Gluten Free Certification Programme (GFCP)
Introduction to Gluten-Free certification:
The global market for gluten-free products is increasing rapidly. Worth $4.63 billion in 2015, it is projected to reach $7.59 billion by 2020. In the US and Europe, an increasing number of patients are being diagnosed with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance. This is an important factor in driving market growth. However, most of the recent gains in this sector can be attributed to consumer perceptions that gluten-free foods are healthier than foods containing gluten. Strong retail presences and government initiatives in these regions have also spurred demand. Getting certified will assure consumers searching for gluten-free foods that your products meet their requirements.
Gluten-Free Certification Requirement:
Based on the internationally recognized requirements of Codex Alimentarius HACCP, Gluten-Free Certification Programme (GFCP) covers additional requirements for:
- Management commitment
- Specific gluten-free management system documentation including prerequisite programs, HACCP plan, validation, monitoring and verification activities
- Facility recognition and licencing processes
This program exclusively applies to:
- Manufactures who are also brand owners producing products in their own facility/facilities
- Brand owners whose products are co-manufactured by contracted facilities
- Contracted facilities co-manufacturing private label products
Benefit of Certification:
Gluten-free program provides credible, verified and science-based gluten-free certification with a label consumer can trust. The certification program demonstrates compliance to FDA gluten-free labeling guidelines and provides additional assurance to consumers through facility inspection and testing.
Gluten-free will add rigour to your allergen management due diligence and allow the use of the GFCP certification trademark on the applicable product packaging promoting that the product is certified gluten-free.
Certification to GFCP will demonstrate your commitment to allergen management with the added benefits of:
- Recognition to a certification programme specifically for the manufacture of gluten-free foods
- Risk mitigation through the application of preventative risk-based system of controls for all steps in the manufacturing process to effectively identify and manage gluten rather than a reliance on end product analytical testing
- Showing your commitment to allergen management, providing confidence to your customers, retailers and consumers
- Brand credibility in a sensitive market catering for ‘special dietary needs’
- Consistent application across international sites, facilitating internal benchmarking and strategic allergen risk management
- Access to GFCP exclusive gluten-free research as well as marketing and communication initiatives managed by leading food industry and gluten-free experts.
How to prepare for Gluten-Free Certification?
You may take help of competent consultant to complete Gluten-Free Certification based on Food Safety & Allergen Management System OR Self-Implement it as per following steps:…
- Carry out Gap Analysis of available infrastructure, facility and documentation against the GFCP Guidelines
- Define Policy using the criteria as a guide to the level detail required in your documented system
- Determine role, responsibility and authorities,
- Identify and assemble core group, Appointment of Team Leader
- Specific Gluten-Free Management System Documentation: Level 1 to Level 4, including prerequisite programs, HACCP plan, validation, monitoring and verification activities etc..
- Impart Awareness Training to Core Group and identified staff, ideally to all employees including contract labours.
- Conduct Internal Auditors Training to Core Group / Food Safety & Allergen Management Team
- Conduct cross function/department Internal Audit with the help of Trained Internal Auditor OR by External Consultant
- Conduct of Management Review Meeting to monitor status of Implementation
- Application to Certification Body for inviting for an on-site audit
- Final Certification Audit – end of project
Competent and Expert Consultant can help you establish system according to Codex Alimentarius HACCP & GFCP System Requirements. Consultants have profession method of implementing Codex Alimentarius HACCP & GFCP requirements.
There are various Gluten-Free Standards available such as AOECS (Association of European Coeliac Society), Australian, Canadian, North American, Codex and BRCGS Gluten Free certification etc., Download and read below attached standards for understanding.
Should you need more information, Gluten-Free Certification Standard, Certification Body, Consultants, Cost, Anyother help, please Chat with us ASK THE EXPERT.
