An In-Depth Guide to Food Safety Standards (SQF, FSSC 22000, BRCGS) & USDA Process Verified Programs
1-Minute Summary
Ensuring food safety and quality is one of the most critical aspects of the food and beverage industry. At the same time, you need to position your products for success in the market.
This guide explores the top food safety and quality standards to support your first goal: the Safe Quality Food (SQF) program, British Retail Consortium Global Standards (BRCGS), and Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) 22000.
We also explain the importance of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to food safety. Finally, to support your goal of increased profitability, we dive into USDA Process Verified Programs.
Let’s get started.
SQF: Safe Quality Food Program
Introduction to SQF
The Safe Quality Food (SQF) program is a globally acknowledged, rigorous food safety and quality program. Designed to meet the needs of all sectors within the supply chain, it provides businesses with a tool for managing food safety risks and demonstrating compliance with regulatory requirements. SQF Food Safety Audit edition 9, released in 2021, is the current edition of the code.
SQF was developed by the Safe Quality Food institute, a division of the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), driven by a vision to create a reliable food safety and quality certification program that is recognized internationally. The program has evolved and grown over the years, reflecting the complex nature of the food supply chain and the need for stringent safety and quality control measures.
SQF Standards and Certification Process
SQF certification is based on government and industry food safety requirements. It allows suppliers to assure their customers that food has been produced, processed, prepared, and handled according to the highest possible global standards.
SQF uses five different Programs, each with a different area of focus and goals, so nearly any business can find a Program to suit its needs.
Unpacking the 5 SQF Programs
SQF Food Safety Program
- Who It’s For: All food producers in the food industry.
- Goals & Features: Emphasis on the systematic application of HACCP.
- Prerequisites: None
- GFSI Benchmarking: Yes
- Details: Helps integrate robust food safety standards into existing practices; often required for entry to market.
SQF Fundamentals Program
- Who It’s For: Small and medium-sized enterprises.
- Goals & Features: Protects brand from the risk of recall; satisfies buyer’s requirements.
- Prerequisites: None
- GFSI Benchmarking: Yes
- Details: Addresses buyer’s food safety requirements; provides solutions for businesses supplying local and global food markets.
SQF Quality Program
- Who It’s For: Sites that have already implemented a robust food safety plan.
- Goals & Features: Addresses process controls for product quality; identifies and controls quality threats.
- Prerequisites: SQF Food Safety Plan or similar.
- GFSI Benchmarking: Yes
- Details: Uses a risk-based method like Codex HACCP.
SQF Foodservice Program
- Who It’s For: Businesses in the foodservice industry.
- Goals & Features: Creates a food safety culture and program; reduces and eliminates food safety risks.
- Prerequisites: None
- GFSI Benchmarking: No
- Details: Can be used for internal and external inspections; includes audit options for multi-sites.
SQF Food Retail Program
- Who It’s For: Food retailers
- Goals & Features: Builds transparency and internal confidence; protects brands.
- Prerequisites: None
- GFSI Benchmarking: No
- Details: Verifies processes and systems; connects corporate policies to store practices.
The 5 SQF Programs provide a range of options so your business can choose the most appropriate Program to fit your size, customer needs, and food safety & quality goals.
Benefits of SQF
Achieving SQF certification offers a variety of benefits for businesses. A certified organization can assure its customers that they are committed to producing safe, quality food. It also signifies a level of professionalism and credibility in the market, which can strengthen the business’s reputation and help increase its customer base.
Moreover, SQF certification can lead to more streamlined operations by minimizing the likelihood of a product recall, reducing inconsistency risks, and helping businesses meet regulatory requirements. This level of control leads to more efficient use of resources, thus saving costs over the long term.
For a deep dive on how to get SQF certified and how an SQF audit works, check out this blog post.
BRCGS Food Safety: British Retail Consortium Global Standards
Introduction to BRCGS
British Retail Consortium Global Standards, or BRCGS, is a leading safety and quality certification program, recognized by thousands of manufacturers, brands, and retailers worldwide.
Developed by the British Retail Consortium, the world’s leading trade association for retail, BRCGS includes specific standards for Food Safety, Packaging Materials, Storage and Distribution, Consumer Products, Agents, and Brokers.
BRCGS Food Safety Standards and Certification Process
BRCGS Food Safety has been developed to specify safety, quality, and operational criteria required within a food-manufacturing organization to fulfill its obligations regarding legal compliance and consumer protection.
