 and IFS standards

How the GFSI requirements are covered in the key global food safety standards:

GFSI requirements FSSC 22000 BRC SQF IFS

Food Safety Management Food Safety and Quality Food Safety and Quality Quality Management System (FSMS) Management System Management System System

Senior Management Senior Management Management Responsibility Commitment and Commitment Responsibility Continual Improvement

Food Safety Management of Resources Personnel Training of Personnel Resource Management Management System

Food Safety and Quality Planning and Realisation Specification and Management System, Production Process of Safe Products Product Development Product Control

Internal Audit, Corrective Verification, Corrective Validation, Verification and Measurement, Analysis and Preventive Action, and and Preventive Action, and Improvement of the FSMS and Improvement Calibration Calibration of Equipment

Good Manufacturing Site Security, Identify Site Standard, Human Resources, Practices, Good Planning and Realisation of Preserved Food, Product Product Control, Food Hygiene Requirements Distribution Practices, Good Safe Products and PAS220 ID, Trace and Withdraw, and Process Control, Personnel (clauses 4.6-4.18) Agricultural Practices Food Safety Fundamentals

Planning and Realisation Hazard Analysis Specification and Product of Safe Products, and Critical Control Food Safety Plan – HACCP Development, Attaining HACCP Validation, Verification and Point (HACCP) Food Safety Improvement of the FSMS

16 A SECTION-BY-SECTION COMPARISON Management Commitment/ Management review OF THE KEY SCHEMES Responsibility All schemes require senior management Most of schemes require an to review the verification of the food General Requirements organisational chart and job descriptions safety management system and HACCP plan, at pre-arranged intervals, to ensure The general requirements for all to be in place. They all place great its continuing suitability, adequacy schemes are similar in that they require emphasis on management commitment and effectiveness. Review of the food a competently implemented, regularly to implement and maintain an effective, safety system is also required in the evaluated, continually improved, continually upgraded food safety event of any change that could affect HACCP-based food safety system demonstrated through regularly food safety. More specifically, the IFS management system. scheduled management review meetings, business continuity planning, scheme requires that the management establishment of effective channels review includes: buildings; supply Food Safety Policy for internal/external communication systems; equipment and transport; staff All schemes require a food safety policy and the appointment of a food safety facilities, environmental conditions; that covers the scope of business team and leader. This team leader safety and security at work; hygienic activities. This policy should involve must be responsible for developing, condition and; workplace design the implementation of a HACCP-based implementing and communicating and external influences (e.g. noise, food safety system that complies with the elements of the food safety vibration). The IFS also requires that regulatory/customer requirements, is management system to company the result of the review is included internally audited, continually improved personnel and must have the authority in subsequent budgeting. The BRC and effectively communicated to to act on management’s behalf on food scheme requires that the review process company personnel. This policy must be safety issues. The SQF scheme calls includes: previous management review supported within the organisation and this team leader the ‘SQF Practitioner’, documents; action plans/time frames; measurable objectives need to be set specifically requiring that this individual customer performance indicators; and tracked. The IFS scheme specifically be a full time employee of the company, complaints and feedback; incidents; requires the inclusion of environmental be trained in HACCP principles and corrective actions; out-of-specification and social responsibility, while the BRC is able to demonstrate a working results and; non-conforming material scheme requires that an organisation’s knowledge of the applicable SQF code as well as; developments in scientific policy includes a provision to ensure requirements. The SQF scheme also information associated with the products that food safety system certification requires that the organisational structure in scope. The SQF scheme requires the does not expire and that the organisation within the company be communicated review to include: policies; internal and has purchased a copy of the current to all staff. The BRC scheme specifically external audit findings; corrective action; issue of the BRC Global Standard for requires that the most senior production and customer complaints. Records of Food Safety. or operations manager on site must amended documents, validation and attend the opening and closing changes to the SQF system also need to Food Safety Manual meetings of the audit for Global be maintained. Standard for Food Safety certification All schemes require a food safety and that senior management must manual or a documented system to ensure all non-conformities identified at be in place that covers or references the previous audit against the standard procedures that control significant food are effectively actioned. safety hazards. None of the schemes are specific about the title or format of such documentation, as long as it exists.

