European supermarkets have put their weight behind the GFSI from its inception, but the movement should gain momentum with the increased involvement of their US contemporaries.

Speaking on September 25, Steve Hilton, former vice president of quality and environmental affairs at US retailer, Albertson's, confirmed increased support on the western side of the Atlantic. 'In North America we are very much behind GFSI, but as Europe recognises, North America is sometimes slow to join Europe in its efforts. Our motivation to invest in GFSI was slow to start, but is now picking up momentum.' GFSI was originally perceived in the US as a solely European effort, he admitted, but the US is beginning to appreciate the efforts made by others outside Europe and is interested in being a part of a forward-thinking initiative. 'It is a large body of water dividing Europe from the States, but it seems to be shrinking with the internet,' said Hilton.

Whereas in Europe retailers felt there was an immediate need for GFSI because of the lack of effectiveness of government regulations regarding food crises, in the US there has been greater confidence in the existing system.

There is growing recognition that the US system does not cover everything, however. 'We are looking to the GFSI as a means to secure the quality of imports and fill the regulatory gaps,' said Hilton at the conference. 'The four main groups to benefit are retailers, suppliers, regulators and consumers - who will appreciate the benefits of GFSI when they themselves are more educated.' GFSI will bring with it uniformity for the North American food safety process, and Hilton said that US stakeholders will benefit from the initiative, as will retailers who will gain efficiencies from the standardisation of their auditing systems.