Upgrade of the PrimusGFS Certification Scheme to Version 4.0
The food safety certification scheme, PrimusGFS, is in the process of changing its version, going from 3.2 to 4.0.
Currently, the certification scheme is undergoing the “benchmarking” process by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). This process is expected to conclude by the end of 2026, so version 4.0 will likely become mandatory as of 2027.
PrimusGFS published the document “Summary of Changes PrimusGFS v4.0” This document may be subject to minor changes depending on the GFSI evaluation, and such changes would be communicated through official channels.
The most significant changes are as follows:
Module 1. SAIA
New requirements include a food safety culture assessment plan, which includes elements such as communication, training, employee feedback, and performance measurement in activities related to food safety.
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Also, a documented crisis management plan is required. Although not explained in detail, it is assumed to address crises that may jeopardize food safety, including risk identification, mitigation and containment, and communication with the parties involved.
For question 1.07.01, related to traceability, the requirement was added to comply with the recently modified FDA traceability rule.
Module 2. Farm
As for new requirements, a question was added which evaluates that any source of potential contamination was eliminated or controlled, which is not covered by other specific question in Module 2.
The requirement that Safety Data Sheets for all the chemicals used in the operation are kept available is also added.
Module 4. Harvesting crew
Just as in “Farm,” Safety Data Sheets for all chemicals used in the operation must be kept available.
A preventive maintenance program is required, including its schedule and applicable signed records when work is completed.
A master sanitation program must be in place, specifying what, where, and how often cleaning should be performed.
Protection against contamination of the harvest during loading and transportation is required, including cleaning records of this specific transport.
Some of these requirements were previously requested in Module 5.
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Module 5. GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)
The request of a written program describing the requirements for microbiological and chemical tests was added.
And just as in Module 1, the requirement for compliance with the FDA traceability rule was added.
Also, from these items, across all modules of the certification scheme, clarifications and wording changes were made to requirements, reorganization and renumbering of questions, movement of requirements between modules, and other less significant changes intended to facilitate the experience of implementation and evaluation of the guidelines.
The exact compliance dates must be under review, as they are yet to be published.
This information was obtained from the official website: https://primusgfs.com/pgfs-v4-0/.
Additionally, you may contact their Mexico offices at +52 667 7165037.
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