We often see companies displaying their good manufacturing practice (GMP) credentials. Around the world, GMP is the mark of legitimate manufacturing facilities and their quality-assured products. But why is GMP accreditation important, and what exactly does it entail?
What is GMP?
Good manufacturing practice refers to a system that consists of stringent rules, best practices, processes, and documentation that is designed to ensure the quality of manufactured consumable products that enter the market. These products include beverages, food, dietary supplements, cosmetics, pharmaceutical drugs, and medical devices.
GMP guidelines evaluate every stage of the manufacturing process where there is potential for serious complications. Some areas that may be covered in GMP include recordkeeping, facility maintenance, equipment maintenance, quality management, component validation, primary materials, sanitation and hygiene, and personnel training.
Why is GMP important?
Before you can recognize an error or an inconsistency, you must first have a benchmark. Through the implementation of GMP, manufacturers create common guidelines. This way, when a sample item is tested in a laboratory, the manufacturer knows that all the other items in the same batch are of a similar quality.
The most direct benefit of GMP for manufacturers is that it saves money and resources. Identifying an issue with a product before it goes to market can improve product quality, prevent costly faulty product recalls, cut down on waste, and mitigate potential risks. Brands can suffer serious reputation damage if their products are recalled or if their products cause harm to consumers.
Consumers feel more assured when they consume products from GMP-certified facilities. The rigorous guidelines protect them from harmful food safety risks associated with events such as cross-contamination or incorrect labeling. Therefore, they are less likely to consume a product containing an unmarked allergen or medications at too high a dosage.
What are the 5 Ps of GMP?
1. People
People are an organization’s greatest asset. However, they can also be a liability if they are poorly or inadequately trained or equipped. All employees in the facility must undertake updated GMP training. This can help them to gain a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities and how to adhere to GMP guidelines.
2. Premises
Premises should be clean, tidy, well-maintained, and laid out functionally to prevent accidents, cross-contamination, or other negative unintentional events. Equipment must be placed appropriately, stored properly, kept spotless, and validated and calibrated regularly to produce manufactured goods of reliable quality.
3. Products
All primary materials should adhere to detailed specifications. Products and components must undergo routine testing to ensure that they are delivered with a consistent level of quality. A master procedure must be observed and repeated with care for each stage of the process including manufacturing, testing and sampling, and packing.
4. Processes
Processes must be clearly defined to help manufacturers and their employees comply with current legislative requirements and standards. Manufacturers should evaluate, develop, and properly document their processes and distribute them to all employees. Regular assessments and improvements should be made to maintain quality control.
5. Procedures
A procedure is a set of step-by-step rules that help your employees to perform the required processes consistently. Key procedures do not only include the manufacturing process but also other events such as natural disasters or employee conflicts. All employees should receive a copy of the standard procedures and be expected to comply with them.
How does GMP differ from cGMP?
GMP and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) are often used interchangeably. GMP refers to the basic regulation to ensure that manufacturers are taking decisive action to guarantee the safety and efficacy of their products. The word ‘current’ was later added by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to emphasize and encourage commitment and continuous improvement to quality standards through the use of technology and modern systems.
How to become GMP trained
There are online courses available for people who want to obtain the skills and qualifications to work in an environment that is GMP certified. Courses are designed for individuals whose roles and responsibilities require an understanding of cGMP quality principles in a variety of industries such as manufacturing, laboratory testing, and packaging.
For individuals who are new to the manufacturing industry, training can provide an outline of essential concepts. Students can identify the relevant regulations and learn how to implement GMP effectively. Individuals such as senior management or production managers who attend GMP training will gain insight and learn how to design their quality systems or make their existing systems more successful. Attendees will gain the expertise, tools, and techniques to manage a compliant and efficient manufacturing operation.
GMP is an essential standard to guarantee consumer safety. For a company, adhering to GMP will limit risks, improve product quality, and ensure cost-effective operations. For professionals who want to work in a relevant industry, getting trained in the principles of GMP and how to implement them can help with career advancement.