GHPs

Good Hygiene Practices are the operational/ functional requirements applicable to food manufacturing/ processing, packing, storage, transportation, and delivery. GHPs are not only applicable to food but all processes related to the food business like packaging, transportation, storage, etc. In some countries, GHP requirements/ guidelines are defined as national standards for the inspection of food, pharmaceutical, and packaging industries, and their compliance is considered mandatory.

Through the implementation of the GHP system/ requirement, it is ensured that the food, food ingredients, pharmaceuticals, and packaging materials are produced in a hygienically suitable and controlled environment to ensure that the consumable product does not contain any contamination, adulteration, or health hazard(s). GHP audits/ inspections are beneficial to ensure the quality, safety, and legality of the product at all levels of production, QA/QC, Packing transportation, storage, and delivery.

• Additionally, compliance with these standards facilitates access to new markets and ensures adherence to legal requirements, which are critical for companies aiming to compete internationally
• Furthermore, adherence to Codex standards, particularly in industries like palm oil, addresses food safety concerns and promotes nutritional quality, thereby benefiting both producers and consumers
• However, challenges such as high compliance costs and the need for ongoing support can hinder small-scale farmers from fully benefiting from these standards
• Overall, while the adoption of GHP Codex standards presents obstacles, the potential for improved food safety, market access, and consumer trust underscores their importance in the agri-food sector.