The standards are organized into seven sections:
Senior Management Commitment and Continual Improvement
Site Standards
The Food Safety Plan – HACCP
Product Control
Personnel
Food Safety and Quality Management System
Process Control
Achieving BRCGS certification involves meeting the requirements specified in these seven areas.
Benefits of BRCGS
Achieving BRCGS certification has numerous benefits. It helps ensure the consistent manufacture of safe food and reduce waste, recalls, reworking, and withdrawal. BRCGS certification also encourages a reduction in duplication of audits, as food retailers and wholesalers accept the BRCGS certification from suppliers.
Furthermore, it provides a tool for food businesses to assess their suppliers, thus improving integrity, safety, and legality. BRCGS certification also provides a significant advantage in the market by boosting consumer confidence in the safety and quality of the product.
We further explain BRCGS Food Safety certification and how to prepare for an audit in this blog post.
FSSC 22000: Food Safety System Certification 22000
Introduction to FSSC 22000
Food Safety System Certification 22000, or FSSC 22000, is an ISO-based food safety management system. Recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), it provides a comprehensive approach to food safety, covering…
Responsibility
Realization of safe products
Updating of the food safety management system
Resource management
Validation
Planning
Verification and improvement
This certification scheme applies to all organizations, regardless of size or complexity, involved in the food chain from farm to fork, including manufacturers of packaging material, pet food, and feed for food-producing animals.
Given that FSSC 22000 is entirely built upon ISO 22000, along with some extra requirements, it’s a great option if you’re already ISO 22000 certified.
FSSC 22000 Standards and Certification Process
FSSC 22000 incorporates several ISO standards, including ISO 22000 for food safety management system requirements, ISO/TS 22002-1 for prerequisite programs on food safety for food manufacturing, and additional FSSC 22000 certification requirements.
The certification process includes an evaluation of the Food Safety Management System (FSMS), including…
Management commitment to food safety
FSMS planning
Food safety policy
Management review
Food safety objectives
Continual improvement
Benefits of FSSC 22000
FSSC 22000 certification offers several advantages for organizations.
First, it aids in compliance with food safety legislation and reduces the risk of food safety incidents and the cost associated with recalls.
Second, it drives improvement within the organization, leading to improved processes and operational efficiencies.
FSSC 22000 also provides international recognition, promoting trust with consumers and other stakeholders. It helps organizations to demonstrate a real commitment to food safety, which can open doors to new business opportunities.
This blog post explains how an FSSC audit works and how to get certified.
GMPs: Good Manufacturing Practices in the Food Industry
Introduction to GMPs
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) are the practices required to conform to the guidelines recommended by agencies that control the authorization and licensing of food and beverage manufacture and sale.
In other words, GMPs are a system of standards used to ensure products are consistently produced and controlled according to established quality standards. To pass any food safety certification audit, you will need to follow GMPs.
GMP Standards and Compliance Process
GMPs cover all aspects of production, from the starting materials, premises, and equipment to the training and personal hygiene of staff. They provide detailed written procedures that are essential for each process that could affect the quality of the finished product.
To comply with GMP requirements, businesses must record every aspect of the process, the premises, the products, and the staff involved in production. This comprehensive recordkeeping helps prevent errors and contamination, enables the business to investigate issues, recall products, and implement corrective actions when needed.
Benefits of GMPs
Implementing GMPs can bring various benefits to an organization, such as…
Management commitment to food safety
Management review
Food safety policy
Food safety objectives
Many companies have a GMP audit to ensure their facilities are operating according to GMPs. Find out more about Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) audits for food and beverage companies and how they’re done here.
GMP Regulatory Requirements for Food and Beverage Companies
Good Manufacturing Practices for food and beverage companies are outlined in regulations set forth by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
FDA Regulations
The FDA, which regulates most of the U.S. food supply, outlines its GMP requirements for food in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 110 (21 CFR 110), also known as the “Current Good Manufacturing Practice in Manufacturing, Packing, or Holding Human Food”
Key components of these regulations include:
Plant and Grounds
The facility must be in a suitable location, properly maintained, and cleaned regularly to minimize the risk of contamination.
Sanitary Operations
Businesses must maintain cleanliness, ensure trash is properly stored and disposed of, and sanitize equipment and utensils.
Sanitary Facilities and Controls
This includes providing adequate water supply, plumbing, sewage disposal, restroom and hand-washing facilities, and rubbish and offal disposal.
USDA Regulations
The USDA, which regulates meat, poultry, and processed egg products, outlines its GMP requirements in Title 9 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 416 and 417.
