WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA — The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) has recognized the Canadian Grain Commission’s (CGC) grain safety certification programs, noting the programs demonstrate “rigor and credibility.”

The GFSI is a food safety certification program benchmarking system operated by the Consumer Goods Forum, which represents nearly 400 food retailers, manufacturers, service providers, and other stakeholders from over 70 countries.

As part of its benchmarking process, the GFSI said the CGC programs meet internationally accepted science-based standards in food safety management, including:

• Canadian Grain Commission Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (CGC HACCP). To obtain CGC HACCP certification, a company must demonstrate effective grain safety processes that manage the risks associated with handling, storing, processing and shipping grains, oilseeds and pulses.

• Canadian Identity Preserved System and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (CIPRS + HACCP). To obtain CIPRS + HACCP certification, a company’s grain safety and identity preserved processes must effectively control production through to shipping and manage the risks associated with handling, storing, primary processing and shipping of grains, oilseeds or pulses.

The CGC said achieving the GFSI Technical Equivalence puts it in a stronger position to help grain handling companies meet international regulatory and market-driven food safety demands.

“The Canadian Grain Commission is pleased to offer programs that meet GFSI’s high standards and will allow certified companies to remain competitive in today’s global food market,” said Patti Miller, chief commissioner of the CGC.

The CGC is the federal agency responsible for establishing and maintaining Canada’s grain quality standards. The agency’s programs result in shipments of grain that meet contract specifications for quality, safety and quantity. The CGC regulates the grain industry to protect producers’ rights and ensure the integrity of grain transactions.