Navigating the Path to Food Safety Certification: Timeline and Costs

In our previous article we discussed the benefits of GFSI recognition: https://globalfoodsafetyconsultants.com/what-are-the-benefits-of-gfsi-recognition

Now you’ve decided to become GFSI certified, I am sure you have a lot of questions regarding the timeline and the costs; in this article, we will provide industry experience, issues and obstacles we have navigated as GFSI consultants

When it comes to achieving food safety certification, a well-structured timeline can make all the difference. Let's break down the essential steps and explore how you can streamline the process while considering potential disruptions

Step 1: Crafting Your Food Safety Manual

The journey begins with the development of a robust food safety manual, a detailed record encompassing procedures, policies, hazard analysis, and verification activities. This labor-intensive task requires input from department representatives, with a qualified individual overseeing the committee. While the estimated timeline ranges from 30 to 90 days, companies can expedite the process by allocating resources, outsourcing specific tasks to consultants, and simplifying processes like washing and packing.

Step 2: Internal Audit for Program Alignment

Though not mandatory, conducting an internal preaudit assessment is highly recommended. This step involves evaluating your Food Safety Program against the chosen Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) scheme. The internal audit, taking a minimum of 90 days, identifies gaps and ensures compliance. Existing forms and logs addressing food safety issues can accelerate the timeline, while areas requiring improvement may cause disruptions.

Step 3: GFSI Audit - The Critical Evaluation

With your internal audit completed, it's time to schedule the 3rd Party Food Safety Audit with a qualified GFSI certification body. The audit, lasting 1-3 days, involves facility walkthroughs, employee interviews, and a thorough review of food safety documentation. If issues are identified, there's an opportunity for resolution within 30 days. Successful completion leads to the issuance of a GFSI certificate, which takes an additional 30-45 days.

Step 4: GFSI Recognized Certification

Following the audit, corrective actions may be necessary. Once resolved, your GFSI certification body will issue the certificate within 15 days. The overall process, from inspection completion to certificate receipt, takes 30-45 days.

Costs Associated with Each Step

Step 1: Development of the Food Safety Manual incurs costs based on factors like plant complexity, process intricacy, and staff experience. Outsourcing to professionals can range from $4,500 to $19,000.

Step 2: The internal audit involves 90 days of records, employee training, and Food Safety Team meetings. Costs vary based on changes in functions and activities, with professional audit rates ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 per day.

Step 3: GFSI Audit costs depend on the scheme and certification body chosen. Prices range from a couple of thousand dollars for a one-day audit to as much as ten thousand dollars for a complex three-day audit. In our previous blog we walk you through a 5 step process to choosing the right scheme: https://globalfoodsafetyconsultants.com/gfsi-selecting-the-scheme-and-5-step-process

For personalized assessments and detailed pricing, reach out to experienced consultants like Global Food Safety Consultants. We offer free 30-minute consultations and have the expertise to guide you through each step of the certification journey.

Visit our website at: www.GlobalFoodSafetyConsultants.com to schedule your free onsite assessment today.