At AFYA Food Safety and Sanitation, we are proud to work in close partnership with our customers to help you develop an effective food safety culture throughout your organization and support the continuous improvement of your food safety systems. Best results are achieved through a combination of strategic consulting, where we’ll bring a Food Safety Specialist to your facility for an assessment, and Training, during which we will help your employees expand their knowledge to be able to sustain a food safety culture long term.
Afya Food Safety Consulting prepares its clients to obtain certifications which fall under the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) umbrella, including SQF, and BRC. We also prepare our clients for many other certifications outside the GFSI umbrella, such as FSMA Food Safety Plans, 3rd Party GMP Certifications and HACCP audits.
In 2011 the FDA overhauled its food safety laws in 2011 with the Food Safety Modernization Act, which focuses on preventing the spread of foodborne illness. These revised regulations expanded access to records and may require more frequent inspections, third-party lab testing, along with new requirements for food importers.
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) are even more of a component of your food safety plan. The Food Safety Modernization Act introduced a new approach to GMPs that food and beverage manufacturers need to be aware of. Afya Food Safety Consulting advises clients on these new regulations and helps them implement necessary changes in their facilities.
Food safety plans are essential to both adhering to the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and to obtaining other certifications. Afya Food Safety Consulting develops, drafts and designs the formal, written procedures which outline every aspect of the food manufacturing and distribution process. These may include, but are not limited to:
a. Preventive controls (process, sanitation, allergen, supplier, and others)
b. Hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP)
c. Standard operating procedures (SOPs)
d. Training materials
e. Work instructions
f. Allergen awareness
g. Food safety training
Third-party auditing is key to food safety certification process. Every certification requires an independent audit from a trusted third party in order to verify that your company adheres to the high standards set for the food industry. The key component of our audit prep service is a GAP analysis/mock audit. During the mock audit process, we go through every element that will be addressed during the live audit. Not only does this better prepare your employees and management for the upcoming inspection, but it double-checks that each element has been addressed, further ensuring your chances of success.
