GMP stands for good manufacturing practice, it is a globally certified system intended to help control the quality of pharmaceutical and other consumable products entering the market. GMP not only protects consumers from faulty goods, but it also helps manufacturers improve their quality and reduce potential liability risks.
GMPs are all-encompassing in manufacturing—they cover every aspect of each process to prevent risks that could arise anywhere in the supply chain or manufacturing environment. While GMPs are primarily used in the food industry, they also apply in the production of:
- Beverages
- Cosmetic products
- Pharmaceuticals
- Dietary supplements
- Medical devices
What is the importance of being GMP certified?
Undeniably, default in a product cannot all be detected in a lab. There would be no way for governments or manufacturers to know that every unit in a particular batch would be made to the same quality and, more importantly, the same level of safety as whichever units were tested in the lab if there were no common guidelines to follow during the manufacturing stage. With the implementation of GMP,
- GMP can helps to reduce the possibility of producing a faulty product that causes customer harm. For example:
– Contamination
– Labeling errors
– Incorrect dosage of a specific ingredient - GMP promote consistency in procedures and products within a safe environment to reduce the risk of recalls, contamination, and profit loss.
- GMP also protects an organization’s people and equipment because many of the rules are written to ensure that employees are fully trained, equipped, and safe, and that equipment is kept to a reasonable standard.
- GMP can saves money. Using these rules, manufacturers able to detect errors before a product is released to the public, saving money on the otherwise costly bill of product recalls and reputational damage.
What are examples of GMP?
GMP guidelines contain no specific instructions on how to manufacture a product. Implementing GMPs may look different for every company and perhaps for even different plant locations. There are a number of basic principles that you might consider implementing in your the manufacturing process:-
- Manufacturing facilities must maintain a clean and hygienic manufacturing area that eliminates potential sources of contamination.
- Manufacturing processes must be clearly defined and controlled. All critical processes are validated to ensure consistency and compliance with specifications.
- Manufacturing processes must be controlled, and any changes to the process must be evaluated.
- Instructions and procedures must be written in clear and unambiguous language using good documentation practices.
- Operators must be trained to carry out and document procedures.
- Records of manufacture that demonstrate that all the steps needed by the defined procedures and instructions were in fact taken and the quantity and quality of the products was as expected.
- A system for investigating and addressing complaints and following through to resolution
- Conduct compliance and performance audits
There are numerous ways for a company to meet GMP requirements by easily establishing a quality programme. It is the company’s responsibility to determine the most effective and efficient quality process.
Conclusion
Good manufacturing practises ensure the safety of both your manufacturing company and its customers. GMP emphasises preventive measures that mitigate even the most minor risks to your product and, ultimately, your customers. By monitoring product quality, keeping premises and equipment sanitary, training employees, and conducting audits as outlined by GMP regulations, you will foster a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that your product is of the highest quality.