17 Resource management which have an effect on product safety stored, accessible procedures in and that a regular review process is in place for the determination and All schemes require that senior place to ensure these specifications are implementation of timely, verified management provide adequate kept up to date. corrective action in the event of any non- resources to ensure that the food conformity relating to product safety. safety management system continues The corrective action must include to be effective in meeting regulatory Internal Audit actions to bring the process back under and customer requirements, including All schemes require the organisation control and to prevent recurrence of the responsibility for competent provision of to have an internal audit system in non-conformity. outsourced services or activities. place that covers all systems and procedures critical to product safety Control of non-conforming product Documentation and all applicable elements of the scheme. This internal audit must be All schemes require that the All schemes require documented performed at defined frequency, by organisation has documented, securely procedures to demonstrate conformance trained personnel independent of stored, accessible procedures in place with the specified scheme requirements activities audited, with documented to ensure that any product that does not and records to demonstrate the results and prompt follow-up to correct conform to food safety requirements effective control of processes and food any identified non-conformities. The IFS is clearly identified and controlled to safety management. Customer and scheme states examples of verification prevent unintended use or delivery. supplier related specifications related activities, including analysis, sampling, to food safety must also be controlled. and evaluation. The BRC scheme Requirements include verified issuance Product release states that examples of verification and consistent versions, as well as All schemes require that the organisation activities include a review of records secure storage of such documents has appropriate procedures in place to where acceptable limits have been in a manner that allows them to be ensure that food safety requirements are exceeded, review of incidents of product accessible for a retention time that adequately met prior to product release. withdrawal or recall. The BRC scheme meets customer and legal requirements. also requires that internal audit results Both the BRC and SQF schemes must be communicated to the HACCP Purchasing, supplier require that documents are in a food safety team. The SQF scheme approval/monitoring language or languages spoken by the requires that an internal audit schedule organisation’s staff and that they are All schemes require that the organisation is in place, describing the verification sufficiently detailed. controls purchasing processes to ensure activities, their frequency of completion that all externally sourced items conform and the person responsible for Specifications to food safety requirements and that each activity. procedures are in place for approval and All schemes require documented continued monitoring of its suppliers. specifications for all items and services Corrective action The results of supplier evaluations and (including utilities, transport and All schemes require that the follow up actions must be recorded. maintenance) purchased or provided organisation has documented, securely

18 Traceability Gmp/Prerequisite programs • Creation/verification of process flow diagrams (including water treatment/ All schemes require procedures to be in All schemes require the organisation to utility in feeds and waste/rework flow) place to identify all lots of raw materials have effective prerequisite programs and packaging from receipt through (PRPs) in place, with regularly scheduled • Creation/verification of in-process status to finished product monitoring, documented corrective plant schematics and, at minimum, to the next level of actions in response to non-conformities The HACCP principles are also distribution. Traceability requires testing and verification of activities key to food mandated by all schemes. annually with results documented and safety control. PRPs include control These cover: used to improve the process when of: facility exterior/interior (materials • Research and identification of food results do not fall within acceptable & structural integrity); layout/product/ safety hazards associated with tolerance levels. utility/personnel flow; staff facilities; ingredients equipment design/maintenance; Complaint handling risk of biological/chemical/physical • Process aids/non-food chemicals contamination (including allergen All schemes require that the organisation • Equipment control); storage and transport (including implements an effective system for the • Packaging and process steps temperature control in storage and management of complaints related to (including supplier level, controllable transport); stock rotation; sanitation/ food safety, including action to prevent customer level and transport cleaning; pest management; water recurrence of the problem. generated hazards) quality; waste handling; personnel hygiene/training/evaluation; labelling; • Identification of control measures for Incident management/ facility security/food defense; each hazard business continuity traceability and recall procedures. • Establishment of critical control points All schemes require that the All schemes also have requirements (CCPs) and/or operational prerequisite organisation has an effective incident for enhanced hygiene, apparel and programs (oPRPs are the intermediate management procedure in place that is personnel flow control in high-risk areas. level of control between general PRP tested regularly and covers contingency Some schemes have very specific controls and very strict CCPs) requirements for such areas that can be planning for business continuity as well For each CCP, a HACCP plan is required individually researched, (e.g. the BRC as plans for product withdrawal and which includes critical limits for each requirement for physical separation product recall if warranted control measure, responsibility and the and apparel control), but most PRP by investigation. frequency of monitoring these limits, requirements are common to all deviation procedures/corrective actions food processor schemes approved by Calibration to be taken whenever a critical limit non- the GFSI. All schemes require that the conformity occurs, and responsibility and frequency of significant task organisation identifies measuring and HACCP monitoring devices required to assure verification and records associated with product safety and has methods in place A competent HACCP process for each CCP (including corrective action to ensure these devices are calibrated food safety control is a mandatory records). Each scheme phrases these against a recognised standard. requirement for all GFSI food processor requirements in their own terms, but approved schemes. This process the essential requirements are common includes five preliminary steps to all. Product testing and analysis to HACCP: All schemes require that the • Establishment of a multi-departmental organisation implements a system to food safety/HACCP team ensure that finished product/ingredient analyses critical to the confirmation • Descriptions of key food safety of conformity to critical food safety characteristics of finished products parameters is performed to standards • Characteristics of raw materials equivalent to ISO 17025 and that this (including sources) analysis is done frequently enough to optimise food safety.

