A Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) has been set up to facilitate the supply of harmless food to consumers. It has been coordinated by the Food Business Forum and has been in operation since April 2000. GFSI recognizes specific standards for food safety management and agrees with relevant certification schemes.

Initially, the seven largest retailers under the auspices of the GFSI, including Walmart and Tesco, reached an agreement in principle on the compatibility of 4 different schemes recognized by the GFSI: BRC, IFS, Dutch HACCP and SQF. Today GFSI already recognizes other certification schemes. (See schemes recognized by GFSI)

In September 2006, the GFSI Technical Committee was formed, consisting of retailers, manufacturers, standard developers, certification bodies, accreditation bodies, industrial associations and other technical experts. For the GFSI Board, the Technical Committee shall provide technical expertise and advice and change the earlier approaches of the GFSI.

Basic and intermediate levels of GFSI

In addition to recognized standards and certification schemes, GFSI sets basic and intermediate levels of food safety compliance that are important benefits for small businesses.

This approach was developed by GFSI to allow suppliers with small businesses to have free access to the market. At the same time, they will be able to demonstrate the progress of approaching high-level standards and certification schemes.

Such businesses can take advantage of basic or intermediate-level requirements, improve their existing food safety management progress, and gradually improve it.