The Global Aquaculture Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certification programme has completed its benchmarking against the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) food safety requirements.
Seafood processing plants can now achieve both BAP certification and GFSI compliance through a single audit process.
This GFSI benchmarking will assure global markets that seafood from BAP-certified facilities meet the highest standards for food safety, said GAA executive director Wally Stevens.
“It also will make it easier for plants to meet the demands of seafood retailers, distributors and marketers that require GFSI.”
Representing a collaboration of leading experts from retail, manufacturing and foodservice companies, GFSI pursues continuous improvement in food safety management and cost efficiency in the supply chain.
The food safety elements of the BAP programme comply with the guidelines established by GFSI based on industry best practices and sound science.
“GFSI benchmarking is particularly meaningful as BAP expands to include new species and cover the full production chain,” Stevens said.
BAP certification standards for feed mills were recently completed, and standards for pangasius farms are also close to release.
These certifications are complemented by BAP standards for shrimp farms and hatcheries, tilapia farms and channel catfish farms.
