PrimusGFS and Primus Standard Certification

Comprehensive GFSI-Benchmarked Food Safety Standard

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PrimusGFS and Primus Standard Certification

Provide Food Safety Assurance with PrimusGFS Certification

PrimusGFS Certification is a GFSI-benchmarked food safety standard for farms, harvest crews, indoor agriculture, packinghouses, cooler/cold storage operations, and processors. This certification is recognized by buyers throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico and South America. It satisfies industry, regulatory, and consumer demand to demonstrate that your food safety program is effective and meets globally recognized food safety expectations. PrimusGFS’ integrated approach allows certification of multiple operations simultaneously (e.g., farm and packhouse) during the same audit, saving you time and money.

In addition, we offer Primus Standard GAP and GMP certification for packagers, and for other food industry entities seeking entry level certification. SCS Global Services is approved by Azzule systems, the PrimusGFS standard owner, to perform certified PrimusGFS audits.

Why Choose SCS?

Our world-class food safety experts, trainers, auditors, and customer service representatives have provided leadership in comprehensive food safety certification for more than four decades. We are a leading international provider of PrimusGFS certification services, experienced with companies of all sizes across the PrimusGFS service area. Our team is approved by Azzule systems, the PrimusGFS standard owner. The benefits of working with us include:

Highly dedicated and responsive customer service team
Ease and flexibility of audit scheduling
Experienced auditors and technical team
Quick, up-front competitive pricing with no hidden fees
Unique audit bundling opportunities and discounts

We also provide a wide range of bundled and complementary services, including GLOBALG.A.P., BRCGS and SQF. We can also provide expert guidance if you want to establish a comprehensive HACCP-based Food Safety Management Plan or a food testing program as validation of an existing management plan. Finally, you can combine your food safety certifications with Certified Organic, Sustainably Grown, and Fair Trade USA certification to satisfy market demand while providing operational and cost savings.

Program Details
Process
Primus Standard
Training
FAQs

Getting Certified

Are you interested in finding out more about getting started with PrimusGFS or Primus Standard? We can also link you up Primus Certification Resources.

New clients: Get started here.
Existing clients: Click here to start the renewal application process.
Transfer clients: Would you like transfer to SCS as your certification body? If so, click here to switch certification bodies, then select SCS Global Services as your CB. Our team will be notified immediately and will contact you to finalize your application.
Document Center: Click here to view documents for the most up-to-date version of PrimusGFS.

Eligibility

Does your operation meet the requirements for PrimusGFS certification? Click here for information on the PrimusGFS Certification Scopes as defined by GFSI.

The PrimusGFS General Regulations define the certification process. You can review the general regulations guidance here.

Optional Pre-Assessment

A PrimusGFS pre-assessment is a non-scored mock audit designed to assess the level of your preparedness for a certification audit. If this is your first time undergoing a GFSI-level inspection, a pre-assessment by SCS can be a valuable tool in assessing your readiness for a scored audit.

Audit Scope

The PrimusGFS audit has defined food safety requirements for managing the production, handling, processing and storing of food. There are nine audit modules, which are applied based on the type of operation being audited.

Module 1: Food Safety Management System (FSMS). Applied to all operations.
Module 2-4: Applied to GAP operations (food production).
- Module 2 for Farms
- Module 3 for Indoor Agriculture
- Module 4 for Harvest Crews
Modules 5-6: Applied to GMP operations.
- Module 5 for Facilities (e.g., Packinghouse, Cooler/Cold Storage, Storage & Distribution, and Processing)
- Module 6 for Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP)
Optional Modules 7-9
- Module 7, Preventive Control
- Module 8, Grains and Pulses
- Module 9, IPM Practices

GFSI-recognized food safety audit schemes have broad acceptance among industry buyers and retailers around the world. Be sure to check with your customers to determine which GFSI audits they accept or prefer, including PrimusGFS. Primus Standard GAP and GMP certifications involve similar steps.

Apply for Certification

Contact SCS to inform us of your interest. Or go directly to the PrimusGFS site and select SCS Global Services as your CB. Our team will be notified immediately and will contact you to finalize your application.
Authorize a Proposal

SCS prepares a proposal for your approval with suggested scope of work, timeline, and quote. If the proposal meets your needs, you sign a Work Order. Our SCS Account Representatives will then help you to choose an audit date.
On-site Audit

The auditor conducts an annual on-site audit. The audit includes an opening meeting, physical inspection of the site, review of records, interview with personnel, and an exit interview. We prepare a Report of Findings after the audit is completed.
Audit Report Completed

Within 15 days of the inspection date, a preliminary report will be uploaded by the auditor. Once completed, the auditee will receive email notification.
Corrective Action Submission

The client has 30 days from the inspection date to submit corrective action evidence. The auditor will then reject or accept the corrective actions.
Report Review and Certification Decision

Once the auditor has reviewed the corrective action responses, the audit report and corrective actions are reviewed by a separate internal reviewer to assure the audit process was followed as required. If the minimum scores are met, and there are no outstanding issues, the audit is certified. You will receive an email notification along with a certificate confirming that the certification has been granted. If certification is not granted, then you will receive an email notification that the audit was not certified.
Maintaining Certification

Annual audits are required to maintain certification.

