Publication of the 2024 Benchmarking Requirements Guidance Document

The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) has officially published the Guidance Document for the Benchmarking Requirements (BMR) version 2024. This practical resource, developed in direct response to stakeholder requests, will assist Certification Programme Owners (CPOs) in working towards alignment against the BMRs. Grounded in expert input and rigorous governance, this tool supports our industry in raising the bar for food safety.

The GFSI Benchmarking Requirements establish the structural foundation for robust food safety certification programmes worldwide. While each programme remains independently designed and owned, this new guidance helps promote a shared understanding across global stakeholders. 

Stakeholder dialogue and science-driven progress

To ensure its strategic value, the GFSI Benchmarking and Harmonisation Working Group (BHWG), comprising leading minds across the food safety ecosystem, oversaw finalisation of the document.  Contributions to its development were also made by representatives put forward by the CPO forum, a body that provides a voice to representatives from all recognised CPOs on policies and decisions that affect them.

Widespread industry consultation and collaborative work with stakeholders ensures that our benchmarking requirements evolve alongside the latest science, global standards, and best practice fostering continuous improvement in food safety management systems

For more than 25 years, this collaboration has driven GFSI’s unique vision, safe food for people everywhere, supporting the consumer goods businesses in safeguarding consumer trust. 

We are grateful for all those who dedicated their expertise to reshaping this vital resource and supporting consistency across the global food supply chain.  

Accessing the Guidance Document

The guidance document is an integral component of the Benchmarking Requirements Version 2024.  

You can download the complete, compressed files to review the requirements for your programme.  

For technical clarifications regarding the BMR or this Guidance: please email the GFSI Team