Requirements for the CanadaGAP Program Management Manual upgrade process

Bulletin date:
Bulletin number:
2022-05

Action required

All accredited Product, Process and Service Certification Bodies who are currently certifying organizations to CanadaGAP are required to transition to CanadaGAP version 9.2 of the Program Management Manual by April 1st, 2023. CBs shall transition their customers to CanadaGAP version 9.2 of the Program Management Manual as of April 1st, 2022.

 

Affected customers

Certification Bodies, auditors, and assessors working in the area of food safety, specifically the CanadaGAP scheme.

 

Background

Version 9.2 of the CanadaGAP Program Management Manual is in effect starting April 1st 2022.


As part of this transition, assessors will attended the online training conducted by CanadaGAP. At the same time, CBs currently accredited for this program should start preparing a transition plan.

 

New requirements

CanadaGAP lists the key changes to the manual on their website.

 

CBs accredited for CanadaGAP are required to provide evidence of the following to SCC:

  • The inclusion of CanadaGAP Program Management Manual v9.2 requirements in the CB management system with particular attention on: 
    • CanadaGAP Program Management Manual v9.2 and transition process requirements
    • Information to certified organizations about CanadaGAP Program Management Manual v9.2
    • Training of all CB personnel
    • Qualification of auditors
  • Any identified deficiencies in the CB management system shall be covered by an action plan
  • Statement of management commitment confirming the CB is ready for and in compliance with CanadaGAP Program Management Manual v9.2 requirements based on an internal audit
  • Transition Plan

 

Deadline

In order to ensure ample transition time, CBs shall transition to CanadaGAP Program Management Manual v9.2 by no later than April 1st, 2023. The recommended deadline to submit the documentation to SCC is June 1st 2022.

 

Questions?

Please contact Abdel Kassou, Manager, Compliance and Assessment Services, Accreditation Services, at abdel.kassou@scc-ccn.ca or +1 613 238 3222 for more information.