Steps and Requirements for Obtaining a GHP Certificate

How to Obtain a GHP Certificate?

The GHP (Good Hygiene Practice) certificate is awarded to businesses that meet hygiene standards, particularly in the food production sector, and demonstrate that they comply with these standards. This certificate proves that products are produced, stored, and transported under hygienic conditions. Obtaining the GHP certificate is crucial for companies with a serious responsibility for food safety and hygiene. It not only meets legal requirements but also enhances product quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.

Steps to Obtain a GHP Certificate:

Research GHP Requirements
Before applying for the GHP certificate, a company must thoroughly research the GHP standards. These standards outline the fundamental rules for maintaining hygiene conditions in food production. GHP serves as a guide on how to ensure hygiene during production processes.

Establish a Hygiene Practice Policy
To obtain the GHP certificate, the company must clearly define its hygiene practice policies. This includes developing detailed procedures on how hygiene standards will be applied. The hygiene policy defines the rules that all employees, from staff to management, must adhere to.

Conduct Internal Audits and Hygiene Inspections
It is essential to ensure that hygiene standards are being followed by conducting internal audits. These audits check if hygiene practices are being correctly implemented. If deficiencies are found during these audits, corrective plans should be prepared.

Employee Training
Employees must receive hygiene training to obtain the GHP certificate. Hygiene training ensures that staff is knowledgeable about how to maintain hygiene at every stage of production, cleaning procedures, and healthy production conditions. Training should be conducted regularly and kept up-to-date.

Improve Hygiene Equipment and Facilities
To obtain the GHP certificate, equipment and facilities must be in hygienic conditions. Cleaning of production line machines, storage areas, and other equipment is crucial for hygiene. Additionally, cleaning materials used should meet hygiene standards.

Implement a Food Safety Plan
To obtain the GHP certificate, a food safety plan must be created and implemented. This plan aims to minimize all risks related to hygiene during the production process. The food safety plan includes elements such as hygiene practices, cleaning programs, and hazard analysis.

Apply for the GHP Certificate
Applications for the GHP certificate should be submitted to authorized certification bodies. During the application, the company must submit its hygiene practice policies, internal audit reports, and training certificates. The certification body reviews the application to assess compliance.

External Audit and Evaluation
After the application process, the certification body conducts an external audit. During the audit, hygiene conditions in the production area, employee adherence to hygiene rules, and overall cleanliness levels are evaluated. If it is determined that GHP standards are being met, the GHP certificate will be issued.

Issuance of the Certificate
The GHP certificate is issued if the company is confirmed to meet hygiene standards following the audit. The certificate is valid for a certain period, and it may need to be renewed at the end of this period. Renewal occurs with regular audits and continuous adherence to hygiene conditions.

Continuous Improvement and Monitoring
After obtaining the GHP certificate, the company's compliance with hygiene standards should be continuously monitored. GHP is not a one-time certification but a system that must be continuously applied. Regular internal audits and employee training should be conducted to prevent any violations of hygiene practices.

GHP Certificate and Kayra Certification
Kayra Certification offers comprehensive consulting and certification services for companies seeking a GHP certificate. Companies looking to improve their hygiene conditions and enhance product safety can complete this process quickly and efficiently with Kayra Certification.