GHP
Good Hygiene Practices
Achieve GHP certification to ensure safe and hygienic food handling. Expert consultants for compliance, training, and audit preparation.
WHAT IS GHP CERTIFICATION?
GHP stands for Good Hygiene Practices, a set of essential principles and procedures to ensure food safety and hygiene at every stage of the food supply chain — from production and processing to storage, transportation, and distribution.
GHP certification verifies that an organization follows hygienic and sanitary procedures in line with Codex Alimentarius guidelines, national food safety regulations, and global industry best practices.
It applies to all food-related businesses, including manufacturing, catering, hospitality, and retail, and serves as a foundation for advanced food safety systems like HACCP and ISO 22000.
THE IMPORTANCE OF GHP CERTIFICATION
GHP certification is important because it:
- Protects Consumer Health – Minimizes the risk of foodborne illnesses.
- Ensures Regulatory Compliance – Meets legal requirements for food hygiene and safety.
- Builds Consumer Confidence – Demonstrates a commitment to safe and hygienic food handling.
- Supports Market Access – Many buyers require GHP compliance for partnerships.
- Forms the Basis for HACCP – Acts as a prerequisite for more advanced food safety certifications.
GHP consultants help businesses design, implement, and maintain effective hygiene protocols to meet certification standards.
ADVANTAGES OF OBTAINING GHP CERTIFICATION
- Improved Food Safety – Reduces contamination risks.
- Brand Protection – Prevents food safety scandals and recalls.
- Better Operational Control – Streamlined cleaning, sanitation, and storage procedures.
- Increased Customer Trust – Attracts health-conscious consumers.
- Foundation for ISO 22000 or FSSC 22000 – Simplifies transition to higher food safety standards.
TYPES OF ORGANIZATIONS THAT BENEFIT FROM GHP
- Food Manufacturing Units
- Restaurants and Catering Services
- Hotels and Resorts
- Food Packaging Companies
- Retail Food Chains and Supermarkets
- Cold Storage and Food Transportation Providers
WHEN IS GHP CERTIFICATION REQUIRED?
GHP is relevant when:
- Launching or operating a food-related business.
- Meeting government licensing or inspection requirements.
- Exporting food products to countries with strict hygiene regulations.
- Preparing for HACCP, ISO 22000, or FSSC 22000 certification.
THE GHP CERTIFICATION PROCESS
- Gap Analysis – Assess current hygiene practices against GHP requirements.
- Hygiene Plan Development – Create cleaning, sanitation, and pest control procedures.
- Staff Training – Educate employees on personal hygiene and food safety.
- Implementation – Apply GHP standards across operations.
- Internal Audit – Identify and fix non-conformities.
- Certification Audit – Accredited body evaluates compliance.
MAINTAINING GHP COMPLIANCE
- Regular Cleaning & Sanitation Audits
- Continuous Staff Training
- Periodic Pest Control & Facility Maintenance
- Ongoing Documentation & Record Keeping
- Review of Procedures as Standards Evolve
GLOBAL CONSIDERATIONS
GHP aligns with:
- Codex Alimentarius – General Principles of Food Hygiene
- WHO & FAO Food Safety Guidelines
- ISO 22000 Food Safety Management Systems
- HACCP Principles
CHOOSING THE RIGHT GHP CERTIFICATION CONSULTANT
When selecting a consultant, consider:
- Experience in food safety and hygiene management.
- Knowledge of Codex, WHO, and ISO food safety requirements.
- Proven success in preparing businesses for inspections and audits.
- Ability to provide training, documentation, and continuous support.
Highlights
Central Objective
GHP focuses your organisation on a single, measurable objective and keeps every process aligned to it.
Ensures Quality
GHP sets out the controls that keep output consistent, so quality stops depending on who happens to be on shift.
Client Satisfaction
GHP gives clients documented assurance, which shortens procurement questions and wins tenders.
Client Relationship Management
GHP formalises how enquiries, complaints and feedback are handled, so nothing is lost between people.
Detailed Documentation
GHP leaves you with records that prove what you did and when — the difference between passing an audit and arguing through one.
Greater Efficiency
GHP removes duplicated effort and clarifies ownership, which lifts productivity across the whole organisation.
How GHP certification works
- Upload your documents and business details to our portal.
- Speak to an advisor about the right accreditation body and scope for you.
- We verify your documents and confirm you are eligible for GHP.
- Make payment online through any of the available methods.
- We handle GHP consultancy, documentation and implementation.
- An independent certification body audits and issues your GHP certificate.
Documents required for GHP
- Business registration proof
Any document evidencing the business — certificate of incorporation, GST certificate, MSME certificate or trademark certificate.
- Letterhead or visiting card
Company letterhead or a visiting card for the business applying for GHP.
- Sales and purchase invoice
A sale and purchase invoice evidencing the nature of the business activity for which you are securing GHP.