SCS is pleased to be able to offer a wide range of marketing support services for clients who have been successfully certified.

Primus Standard

Primus Standard is a non-GFSI certification, used by packagers as well as by companies seeking a basic level of food safety auditing service. Audits cover Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and can be a stepping-stone to PrimusGFS.

Eligibility

Primus Standard GAP and GMP are that apply to ranch, harvest crew, greenhouse, packing house, storage & distribution, cooling/cold storage, and packaging facilities.

Audit Type and Coverage

The audit type applicability depends on the operation being audited. Note that

GAP audits include verification of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), adjacent land use, fertilizer usage, water source, pest control, harvesting practices, and food defense.
GMP audits include pest control, traceability, sanitation, food defense, maintenance, foreign material control, and HACCP. In addition, GMP audits may also include an assessment of a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) system.

Optional Pre-Assessment

We are happy to walk you through a pre-assessment to help you get ready. The pre-assessment is a non-scored mock audit designed to assess the level of your preparedness for a certification audit.

PrimusGFS Standard Training Workshop

This one-to-four-day course is designed for food safety and quality team members of all levels involved in the PrimusGFS program. Produce growers, packers and processors of fresh-cut produce as well as food safety professionals will benefit when attending this workshop. It is available in-person (public or onsite at your facility). For PrimusGFS training See here.

We offer HACCP training to support the requirement for training, including online self-paced, in English or Spanish See here. For other SCS training courses See here.

SCS Global Services ofrece capacitación en persona y en línea a su propio ritmo

Horario de cursos ofrecidos en México - HACCP, SQF, GLOBALG.A.P.

What is PrimusGFS?
PrimusGFS is a GFSI-benchmarked certification program that covers both GAP and GMP scopes. It spans the supply chain from primary production through manufacturing, offering a comprehensive, integrated approach to food safety.
How does PrimusGFS differ from Primus Standard?
Primus Standard is a basic level GAP and GMP certification that serves as a stepping-stone to full PrimusGFS certification. It is also an important avenue for packagers to achieve certification, since they are not eligible under PrimusGFS.
How much does an audit cost?
Costs vary depending on the type, size, and complexity of the site being audited. Please fill out the application as accurately as possible so that we can provide an appropriate quote.
How long does an audit take?
PrimusGFS regulations provide guidance for how long an audit should take. Click here to see the expected minimum audit duration, which is determined by the size and complexity of the operation.
What are the audit Modules?
PrimusGFS has defined nine audit modules to accommodate different users of the certification standard, including both production (GAP) and manufacturing facility (GMP). More details are provided under the Program Details tab.
What is a Food Safety Management System (FSMS)?
The food safety management system is a written set of documents describing your food safety programs, including practices, policies, procedures, and supporting documentation. This is addressed under Module 1 of the PrimusGFS audit. Producers must document and implement a Food Safety Management System.
What are the eligible facility operation types?
Packinghouses, cooler/cold Storage operations, storage and distribution operation, and processing operations.

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Kristy-Ann Bura

+1 510.821.3172

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What Our Clients Are Saying

“SCS Global Services is a delight to work with – they are professional, very accommodating and offer a wide variety of services that fit our current and future needs. GloriAnn Farms is pleased to be using the many great services offered by SCS.”

Shaina Boak - Director of Food Safety | GloriAnn Farms, Inc.

I have had nothing but great things to say about the attentiveness to our account from the auditing department. SCS has figured out how to convey scheme questions into day-to-day operations both practically and technically. Their auditors are able to balance technical requirements with real-world application. We have been happy and will continue to have them help uphold our high standards and commitment to food safety. We appreciate the availability and assistance of the entire auditing team.

Jacob Celedon - Director of Food/Occupational Safety, Bee Sweet Citrus

Five Crowns Inc. has been working with SCS Global Services for 9 years covering harvesting, ranch, and facility audits. It’s been fantastic working with SCS Global Service’s great team of managers, QA staff, trainers, and last but certainly not least professional auditors. SCS Global Services auditors have provided great transparency when conducting operation audits making the experience quite enjoyable. Speaking on behalf of Five Crowns, Inc. and their DBA’s (Crown Farming & Crown Cooling), I would recommend any of SCS’s Food Safety services to anyone who would be in need.

Cameron Tate - Food Safety Director, Five Crowns, Inc.

PrimusGFS and Primus Standard Certification

Kristy-Ann Bura