19 Validation, verification and evaluation and on site verification of required in the event of any changes that continual improvement operations). Verification planning must could impact food safety. Management establish measures/schedules to must ensure that measures/personnel All schemes require the organisation maintain the effectiveness of the food are in place to regularly research to provide evidence that they have safety management system and must changes to information, regulations and validated the assumptions and include all aspects of the applicable customer requirements and they are effectiveness of controls within the scheme, including management review, brought to the attention of management food safety management system. They supplier related activities, PRPs, in order to upgrade the food safety also require that the organisation plans preliminary steps, HACCP activities/ management system and maintain verification activities, both routine (e.g. studies and continual improvement. its effectiveness. While the BRC and next day record review) and complete The results of verification must be FSSC 22000 schemes provide more system verification (including sampling analysed for trends and submitted to specific details on validation/verification of records for each significant food management review and must be used requirements, all schemes imply or safety task, procedure/HACCP plan to continually improve the food safety include the elements discussed in review, key personnel interviews/ management system. Revalidation is this section.

20 What an organisation should consider approach. At the heart of the decision the organisation should develop and put when choosing a scheme as to which scheme is best for a in place its own food safety system. particular organisation is having a clear Once the organisation is confident that The most important thing an understanding of the customer and its system is sufficiently robust and organisation needs to consider when regulatory requirements that affect the that it can stand up to validation and choosing a GFSI approved food safety organisation’s business and therefore auditing, the appropriate audit can be scheme is making sure there is the need to be covered by the chosen chosen to match. perfect match between the scheme audit. This is a research task for the and the organisation. While each organisation and once fully understood, scheme meets the requirements of the even ahead of choosing the audit itself, GFSI, they do it through an individual

COMPARING THE STANDARDS

SUBJECT BRC IFC SQF FSSC 22000

Level 2 Food Safety Level 3 Include Quality System Requirements Quality and food safety Quality and food safety (need to conduct food safety Food Safety analysis, define critical quality control point)

Provide frame work requirements for the Some requirements are System ESTABLISHMENT company to demonstrate Prescriptive requirements Prescriptive requirements prescriptive Require SQF AND IMPLEMENTATION how to comply and practitioner (full timer) demonstrate their food safety system

Company needs to register By Certification body and By Certification body and By Certification body and REPORT/DATA MANAGEMENT in Quick fire prior to Standard owner Standard owner Standard owner certification process

No stage 1 - Company can No stage 1 - Company can Stage 1 on site or off site Stage 1 on site CERTIFICATION PROCESS easily go direct to on site easily go direct to on site certification audit certification audit Stage 2 on site Stage 2 on site

Any Major non conformity Critical from stage 1 to be found during Stage 1 need to closed out during be closed out prior to stage Stage 2 audit 2 audit

21 SUBJECT BRC IFC SQF FSSC 22000

Certificate valid for 1 year Certificate valid for 1 year Certificate validity Grade C-Recertification Certificate valid for 1 year Grade C-Recertification Certificate valid for 3 years within 6 months within 6 months

As recertification is Not allow integrated with Same management system depending on the result of ISO management system Different management structure as ISO standard so the audit (grade C need to Integrated audit standard, allow integrated system structure but it is easily to integrate with be 6 months so interval or with product certification possible for integrated audit other management integrated condition will be scheme system standards changed depending

recertification/ Same audit time as Same audit time as Same audit time as Less audit time than Stage maintenance visit Certification visit Certification visit Stage 2 on site 2 on site

Level 3 certification can use Not allow to be displayed on Not allow to be displayed on Not allow to be displayed on CERTIFICATION mark certification mark on the product the product the product the product

The regulations and the internal food and reliable. Only by providing accurate scheme is best for one element while safety system can be cross-referenced information to an auditing body is it another is best for other elements. For against each of the GFSI recognised possible to get true value from an organisations where this is the case, it is schemes. By doing this, the organisation auditing procedure. possible to audit against a combination can view the areas of ‘fit’ with each It is unlikely that when an organisation of integrated audits to ensure that the scheme available. Fundamental to cross-references its requirements with appropriate parts of each are covered choosing the right scheme is ensuring each of the schemes that there will while gaining certification against each that the audit information that can be one scheme that has the overall of them. This is known as a Customised be extracted from the organisation’s best fit. Instead, it may be that one Single Audit solution. operations is extensive, exhaustive

22 23 V. COMBINING GFSI RECOGNISED SCHEMES WITH THOSE RELATED TO THE ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH & SAFETY AND QUALITY