Part 416, “Sanitation,” includes requirements for:
General Rules
This section mandates regular cleaning and sanitizing of all equipment and utensils.
Maintenance of Sanitary Conditions
Companies must prevent the adulteration of product and the creation of insanitary conditions.
Sanitary Operations
This section covers cleanliness of facilities and equipment, as well as pest and bird control.
Part 417, “Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Systems,” includes requirements for:
Hazard Analysis
Companies must conduct a hazard analysis to identify and list the food safety hazards reasonably likely to occur in the processing plant and what preventative measures can be applied.
HACCP Plan
Each plant must develop a written HACCP plan outlining the food safety hazards, critical control points, and corrective actions.
It’s essential for food and beverage companies to familiarize themselves with these GMP requirements and to maintain compliance with them to ensure the safety and quality of their products.
USDA Process Verified Programs
To this point, we’ve talked about food safety certifications that organizations can achieve to help promote safety and bolster their brand. Now, let’s shift gears and talk about another great option for certain producers – USDA Process Verified Programs and how third-party certification bodies perform audits against the standards of the program.
This is a great way to help command a higher price for your products in the marketplace. Let’s dive in.
Introduction to USDA Process Verified Programs
USDA Process Verified Programs are voluntary programs that provide suppliers of agricultural and other products the opportunity to assure customers of their ability to provide consistent quality products or services.
This is done by having their written manufacturing processes confirmed through independent, third-party audits, such as process verified program audits provided by FSNS Certification & Audit.
Benefits of USDA Process Verified Programs
USDA Process Verified Programs enable businesses to differentiate themselves in the marketplace by making verified claims about specific aspects of their products or processes. This can include claims about feeding practices, absence of animal by-products, animal raising practices, and more.
This also gives customers confidence in the products they purchase, allowing businesses to potentially increase their market share and customer base. This differentiation can provide a significant advantage, particularly in a market where consumers are increasingly interested in how their food is produced.
We provide a rundown of the most popular USDA Process Verified Programs for livestock producers here.
Choosing the Right Food Safety Certification for Your Business
When it comes to selecting the right food safety certification, making an informed decision involves assessing various factors such as your organization’s size, complexity, resources, nature of the products or services provided, and the specific demands of customers and regulators. With multiple certifications available, it’s crucial to understand the unique benefits of each and their relevance to your specific operational needs.
Role of the Global Food Safety Initiative
Central to the understanding of food safety certification is the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).
Launched in 2000 by the Consumer Goods Forum, the GFSI aims to improve food safety worldwide by providing a platform for collaboration between some of the world’s leading food safety experts from retail, manufacturing, and food service companies, as well as international organizations, governments, academia, and service providers to the global food industry.
GFSI itself is not a certification program but rather a key driver of recognized food safety management schemes. It benchmarks these schemes to ensure they meet a minimum set of requirements, thus creating a globally recognized acceptance for food safety certification schemes.
SQF, FSSC 22000, and BRCGS Food Safety are the three most popular GFSI-recognized food safety certification programs.
Importance of GFSI-Recognized Certifications
GFSI-benchmarked certifications carry significant weight in the food industry because they adhere to high international standards and have a broad level of acceptance globally. They can enhance market access and acceptance by retailers and other businesses along the supply chain that require GFSI-recognized certifications from their suppliers.
The stringent standards required for GFSI recognition mean that obtaining a GFSI-recognized certification, such as SQF, FSSC 22000, or BRCGS Food Safety, involves demonstrating a strong commitment to food safety, implementing a rigorous system of food safety management, and passing an intensive audit process.
FSNS Certification & Audit performs audits for all GFSI-benchmarked food safety platforms.
Choosing the Right Certification
Each of the certifications discussed offers unique advantages, but all aim to enhance food safety and boost customer confidence in the food supply chain. The choice of certification should align with your business objectives, customer requirements, and the nature of your operations.
If you’re unsure where to start, our quick 3-question quiz can help you discover which GFSI-benchmarked certification may be right for you.
Enhance Safety & Competitiveness with Food Safety Certifications and USDA Process Verified Programs
Food safety certifications are more than just meeting regulatory requirements. They provide a platform to assure consumers and stakeholders that your organization is dedicated to producing safe, high-quality food.
With the backing of globally recognized certifications, your commitment to food safety becomes visible, allowing your business to differentiate itself in a competitive market and build enduring relationships with consumers.
USDA Process Verified Programs, meanwhile, offer you a great option to distinguish your products from the competition and command a higher price.
Whichever is right for you, our experts with FSNS Certification & Audit can answer your questions and set up your next audit.