PrimusGFS

PrimusGFS is a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)–recognized certification scheme for the fresh produce industry. It is designed to assess the safety of activities from primary production through processing, packing, and distribution of fruits and vegetables, ensuring that supply chains meet established food safety standards. The program is administered by PrimusLabs and is widely used by growers, packers, and distributors to demonstrate compliance with consumer expectations and retailer requirements.

Scope and requirements: PrimusGFS covers pre-harvest and post-harvest operations, including irrigation water quality, soil and input management, harvest and handling procedures, packinghouse sanitation, temperature control, equipment maintenance, pest control, and personnel hygiene. The standard requires documented risk assessment and preventive controls, effective traceability and recall procedures, supplier verification, and robust corrective action processes. Audits are conducted to verify adherence to these criteria, along with alignment to relevant Codex and food safety principles. Certifications are issued based on audit findings, with emphasis on preventing contamination and ensuring product safety throughout the supply chain.

Certification process: Facilities undergo audits by certification bodies accredited to perform PrimusGFS assessments. Audits evaluate compliance against the applicable PrimusGFS version and scoring determines certification status. Most facilities participate in surveillance audits on an annual basis and recertification at the end of the certification cycle, while major non-conformities require corrective actions before certification can be maintained or renewed.

Global adoption: PrimusGFS has broad use in global fresh produce supply chains, particularly for leafy greens, berries, citrus, and other perishable commodities. It is often requested by retailers and importers seeking a recognized, risk-based food safety certification aligned with GFSI principles.