JFSM’s JFS-C Standard Version 3.2 achieves recognition against GFSI’s Benchmarking Requirements v2024

The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and the Japan Food Safety Management Association (JFSM) today announced that JFS-C Standard Version 3.2 has successfully achieved recognition against GFSI’s Version 2024 Benchmarking Requirements. 

Masanori Kotani, President of the JFSM, said: 

“Achieving GFSI recognition for JFS-C Standard Version 3.2 is an important milestone for JFSM and all organizations that have supported the development of the JFS-C Scheme. This recognition demonstrates that JFS-C Version 3.2 meets GFSI’s rigorous requirements while providing a practical and effective food safety certification program for food businesses.

“Under our philosophy of ‘Start Small, Grow Global,’ JFSM is committed to expanding Japan-originated standards, third-party certification, and competency development systems to the global food industry. GFSI recognition enables JFS-C certified organizations to meet the expectations of customers in domestic and international markets, strengthen their competitiveness, and demonstrate their commitment to trusted food.

“We sincerely appreciate the contributions of all stakeholders who made this achievement possible and look forward to continuing JFSM’s efforts to support the growth of food businesses and the advancement of food safety culture worldwide.”

Karla Mijatovic, GFSI Senior Technical Manager at the Consumer Goods Forum, said:

“As global supply chains become more interconnected, maintaining consistent food safety standards across processing and manufacturing sectors is vital for supply chain resilience. GFSI’s Benchmarking Requirements Version 2024 sets a robust bar for the industry, and achieving recognition underscores JFSM’s technical rigour and leadership in the Asia-Pacific region. We welcome their ongoing work in driving harmonisation and trust across global markets.”

Scope of GFSI Recognition

JFSM applied for recognition against the GFSI Benchmarking Requirements (BMR) Version 2024 for scopes:

• CI – Processing of Perishable Animal Products
• CII – Processing of Perishable Plant Products
• CIII – Processing of Perishable Animal and Plant Products (Mixed Products)
• CIV – Processing of Ambient Stable Animal and Plant Products (Mixed Products)
• K – Production of (Bio) Chemicals and Bio-cultures Used as Food Ingredients or Processing Aids in Food Production

About the GFSI Benchmarking Process 

Benchmarking is a rigorous process where specific food safety programmes designed by Certification Programme Owners (CPOs) are evaluated against GFSI’s Benchmarking Requirements. Built to ensure objectivity, transparency, and technical depth, the pathway follows strict steps to obtain official GFSI recognition. A programme earns the ‘recognised’ status only when it is verified to meet every requirement. The complete step-by-step pathway is defined in GFSI Benchmark requirements, v2024 part 1, available on the GFSI website. 

About Japan Food Safety Management Association (JFSM)

Japan Food Safety Management Association (JFSM), now entering its 10th year since its establishment in January 2016, provides post farm gate food safety management standards that are easy to implement, regardless of company size.  

JFS Standards are harmonized to international standards including general principles of food hygiene, HACCP system and guidelines for its application of Codex; they also include all requirements of ISO 22000 and operate under ISO/IEC 17021 accreditation. 

JFSM offers four programs (JFS-A, JFS-B, JFS-B Plus and JFS-C) as a stepwise, modular food safety management system. They allow food businesses, especially small-to-medium enterprises, to build and improve food safety measures progressively, starting from basic hygiene (JFS-A) up to full international certification (JFS-C). This ensures that even small and medium-sized businesses, which make up the majority of the food industry in Japan, can effectively ensure food safety.  

Version JFS-C Standard is the only GFSI recognised Standard in the series. The certification program document Version 3.2 was published in May 2024 with the Standard Document Version 3.2 published in May 2025 with audits starting from October 2025. 

JFSM has over 130 GFSI recognised certifications within Japan and Thailand delivered by 3 currently approved Certification Bodies.

More details can be found on their website www.jfsm.or.jp.

About GFSI

With an estimated 866 million people affected by foodborne illnesses each year, maintaining robust safety systems is a top priority for consumer goods leaders. To support risk mitigation and foster continuous improvement, GFSI brings together members from across the food industry to align on voluntary food safety certification programmes. GFSI is an Industry Solution of the Consumer Goods Forum. 

What we do

GFSI works to build trust in the global food supply by benchmarking third-party certification programmes. GFSI implements an industry-led, science-backed framework that helps harmonise safety requirements. This alignment ensures that independent businesses can operate with confidence, reducing trade barriers and driving higher safety standards at every point in the supply chain.

Further information

You will find additional information in our dedicated FAQs, particularly in the section For industry: GFSI recognition and your certificate. 

If you have any further questions, please contact the JFSM office at office@jfsm.or.jp