Abstract
This policy gap analysis evaluates the differences between international Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) benchmarking standards (specifically BRCGS Global Standard Food Safety Issue 9) and the national regulatory framework enforced by the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC) in Nepal.
Comparative Matrix Findings
The gap analysis highlights that while local DFTQC standards establish excellent baseline biological and chemical safety limits, they place less structural emphasis on:
- Food Safety Culture metrics and employee behavioral accountability audits.
- Product fraud vulnerability assessments and food defense threat reviews (TACCP/VACCP).
- Root cause analysis validation following system out-of-spec incidents.
Strategic Impact
For local food processing factories aiming to export, upgrading plant operations to meet GFSI criteria requires filling these specific administrative and documentation voids rather than simply redesigning facility equipment.