What is GHP?
Good Hygiene Practice (GHP) is a set of hygiene practices used to help protect food from contamination and support safe handling across food-related activities. GHP certification is an audit-based review of an organisation’s system against the applicable standard and the agreed scope.
The service is for food and related facilities. Its scope is discussed with the organisation before the audit is planned. The review considers the hygiene system as it applies to the activities and facilities included in that scope. The precise requirements depend on the standard being used and the organisation’s operations, so the scope should be clear before assessment begins.
Who needs GHP?
GHP may be relevant to food businesses and related facilities in Bangladesh, including organisations involved in food handling, preparation, processing, storage or other activities where hygiene practices matter. The service can also be relevant to facilities connected with food operations.
A buyer may ask a supplier to demonstrate that its hygiene practices are assessed. A regulator may also set hygiene or food-safety requirements that apply to an organisation. The specific request can vary by buyer, activity and applicable rules. Certification should not be treated as a substitute for meeting legal requirements or any separate buyer requirements.
If you are unsure whether the service fits your organisation, contact AuditCert International with a short description of your business, the facility and what you need. This helps establish the scope to discuss and the next step.
Benefits of a GHP audit
A structured GHP audit can help an organisation understand how its hygiene system is implemented and where attention may be needed. Practical benefits may include:
- A review of hygiene arrangements against the standard and agreed scope.
- A clearer understanding of how documented procedures relate to day-to-day work.
- Feedback that can help the organisation identify opportunities for improvement.
- A basis for explaining the assessed scope and hygiene system to interested buyers, where certification is granted.
- An opportunity to involve relevant staff in understanding their responsibilities for hygiene practices.
The audit is an assessment, not a promise of a particular outcome. Certification is considered based on the audit and the applicable requirements.
The GHP certification process with AuditCert International
The process begins by discussing your organisation and the scope you need. The steps below describe the general sequence; the details are agreed for each organisation.
Application and enquiry
Send a short description of your organisation, activities and requirements. AuditCert International will discuss what is involved and the next step.
Initial assessment
AuditCert International works to understand your business and agree the scope for the assessment.
Audit planning
The audit is planned with you, taking account of the agreed scope and the system to be reviewed.
Audit and review
The auditor reviews your system against the standard within the agreed scope. The review considers how the system is established and applied in the relevant facility or activities.
Certification decision
The audit findings are considered against the applicable requirements. Certification is granted only when the requirements for certification have been met.
Feedback and improvement
AuditCert International provides feedback to support continued improvement.
Surveillance
Where certification is issued, ongoing surveillance forms part of maintaining certification. The arrangements are discussed with the organisation.
What do you need to prepare?
Preparation depends on your activities and the scope agreed for the audit. Have relevant documents, records and people available so the auditor can understand how the hygiene system works in practice.
- Documents describing the hygiene system, relevant procedures and responsibilities.
- Records that show how the organisation carries out and monitors its relevant hygiene practices.
- Information about the organisation, its activities, facilities and the scope requested.
- Relevant staff who can explain their roles and how procedures are applied.
- Access to the parts of the facility and activities included in the agreed audit scope.
Contact AuditCert International if you need to clarify what information is relevant to your organisation. The audit is planned with you, and preparation should reflect the agreed scope rather than a generic checklist.
How long does it take, and what affects the time and cost?
The time and cost depend on the organisation and the scope, so they cannot be stated without understanding your requirements. Factors include the nature of your business, the activities and facilities included, and the system that needs to be reviewed.
The initial discussion helps AuditCert International understand these factors and explain what is involved. Audit planning is then carried out with you. To ask about the service, send a short description of your organisation and what you need; AuditCert International can discuss the scope and the next step.
Why choose AuditCert International?
AuditCert International is a certification body offering management system certification, food-related services and training in Bangladesh and worldwide. For GHP, the company discusses your organisation and required scope, plans the audit with you, and reviews your system against the standard.
The process includes an initial assessment to understand the business, audit planning and implementation, and feedback to support continuous improvement. AuditCert International does not promise a certification outcome. Contact the team to discuss whether the service and scope fit your requirements.
