SCS Global Services (SCS), a pioneer and industry leader in third-party auditing and certification of food quality and food safety claims, announced expanded food safety services for producers, food companies, and retailers. SCS's newest offerings—Harmonized G.A.P., GlobalG.A.P. PSS, and Global G.A.P. Option 2—complement a broad range of food safety inspection, auditing, certification and training services that have been helping companies navigate the complex world of food safety for more than two decades.

SCS is now certifying producers against the Produce GAPs Harmonized Initiative checklist, a joint creation of United Fresh and industry stakeholders. The new audit is accepted by dozens of grocers, retailers and food service companies across the U.S. and internationally. SCS is also providing two additional GlobalG.A.P. services: GlobalG.A.P. PSS (Produce Safety Standard) assessments, a GFSI-accredited food safety and traceability standard for fruit and vegetable producers of U.S. and Canadian-grown crops, and "Option 2" GlobalG.A.P. audits for small producers seeking recognition under one group certificate, and for multi-site operations operating under a unified quality management system and internal auditing procedure.

"When it comes to food safety, there's no room for shortcuts. That's why our top priority is quality of service," said Chip Wood, SCS director of business development for food and agriculture. "We guide clients step-by-step through the process, backed by high quality auditors and flexible scheduling. Our offerings include the high value audits and certifications that enhance our clients' business profiles in the industry."

In addition to its new services, SCS' full suite of food safety certification and auditing programs include SQF, BRC, GlobalG.A.P., GAP, GMP, and Tesco Nurture, as well as extensive food safety training classes for producers, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, and food manufacturers. For seafood clients, SCS can coordinate SQF and BRC audits with Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, the internationally recognized sustainable seafood program for which SCS is an accredited certifying body. SCS has participated in the development of well-known checklists, conducts inspections to the United Fresh Tomato Metrics, and has had its combined GAP and GMP checklist for mushrooms benchmarked against MGAP by the American Mushroom Institute.

SCS Global Services has been providing global leadership in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing, and standards development for nearly 30 years. Its programs span a wide cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, retail, and more. SCS is a chartered benefit corporation and Certified B Corp™, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices.