GHP - Good Hygiene Practices
GHP, the English abbreviation for Good Hygiene Practices, and its Turkish equivalent is as mentioned in the title, İyi Hijyen Uygulamaları. GHP, a prerequisite for food safety management systems, aims to protect consumer health by ensuring reliable production. It is a standard developed to ensure that food products are not harmful to human health by performing the necessary controls and taking precautions during procurement, production, storage, and presentation.
GHP is built on a system that includes the structuring and design of food production facilities, cleaning and disinfection methods, and all hygienic practices throughout the process. Good Hygiene Practices (GHP) does not only cover aspects such as production, packaging, and facility hygiene but also addresses personnel hygiene practices. We can say that GHP (Good Hygiene Practices) is a complementary standard to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and a prerequisite for the Food Safety Management System.
All hazards and risks associated with hygiene at every step of the food supply chain must be eliminated. To eliminate these risks and hazards, all steps in the GHP process must be implemented.
Lack of environmental hygiene, personal hygiene, distribution of food under improper conditions, and unsafe food sources, among other factors, can lead to foodborne illnesses. Harmful microorganisms can easily multiply in food, leading to food poisoning and, unfortunately, even foodborne deaths. In vulnerable groups such as patients, the elderly, and children, these risks can result in more severe consequences, directly affecting human health and quality of life. Reducing these risks and hazards is the responsibility of the workplace.
What Are the Benefits of GHP - Good Hygiene Practices?
- Prevents foodborne diseases,
- Ensures consumer trust,
- Provides an advantage in international trade,
- Gives a competitive edge,
- Serves as evidence of hygienic working conditions,
- Builds customer trust,
- Creates a new customer portfolio,
- Reduces environmental impacts,
- Protects consumer health,
- Increases employee awareness.
Who Should Obtain the GHP Certificate?
Businesses involved in food production, sales, and storage, as well as those operating in food service and restaurant services, can obtain the GHP certificate. By obtaining this certificate, these businesses confirm that they meet all hygiene requirements.
How to Obtain the GHP Certificate?
Companies wishing to obtain the GHP certificate must complete the application process. At EOScert, we meticulously complete the applications submitted to us. After preparing custom plans for your organization, inspections and evaluations are conducted by our accredited body. Based on these assessments, your certification process is initiated.
Companies seeking to obtain the GHP certificate must meet standard requirements. Following necessary steps, such as preparing documentation and creating records:
- During the initial assessment phase, areas of non-compliance are identified, and information is gathered to review the organization.
- During the audit phase, the information collected is verified. The GHP structure of the organization is inspected against standard requirements.
- In the certification completion phase, any non-compliances identified during the audit are resolved, and if the report is deemed appropriate, it is submitted to the certification committee for approval.
Where to Obtain the GHP Certificate?
The GHP certificate must be obtained from a certification body authorized to issue certificates in your field of activity or sector. Each sector has a designated EA/NACE code. At EOScert, we provide certification to all sectors prioritizing quality under the GHP standard and to companies that want to demonstrate compliance with all hygiene requirements. You can contact us for all application processes and any questions you may have.