GMP programs are an important part of any food company. A strong GMP program reduces the number of food safety variables that can potentially contaminate the food produced. All AIB GMP audits are unannounced. The GMP audits are undertaken and referenced against the AIB Consolidated Standards for Food Safety. A plant must pass this audit twice in the Gold Standard certification stage and once in the recertification stage. An ‘Excellent’ rating must be achieved to pass a GMP audit.