Latin America

PrimusGFS Version 3.2 Certification

Farm, Harvest Crew, Indoor Agriculture, Packinghouses, Cooler/Cold Storage, and Processors

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LATAM Business Group

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What is PrimusGFS Version 3.2 Certification?

Ever changing food safety demands from industry, regulatory agencies, and consumers require companies in the LATAM region to demonstrate that their farm, harvest, and/or facility food safety program is implemented, effective and meets globally recognized food safety standards. PrimusGFS is a GFSI benchmarked standard that has an integrated approach to food safety auditing that allows certification of both farm and packhouse operations during the same audit, saving time and money. Primus GFS is well recognized in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and South America. SCS Global Services is approved by Azzule systems, the PrimusGFS standard owner, to perform certified PrimusGFS audits. Certification to PrimusGFS provides your customers the assurance that is essential.

Why Choose SCS?

The SCS LATAM Food Safety Auditing Team is made up of food safety experts, trainers, auditors, and world-class customer service representatives that provide leadership in fresh fruit and vegetable food safety certifications, including PrimusGFS certification audits. As a leading provider of PrimusGFS certification, we are committed to offering:
• Quick and upfront cost estimates with zero hidden fees
• Timely communication - no more waiting!
• Flexibility and ease of scheduling
• Price matching and discounts on bundled services including other food safety certifications and food labeling certifications

  • Program Details
  • Process
  • Training
  • FAQs

PrimusGFS Certification Resources

Existing clients: Click here to start the renewal application process.

Transfer clients: Click here to switch certification bodies. Select SCS Global Services as your CB. Our team will be notified immediately and will contact you to finalize your application.

Documentations: Click here to view the PrimusGFS Version 3.2 documents.

Eligibility

Does your operation meet the requirements for PrimusGFS certification? Click here for information on the PrimusGFS Certification Scopes as defined by GFSI.

The PrimusGFS General Regulations define the certification process. For more information please review the general regulations guidance here.

Pre-Assessment

A PrimuGFS Pre-assessment is a non-scored mock audit designed to assess the level of your preparedness for a certification audit.  If this is your first time undergoing a GFSI level inspection, a pre-assessment can be a valuable tool in assessing your readiness for a scored audit.   

Audit Scope

The PrimusGFS audit has defined food safety requirements for managing the production, handling, processing and storing of food. PrimusGFS has established acceptable conditions & criteria for these different production stages by defining seven audit modules. The modules are applied based on the type of operation(s) being audited.

All Operations

Module 1: Food Safety Management System (FSMS)

GAP Operations

Module 2: Farm

Module 3: Indoor Agriculture

Module 4: Harvest Crew

GMP Operations

Module 5: Facility (Packinghouse, Cooler/Cold Storage, Storage & Distribution, and Processing)

Module 6: Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP)

Module 7: Preventative Control (PC) *optional*

Complementary Services

SCS Global Services offers GFSI-level food safety certification including GLOBALG.A.P., BRCGS and SQF. Additionally, contact us for expert guidance if your company is interested in establishing a comprehensive HACCP-based Food Safety Management Plan, as validation of an existing management plan.

Combine your food safety certifications with certified Organic, Sustainably Grown and Fair Trade certification for operational and cost savings.

  1. Apply for Certification

    GFSI-recognized food safety audit schemes have broad acceptance among industry buyers and retailers around the world. Be sure to check with your customers to determine which GFSI audits they accept or prefer, including PrimusGFS.

    For Certification Transfers, please click here to switch certification bodies. Select SCS Global Services as your CB. Our team will be notified immediately and will contact you to finalize your application.

  2. Authorize a Proposal

    SCS prepares a proposal for your approval with suggested scope of work, timeline, and quote. If the proposal meets your needs, you sign a Work Order. Our SCS Account Representatives will then help you to choose an audit date.

  3.  On-site Audit

    The auditor conducts an annual on-site audit. The audit includes an opening meeting, physical inspection of the site, review of records, interview with personnel, and an exit interview. We prepare a Report of Findings after the audit is completed.

  4. Audit Report Completed

    Within 15 days of the inspection date, a preliminary report will be uploaded by the auditor.  Once completed, the auditee will receive email notification.

  5. Corrective Action Submission

    The client has 30 days from the inspection date to submit corrective action evidence. The auditor will then reject or accept the corrective actions.

  6. Report Review and Certification Decision

    Once the auditor has reviewed the corrective action responses the audit report and corrective actions, are reviewed by a separate reviewer that is not the auditor, to assure the audit process was followed as required. If the minimum scores are met, and there are no other issues that would prevent certification, the audit is certified.  Once certification has been completed the client will receive an email notification, with the certificate attached as a PDF, that certification has been granted. If certification is not granted, then the client will receive an email notification that the audit was not certified. SCS can also provide client marketing support.

  7. Maintaining Certification

    Annual audits are required to maintain certification.

PrimusGFS Standard Training Workshop

This one-to-four-day course is designed for food safety and quality team members of all levels involved in the PrimusGFS program. Produce growers, packers and processors of fresh-cut produce as well as food safety professionals will benefit when attending this workshop. It is available in-person (public or onsite at your facility). For PrimusGFS training See here.

We offer HACCP training to support the requirement for training, including online self-paced, in English or Spanish See here. For other SCS training courses See here.

 

SCS Global Services ofrece capacitación en persona y en línea a su propio ritmo

 

Horario de cursos ofrecidos en México - HACCP, SQF, GLOBALG.A.P.

  • What is PrimusGFS?

    PrimusGFS is a GFSI-benchmarked certification program that covers both GAP and GMP scopes. It spans the supply chain from primary production through manufacturing, offering a comprehensive, integrated approach to food safety.

  • How does PrimusGFS differ from Primus Standard?

    Primus Standard is a basic level GAP and GMP certification that serves as a stepping-stone to full PrimusGFS certification. It is also an important avenue for packagers to achieve certification, since they are not eligible under PrimusGFS.  

  • How much does an audit cost?

    Costs vary depending on the type, size, and complexity of the site being audited. Please fill out the application as accurately as possible so that we can provide an appropriate quote. 

  • How long does an audit take?

    PrimusGFS regulations provide guidance for how long an audit should take. Click here to see the expected minimum audit duration, which is determined by the size and complexity of the operation. 

  • What are the audit Modules?

    PrimusGFS has defined nine audit modules to accommodate different users of the certification standard, including both production (GAP) and manufacturing facility (GMP).  More details are provided under the Program Details tab. 

  • What is a Food Safety Management System (FSMS)?

    The food safety management system is a written set of documents describing your food safety programs, including practices, policies, procedures, and supporting documentation. This is addressed under Module 1 of the PrimusGFS audit. Producers must document and implement a Food Safety Management System.  

  • What are the eligible facility operation types?

    Packinghouses, cooler/cold Storage operations, storage and distribution operation, and processing operations. 

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