Equivalent Qualification to GFSI ?
Hi
If a company in the US does not have a GFSI, or a government registration what would be the minimum requirement to look for? A HACCP plan? How would you know that the plan is acceptable?
No FDA registration? I would recommend a visit to their facility and see first hand what they are doing. What GMP's they have in place etc..
Assuming you are importing fish (judging by your screen name), the should be FDA certified/inspected and should be running a robust HACCP plan. I would agree with Brian, something sounds FISHY lol
If they are not supplying you with fish, that may be a little more tricky
Hi
If a company in the US does not have a GFSI, or a government registration what would be the minimum requirement to look for? A HACCP plan? How would you know that the plan is acceptable?
In order to sell food in the US, the company must be registered with FDA. If they do not have FDA registration, then they are operating illegally. However, some companies do not disclose their registration number, as it is considered confidential information; they should, however, be able to give you an assurance that they have registered (we usually provide just the last 4 digits of our registration number to customers)
You will have to assume the burden of qualifying their GMP programs are solid and the Hazards are under control. Arrange a 3rd party audit or send representatives of your company that are qualified to audit their systems(2nd party audit). dont leave any unanswered questions.
1.) If they fall under FDA jurisdiction, like others have mentioned if no FDA registration is available they are operating illegally.
2.) If they fall under USDA jurisdiction they also need to be registered
2.) Accept 3rd Party GMP/Food Safety Audit in lieu of GFSI Audit
4.) I'd be wary of those with no 3rd party audits of any kind, too many regulatory changes going on to deal with that type of supplier, IMO.
Check this link out: