Need to undergo an annual GFSI Benchmarked Audit and need assistance
We were just notified by one of our customers that we need to undergo an annual GFSI Benchmarked Audit. I am new to all of this and will need some help figuring it out. What are some reputable organizations that can help me, an owner of a small, bread only, wholesale bakery, work toward this certification? I am relatively new to the food industry and don't even know what "scheme" I need to be using.
Can someone recommend an reputable organization who can help me implement this at our bakery?
Thank you!
Estra
estrashusband,
Good Afternoon, I do not work for any of the companies I am going to name so I hope I am not violating any rules try since you are a bakery AIB International just google them. Scheme is just a fancy name for which Code you are being audited against. There are several out there SQF, BRC, FSSC 22000 etc. AIB is a certification body and there are quite a few out there as well SAI, NSF, EuroFins, they will work with you towards getting your GFSI certification.
I hope this helps you.
Charles forgive me if I have broken any of the rules it is not my intent only to give a path.
estrashusband,
Good Afternoon, I do not work for any of the companies I am going to name so I hope I am not violating any rules try since you are a bakery AIB International just google them. Scheme is just a fancy name for which Code you are being audited against. There are several out there SQF, BRC, FSSC 22000 etc. AIB is a certification body and there are quite a few out there as well SAI, NSF, EuroFins, they will work with you towards getting your GFSI certification.
I hope this helps you.
Charles forgive me if I have broken any of the rules it is not my intent only to give a path.
No problem. Might add that, afaik, AIB's own scheme(s) is not GFSI - recognized.
@estrashusband - I sincerely hope you are familiar with things like HACCP ?
Charles,
You are correct, they are doing some SQF I have a couple of ingredient suppliers that have them as their CB.
Thanks for the reminder.
So there are GFSI-benchmarked certifications out there - SQF, BRC, FSSC 22000, a few more (someone can add to my list). They provide the codes/rules/regulations to which you would be certified to.
A certification body is the company who actually performs the audit and grades you against the certification code. AIB, Eurofins, FSNS, NSF are just a few well-known certification bodies (CBs).
Have you had a HACCP and/or PCQI course? Are you familiar with food code and/or federal regulations? Presumably U.S. based? If not, I would highly recommend contacting a consultant to get you started.
Hi Estra, your knowledge level, your budget and your timescale will determine the best approach for you.
If you have little or no knowledge at all you will need a lot of help and should employ a qualified consultant. This will cost you, but should ensure success within a reasonable timeframe.
https://www.ifsqn.co...ty-consultants/
If you have some knowledge a cost-effective route would be to purchase a documentation package from IFSQN. This would fast track your route to certification and it also includes implementation support from our technical team.
http://www.ifsqn.com...cation-packages
If you need more support the IFSQN offer e-consultancy. The same advice but lower cost than an ‘on-site’ consultant due to less overheads.
https://www.ifsqn.co...-e-consultancy/
Regards,
Simon
Hi Estra,
Unless your customer has emphatically stated they you to adhere to a GSFI benchmarked scheme and is not fussed on which one, and if you are open to options, it may be worth checking if they have a preference, or indeed predict future customer preference. Most likely they will see equivalence and be happy with any, but you never know...customer requirements are not always based on logic.