Achieiving a GFSI approved food safety certifications individually can be a time audit system being required to cover an certification is just one of the many consuming and costly process. Added to organisation’s operations. For example, certifications that an organisation this, the audits frequently cover similar at the same time as an organisation is operating in the food industry needs areas, so an individual area of audited for the GFSI approved FSSC be able to prove it holds. In addition an organisation’s operations may 22000 it can also be audited against ISO to the many different international find that it is constantly embarking 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001. standards in the area of food safety on periods of auditing if each audit is The table below demonstrates how and quality management, there are performed separately. the management system requirements also certifications for environmental A Customised Single Food Audit can for the FSSC 22000 GFSI approved and health & safety systems that are combine both the GFSI recognised certification scheme also appear within required. Further to this, organisations audits that are most appropriate with clauses of these other industry standard often need audits relating to the specific the environmental and health & safety certification schemes: requirements of their operations. To audits the organisation requires. This manage each of the required audits and eliminates the issue of more than one

MANAGEMENT SYSTEM REQUIREMENT SIMILARITIES ACROSS A NUMBER OF REQUIRED CERTIFICATION SCHEMES

MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FSSC 22000 ISO 9001 ISO 14001 OHSAS 18001 REQUIREMENTS

General Management Clauses 4.1, 4.4.4, Clauses 4.1, 4.4.4, Clause 4 Clause 4 System 4.4.5 and 4.5.4 4.4.5 and 4.5.4

Clauses 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, Clauses 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, Management Responsibility Clause 5 Clause 5 4.4.1, 4.4.3 and 4.6 4.4.1, 4.4.3 and 4.6

Management of Resources Clause 6 Clause 6 Clauses 4.4.1 and 4.4.2 Clauses 4.4.1 and 4.4.2

Product Realisation and Clauses 4.3.1, 4.3.2, Clauses 4.3.1, 4.3.2, Clause 7 Clause 7 Operational Control 4.4, 4.4.3 and 4.4.6 4.4, 4.4.3 and 4.4.6

Measurement, Analysis and Clause 8 Clause 8 Clause 4.5 Clause 4.5 Improvement

24 VI. CONCLUSION

Certifying an organisation against the requirements of a GFSI approved scheme means it is prepared to meet the growing global customer requirements and demonstrate its diligent focus on food safety system management. All GFSI schemes demand senior management commitment and require companies to regularly review customer requirements, define processes and demonstrate consistent control over identified hazards, updating and improving the food safety management system to adapt to changes in process, requirements or regulations. An organisation can choose to build a food safety system which conforms with a single scheme or, more effectively, it can build a robust system based on the most stringent requirements of several major schemes, allowing greater flexibility in meeting customer requirements or defending its system against challenges. The most important thing an organisation needs to consider when choosing a GFSI approved food safety scheme is making sure there is the perfect match between the scheme and the organisation. Regardless of the GFSI approved scheme chosen, the organisation will benefit from the improved understanding of its processes and will be better positioned to consistently meet the need for sustainable food safety management.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS is also responsible for the development including audits, testing, inspection, and upgrading of food safety training technical solutions and training. These Supreeya Sansawat courses, food safety and quality audit services can be stand alone or part of an procedures and risk management integrated package of measures to assist Global Food Business Manager, SGS programmes for several North your company in continuously improving Supreeya Sansawat has over 17 years American clients. He has over 22 years the culture of food safety, quality and of experience in quality assurance in of experience in analytical laboratory sustainable development. the food industry including auditing management, quality assurance, Partnering with SGS opens the door and training. Supreeya has auditing food safety system development, to better performing processes, experience in many food safety implementation and auditing and holds increasingly skilful talent, consistent schemes, including GMP, Dutch HACCP, degrees in Biochemistry, Microbiology and compliant supply chains and more SQF, ISO 22000, ISO 9001, BRC and and Food Science from the University sustainable customer relationships GLOBALG.A.P and has performed over of Toronto. delivering profitable competitive 1 000 audits. She is now responsible advantage. Work with the global for all of the technical development for ABOUT SGS leader and take your commitment SGS’ food safety solutions, including to the next level in food safety maintaining and improving food safety SGS is the world’s leading inspection, management systems. auditor and trainer competencies for all verification, testing and certification GFSI recognised schemes as well as company. Recognised as the global We have a history of undertaking and other standards related to the benchmark for quality and integrity, successfully executing large-scale, food industry. we employ over 64 000 people and complex international projects. With operate a network of more than 1 250 a presence in every single region offices and laboratories around the Victor Muliyil around the globe, our people speak the world. We are constantly looking beyond language and understand the culture of Technical Manager for North America customers’ and society’s expectations in the local market and operate globally Food Safety Services, SGS order to deliver market leading services in a consistent, reliable and effective Victor Muliyil is a certified multisector wherever they are needed. manner. SGS is a leading independent food safety programme lead auditor and SGS helps enhance food safety and body helping organisations improve trainer for BRC, SQF 1000/2000, GMP/ quality with a comprehensive and their performance related to HACCP, ISO 22000 and ISO 9001. Victor cost-effective set of control solutions sustainable development.

25 For more information, visit WWW.SGS.COM/FOODSAFETY or email [email protected].

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