CanadaGAP is introducing two new non-GFSI-recognized certification options in response to stakeholder requests. Effective April 1, 2022, these options are available to operations whose customers do not require a GFSI-recognized certification.

Below are features of the new certification options:

Option E (not GFSI-recognized):

  • For individual suppliers involved in Production, Packing, or Storage
  • Involves an annual on-site audit
  • Same food safety requirements as Option C, based on CanadaGAP Food Safety Manuals
  • Where applicable, includes additional GFSI requirements for Environmental Monitoring Program, Food Safety Culture, Food Fraud, Food Defense, etc.
  • Passing score on the audit is 95%
  • When selected for an Unannounced Audit, the program participant will receive 2-5 business days’ notice from the auditor
  • Same CanadaGAP annual program fee as Option C.

Option F (not GFSI-recognized):

  • For individual suppliers involved in Repacking, Wholesaling or Brokerage
  • Involves an annual on-site audit
  • Same food safety requirements as Option D, based on CanadaGAP Food Safety Manuals
  • Where applicable, includes additional GFSI requirements for Environmental Monitoring Program, Food Safety Culture, Food Fraud, Food Defense, etc.
  • Passing score on the audit is 95%
  • When selected for an Unannounced Audit, the program participant will receive 2-5 business days’ notice from the auditor
  • Same CanadaGAP annual program fee as Option D.

CanadaGAP continues to offer several options for companies whose customers require certification to a GFSI-recognized program. CanadaGAP Options B, C, and D are recognized by GFSI against the latest version (2020.1) of the GFSI Benchmarking Requirements.

CanadaGAP also continues to offer certification options A1 and A2, which consist of a four-year audit cycle. The addition of the two new options E and F will bring to seven the total available paths to CanadaGAP certification. For a table comparing the various options, please visit the CanadaGAP website.

To switch to a different CanadaGAP certification option, program participants are instructed to:

  1. Confirm first with your customer(s) – whether packer, wholesaler, processor, retailer, food service or other buyer – that the preferred certification option will meet customer requirements.This is a critical first step. Buyers set their own requirements as to which CanadaGAP certification options are acceptable for their suppliers.
  2. Complete the “Change of Status Form” from the CanadaGAP website at canadagap.ca and send it to the CanadaGAP office. The switch to a different certification option can be initiated now. However, audits for the new certification options will be available starting April 1, 2022.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR BROKERAGE OPERATIONS

Brokerage operations will be switched automatically to the new Option F. Option D (GFSI-recognized) certification will no longer be available to brokerage operations as of April 1, 2022. No action is required on your part. 

If you have any questions, please call the CanadaGAP office at 613-829-4711 or send us an email at info@canadagap.ca.

January 25th, 2022 at 03:31 pm