GMaP was originally designed as a three-step introductory program to full GFSI certification. It is a voluntary program, meaning that any company can join, and around the world, various retail and industry initiatives, as well as other organizations, use the GMaP checklists to manage and develop their suppliers.
What are the GFSI Global Markets criteria?
The GMaP checklists are divided into three blocks, and each level (basic and intermediate) considers requirements that must be implemented as you progress through the program. The main topics covered in each block and at each level are listed below.
- Food Safety Management Systems:
- Basic level: Specifications, including product release; Traceability; Management of food safety incidents; Control of nonconforming products; Corrective action; Management responsibility; Record-keeping requirements; Control of measuring and monitoring devices; Training.
- Intermediate level: Traceability; Food safety incident management; Management responsibility; General documentation requirements; Control of measuring and monitoring devices; Training; Procedures; Complaint handling; Product analysis; Purchasing; Supplier approval and compliance monitoring.
- Good Manufacturing Practices:
- Basic level: Personal hygiene; Facility surroundings; cleaning and disinfection; Product contamination control; Pest control; Water quality; Staff facilities; Waste management; Storage and transportation.
- Intermediate level: Storage and transportation; Maintenance of facilities and equipment.
- Food Risk Control:
- Basic level: Preliminary tasks; Allergen control.
- Intermediate level: HACCP; Food Defense
What are the stages of the GFSI Global Markets assessment?
The objective of the GFSI Global Markets program is to develop a company's management system to achieve the goal of full certification to a GFSI-recognized scheme at the end of the process. The assessment phases that GFSI recommends are:
- Self-Assessment: A self-assessment of the company based on the basic and/or intermediate level checklist to enable it to decide its entry level into the program. Depending on the outcome of the self-assessment, the company must proceed to phase 2 (Core Level Assessment), phase 3 (Intermediate Level Assessment), or phase 4 (Certification against a GFSI-recognized scheme).
- Assessment with assessment body - basic level: A non-accredited assessment of a company is performed by an external assessor (e.g. certifier) against the requirements specified in the basic level checklist.
- Assessment with assessment company - Intermediate Level: A non-accredited assessment of a company is performed by an external assessor (e.g. certifier) against the requirements specified in the intermediate level checklist.
- Certification related to a GFSI-recognized scheme: Official accredited certification related to one of the GFSI-recognized schemes.
Why choose the GFSI Global Markets program?
For suppliers:
- Develop their food safety management systems based on GFSI guidelines;
- Seek GFSI certification in a phased manner;
- Meet local and international customer requirements, as well as applicable legislations.
For retailers, manufacturing, food service:
- Use a GFSI tool to approve, monitor and develop their suppliers;
- Facilitate commercial relationships, by using the same evaluation system for all suppliers;
- Allow better control of food risks associated to suppliers.
Why choose QIMA/WQS for the GFSI Global Markets program?
- A team with over 30 years of experience in the food industry supply chain, ready to deliver end-to-end solutions to your business.
- Specialized in the food industry, with a structure designed to facilitate and expedite the complex certification process and support you every step of the way.
- QIMA/WQS with local experienced food auditors approved for multiple schemes specializing in all food safety quality areas.
- More than 9,000 satisfied clients at every stage of the food supply chain.