Global Food Safety Initiative: The Next Phase

Once the company requirements had been translated into a battery of 89 individual competencies, tests were carried out in late 2009. The first was organized in Chennai, India, and resulted in a 19% improvement rate among participants between pre- and post-assessments held either before or after a three-day training course. Other tests, conducted through e-learning and on a face-to-face basis in India and China, produced similar results.

The working group went on to organize the first test for the basic level requirements of the global markets program for companies. The pilot was conducted with the help of Metro/Makro Cash & Carry, a self-service wholesaler, at its location in Egypt, in conjunction with UNIDO’s local organization, E-Trace. By the end of 2009, a total of 18 local Egyptian suppliers had been trained and assessed. Between the pre- and post-assessment there was a 45% improvement in their overall scores, with 78% achieving a pass at the post-assessment stage.

Encouraged by these early results, the group is now testing the program in the Ukraine. Malaysia is next on the list, followed by Morocco. There are also plans to test in Chile, Brazil, and Pakistan.

Intermediate Level in Development

The intermediate level of the program is under development, with the final round of consultation launched in April. The plan is for the intermediate level to include 70% of the key elements of the GFSI guidance document (the basic level only contains 30%), which is internationally recognized as the benchmark for food safety standards and schemes worldwide. This next level also borrows from Codex Standard CAC/RCP 1-1969 Rev 4-2003 to integrate the Recommended International Code of Practice, general principles of food hygiene, and the hazard analysis and critical control points system.

Even after completion of the test phase for the basic level requirements and the finalization of the intermediate level requirements, certain other issues will still need to be addressed, including finalization of the detailed protocol for implementation, which will be updated during the remaining pilots.

Assuming the successful completion of the pilots and tests, the program will have to be extended to other parts of the supply chain; the emphasis has so far been on the small manufacturer. To this end, a working group focusing on primary production has been established and will deliver its feedback by the end of this year. Before that can happen, the basic and intermediate levels will be finalized for the official launch at the annual Global Food Safety Conference in London next February.

Recognition of the need to provide solutions for smaller operators, the willingness of the working group members to get it right, and consultation and validation at every step of the process with the GFSI board of directors and wider stakeholders makes this a truly unique and outstanding program. In addition, GFSI has provided a relevant, truly business-driven entity, one that will lend itself to the ongoing development of trade opportunities and continuous improvement for smaller suppliers. ■

Pickup is a consultant for the Global Food Safety Initiative. For more information, go to www.mygfsi.com.