GFSI compliance isn’t just about passing audits. It’s about creating a consistent, documented, and proactive culture of food safety. Whether you're a food producer, supplier, distributor, or retailer, applying these 10 core practices will help you build a resilient food safety system.
Brands need a system in place to digitize and streamline these practices—making GFSI certification easier, more efficient, and audit-ready. Let’s explore each best practice, along with examples from across the food industry.
1. Drive management commitment and continual improvement
Without leadership buy-in, food safety initiatives falter. Senior leaders must invest in training, communication, and continuous improvement programs.
Use case: Food distributor
A multi-state food distribution company implemented GFSI compliance technology to track KPIs tied to food safety performance (e.g., delivery temp compliance, audit scores). Senior leaders review real-time dashboards monthly and sponsor improvement initiatives, helping embed food safety into company culture.
2. Establish a robust food safety management system (FSMS)
A strong FSMS forms the backbone of food safety. It should define roles, responsibilities, processes, and policies in a way that’s accessible and version-controlled.
Use case: Food service chain
A national quick-service restaurant chain implemented a centralized FSMS that allows franchisees to access the most current SOPs and food safety protocols in real time. The platform automatically flags outdated documentation and enables digital sign-offs, improving consistency across 500+ locations.
3. Conduct hazard analysis (HACCP or HARPC)
Conducting a risk-based hazard analysis identifies critical points where control is essential. Whether using HACCP or HARPC, this process ensures food safety threats are detected early and managed effectively.
Use case: Frozen food manufacturer
A frozen meals manufacturer digitized their HACCP plans and automated CCP monitoring (e.g., cooking temperatures, metal detection). Alerts notify plant managers in real time if thresholds are breached, reducing response times and increasing audit readiness.
4. Implement prerequisite programs (PRPs)
PRPs support the effectiveness of your food safety plan and include things like cleaning, sanitation, and pest control.
Use case: Ingredient supplier
A spice supplier integrated a food safety management system to schedule, track, and verify routine PRP tasks like pest inspections and equipment sanitation. Through mobile checklists and photo capture, QA teams now maintain digital proof of compliance, reducing paperwork and improving traceability.
5. Enforce good manufacturing practices (GMPs)
GMPs minimize the risk of contamination and ensure safe production environments.
Use case: Co-manufacturer
A contract manufacturer for multiple snack brands implemented automated allergen control programs and supplier checks. A digital GMP checklist allows floor supervisors to report deviations instantly, while dashboards provide visibility into supplier-related risks and root causes of non-conformities.
6. Ensure product traceability and recall capability
End-to-end traceability is crucial for managing recalls and minimizing disruption when issues arise.
Use case: Food retailer
A regional grocery chain adopted a food safety management system to link all their SKUs to supplier lot codes and receive real-time alerts about affected products. During a supplier-related Listeria recall, they executed a mock recall in under 90 minutes, improving their preparedness and demonstrating compliance during a regulatory audit.
7. Conduct internal audits and verification
Internal audits and verification activities help identify gaps and prevent surprises during external audits.
Use case: Cold storage logistics provider
A third-party cold storage operator implemented an internal audit module to schedule and perform monthly walkthroughs across all facilities. CAPAs are assigned and tracked in-platform, improving accountability and reducing repeat findings by 70%.
8. Validate food safety controls
Controls are only as good as their effectiveness. Validation ensures your preventive measures actually work under real-world conditions.
Use case: Meal kit service
A meal kit delivery service used GFSI compliance technology to validate its packaging and cold chain management by tracking temperature during transit. When packaging was redesigned, the company revalidated its controls with controlled test shipments, ensuring safe delivery from fulfillment center to doorstep.
9. Comply with regulatory requirements
Each region, industry, and food sector has specific food safety regulations. Compliance requires staying up to date and aligning internal practices to those evolving standards.
Use case: International food importer
An importer of packaged goods from Asia used a food safety management system to stay compliant with FSMA and FDA’s Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP). Automated workflows help the importer track supplier certifications, inspections, and test results, reducing regulatory risk during customs clearance and FDA reviews.
10. Obtain certification from a GFSI-recognized scheme
GFSI-recognized schemes like SQF, BRCGS, and FSSC 22000 validate your compliance to global standards and open doors to new markets.
Use case: Private label manufacturer
A BRCGS-certified bakery used GFSI compliance technology to manage their full audit lifecycle—from pre-assessments to non-conformance tracking. Their audit prep time dropped by 50%, and certification was renewed with zero major findings.
CMX1 is your partner in simplifying GFSI compliance
GFSI compliance is more than just a box to check—it’s a strategic investment in operational excellence, brand trust, and market access. These best practices, when executed with discipline and visibility, create a powerful framework for sustained success.
At CMX1, we help brands automate and optimize their food safety and quality programs with purpose-built tools for audits, SOPs, PRPs, supplier management, and more. We are the chosen food safety management system for many of the world’s leading food companies across manufacturing, restaurant, and grocery.
Let’s build your GFSI-ready system—together. Schedule a demo or connect with our team to see how CMX1 can power your path to GFSI certification.
