The Global Food Safety Initiative advocates for fundamentally addressing food safety issues through standard comparison, mutual recognition of standards, and the principle of "one certification, universally recognized." This aims to achieve global convergence between different food safety standards and improve cost efficiency throughout the food supply chain.

The Global Food Safety Initiative was proposed by international retailers from Europe and the United States, with the primary objective of strengthening global food safety, protecting consumer rights, enhancing consumer trust, and establishing essential food safety programs. The Consumer Goods Forum serves as the promoting organization for the Global Food Safety Initiative.

The goal of the Global Food Safety Initiative is to "improve food safety management through global cooperation, control food safety risks, and provide safe food for global consumers.

The initiative provides a platform for collaboration among leading retail, production, and food service suppliers from the global food supply chain, international organizations, academia, and government departments. As an international food safety organization initiated by global retailers, GFSI has become an important platform for promoting international cooperation on food safety.

The priority issue for the Global Food Safety Initiative is how to continuously improve the existing food safety standards worldwide. GFSI reviews current food safety standards by establishing benchmarks. These benchmarks include establishing food safety management systems, good agricultural practices, manufacturing practices, and distribution standards, while implementing Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP).

The GFSI board consists of 16 internationally renowned companies responsible for setting the strategic direction of the initiative. The board is chaired by Yves Rey. The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and the Certification and Accreditation Administration of the People's Republic of China (CNCA) actively support and promote international cooperation in the field of food safety.