What Is GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative)?
The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) is a global collaboration platform established in 2000 by The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) with the objective of enhancing food safety management systems across the entire supply chain. GFSI was created in response to major food safety crises at the end of the 20th century, such as outbreaks of E. coli, Salmonella, and the BSE (mad cow disease) crisis in Europe, which raised global concerns over fragmented food safety standards.
GFSI aims to build confidence in food safety, reduce audit duplication, and promote continuous improvement worldwide.
Importantly, GFSI does not issue certificates. Instead, it benchmarks food safety certification schemes against its GFSI Benchmarking Requirements. Certification schemes that successfully meet these requirements become GFSI-recognized Certification Programs.
Its key principle is “Once Certified, Accepted Everywhere,” meaning that certification to a GFSI-recognized standard is globally accepted by retailers and brand owners, reducing the need for multiple audits.
Who Is the CPO (Certification Programme Owner)?
A Certification Programme Owner (CPO) is the organization responsible for developing, owning, and managing a food safety certification scheme that is benchmarked and recognized by GFSI.
CPOs are responsible for:
- Defining certification requirements
- Ensuring alignment with GFSI Benchmarking Requirements
- Updating standards to reflect legal and industry changes
- Maintaining global recognition
Examples of CPOs include Foundation FSSC (FSSC 22000), FMI (SQF), LGC Group (BRCGS), and IFS Management GmbH (IFS).
What Is a CB (Certification Body)?
A Certification Body (CB) is an independent organization that conducts audits and issues certifications according to standards developed by a CPO. CBs must be accredited to international standards such as ISO/IEC 17065, ensuring competence and impartiality.
CB responsibilities include initial certification audits, surveillance audits, recertification, and unannounced audits.
SGS is an example of a globally recognized CB providing certification services for FSSC 22000, BRCGS, IFS, and SQF certifications.
What Is a Certified Site?
A Certified Site is a facility that has successfully passed a certification audit conducted by a CB and holds a valid certificate to a GFSI-recognized standard.
Being a Certified Site enhances market access, builds trust with retailers and consumers, reduces food safety risks, and supports compliance with international trade requirements.
How GFSI, CPO, CB and Certified Sites Work Together
The process begins with GFSI benchmarking certification schemes developed by CPOs. Food businesses then select a suitable GFSI-recognized standard and implement its requirements. Accredited CBs perform audits and issue certifications. Once certified, facilities become Certified Sites recognized throughout the global food supply chain.
Why GFSI-Recognized Certification Matters for Thai Businesses
For Thai food businesses, GFSI-recognized certification is a strategic requirement. Many European and US retailers mandate GFSI certification for suppliers. Certification improves competitiveness, reduces risk, and supports long-term export growth.
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of over 100,000 dedicated professionals. With more than 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and a portfolio of trusted specialized brands, including Applied Technical Services, Brightsight, Bluesign and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN SW).
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