Which GFSI Certification is Right for My Business?

1-Minute Summary 

• Certification to a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)-recognized scheme is crucial for food manufacturers aiming to sell to large retailers, confirming their commitment to food safety and effective risk management.
• The top three GFSI-benchmarked schemes – BRC Global Standard (BRCGS), Safe Quality Foods Institute (SQF), and Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) 22000 – each have unique focuses and missions, requiring an independent third-party GFSI-benchmarked audit.
• BRCGS is globally prevalent and product-focused; SQF is flexible and HACCP-compliant; FSSC 22000 is an ISO-based system certification that requires integration with PRPs; audit rigor reflects management-system complexity.
• Businesses should consider their size, type, and customer requirements when selecting a GFSI-recognized scheme. An annual GFSI-benchmarked audit is required to maintain certification regardless of the chosen standard.

Choosing the Right GFSI-Recognized Certification

Certification to a GFSI-recognized scheme (such as SQF, BRCGS, or FSSC 22000) is crucial for food manufacturers aiming to sell to large retailers, as it confirms their commitment to food safety and risk management.

If you want to join the retailer big leagues, a becoming certified to a GFSI-benchmarked scheme is a must.

But, which of the top three internationally recognized GFSI certification schemes, each requiring a GFSI audit, is right for you?

• Brand Reputation through Compliance (BRC)
• Safe Quality Foods (SQF)
• Food Safety System Certification (FSSC 22000)

Each has a unique focus and mission. One commonality among these GFSI certifications is the requirement for an independent third-party GFSI audit of your facilities and food safety processes to ensure specific standards are met as well as annual audits that confirm good practices remain in place to maintain the certification.

GFSI Scopes and Schemes Explained

First, let’s explain some terminology, which can get confusing.

The GFSI framework includes scopes and schemes to ensure that food businesses of all types can certify their practices.

What is a GFSI Scope?

A scope defines a specific area of the food supply chain. It categorizes operations based on activities like farming, processing, or distribution. GFSI outlines several scopes to ensure certification addresses unique safety risks for each industry.

The 15 GFSI Scopes

1. AI: Farming of Animals (Meat, Milk, Eggs, Honey)
2. AII: Farming of Fish and Seafood
3. BI: Farming of Plants (Other Than Grains and Pulses)
4. BII: Farming of Grains and Pulses
5. BIII: Pre-process Handling of Plant Products
6. C0: Animal Primary Conversion
7. CI: Processing of Perishable Animal Products
8. CII: Processing of Perishable Plant Products
9. CIII: Processing of Mixed Perishable Products (Animal and Plant)
10. CIV: Processing of Ambient Stable Products
11. D: Production of Feed
12. E: Catering
13. FI: Retail/Wholesale
14. FII: Food Broker/Agent
15. G: Storage and Distribution

These scopes provide a tailored approach to GFSI certification, ensuring industry-specific risks and processes are addressed.

What is a GFSI Certification Scheme?

A scheme is a specific certification program developed under GFSI’s framework. Each scheme is tailored to meet the needs of businesses operating within a scope. Schemes are benchmarked by GFSI, meaning they meet rigorous standards for food safety.

Examples of Popular GFSI Audit Schemes

• BRCGS (British Retail Consortium Global Standards): Popular for food manufacturers and retailers.
• SQF (Safe Quality Food): Widely used by food producers and distributors.
• FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification): ISO-based certification for food safety management systems.

By selecting the scope and scheme that best fit your operations, you can ensure comprehensive and industry-relevant food safety management.

Unpacking the “Big Three” GFSI Certification Schemes 

Let’s dive into the “Big Three” GFSI certification schemes, which are the most widely used worldwide.

BRC Global Standard (BRCGS) Certification   

Overview / Global Recognition

BRCGS is a globally recognized food safety standard, especially prevalent in the UK, EU, and among multinational companies. It is accepted by approximately 70% of the top 10 retailers and more than 60% of the top 10 quick-service restaurant chains worldwide.

Audit Focus

BRCGS audits are product- and process-focused. They emphasize operational controls, traceability, labeling claims (e.g., gluten-free, plant-based), and compliance with both food safety and legal requirements.

Common Use Cases / Industries

• Companies exporting to the UK or EU.
• Global food manufacturers with complex supply chains.
• Facilities emphasizing traceability and brand protection.

Steps to Certification

• Develop a food safety program that aligns with BRCGS requirements.
• Choose an authorized BRCGS certification body, such as FSNS C&A, to conduct an onsite audit.
• Audits focus on the effectiveness of processes and product controls throughout the supply chain.
• Certification is maintained through annual audits.

We take a deep dive on BRCGS certification and audits here.

Safe Quality Foods Institute (SQF) Certification 

Overview / Global Recognition

The SQF program is one of the most widely used GFSI-recognized schemes in North America. It is mandated by many major U.S. retailers, including Walmart and Costco, and recognized by brand owners and foodservice providers worldwide.

Audit Focus

SQF certification emphasizes compliance with U.S. food safety regulations, including USDA FSIS and FDA hazard assessments. A strong focus is placed on the development and demonstration of a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan.

Common Use Cases/Industries

• U.S.-based food manufacturers, processors, and distributors.
• Companies supplying directly to major retailers or foodservice chains.
• Facilities seeking a flexible, HACCP-driven certification program.

Steps to Certification

• A designated employee must complete HACCP and SQF practitioner training.
• Develop and document a site-specific SQF food safety management system.
• Select an SQF-authorized certification body, such as FSNS C&A, to conduct an onsite assessment.
• Annual audits are required to maintain certification.

Once the prerequisites are met, companies will choose an SQF authorized certification body, such as FSNS C&A, to conduct their onsite assessment.

An SQF assessment will focus heavily on documentation reviews and demonstrations that operations meet the SQF standards defined in those standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Learn more about SQF certification and audits here.

Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) 22000 Standard 

Overview / Global Recognition

FSSC 22000 is built on the ISO 22000 framework with the addition of sector-specific prerequisite programs (PRPs) and FSSC requirements. It is rapidly growing worldwide and is commonly adopted by large corporations and international businesses with established ISO management systems.

Audit Focus

Audits assess the integration of food safety into an ISO-based management system, with emphasis on documented processes, risk management, and the effectiveness of prerequisite programs across the facility.

Common Use Cases / Industries

• Large or multinational companies.
• Organizations already certified to ISO standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 14001).
• Businesses with complex, global supply chains.

Steps to Certification

• Implement a food safety management system aligned with ISO 22000, PRPs, and FSSC requirements.
• Select an FSSC 22000-approved certification body, such as FSNS C&A, to perform the audit.
• Certification requires initial assessment followed by surveillance audits.
• Recertification is conducted annually to maintain compliance.

Read more about FSSC 22000 here.

How Do I Know Which GFSI Certification is Right for Me? 

Choosing between SQF, BRCGS, and FSSC 22000 depends on your customer requirements, company size, and market. SQF is common with U.S. retailers, BRCGS is widely used by global brands, and FSSC 22000 is ISO-based, making it well-suited for multinational organizations.

An important first step when choosing a GFSI certification is to check with the retailers, suppliers, further processors, or other potential customers with which you are seeking to do business. In many cases, they’ll dictate their required and/or accepted certifications. 

Next, consider your business, including size and type. Because the FSSC 22000 standard is a management system certification, smaller companies may not want the administrative requirements associated with obtaining this GFSI certification. Larger companies with an international focus, however, may decide the FSSC 22000 certification is suited to their broad reach. BRCGS and SQF are more product-focused certifications.  

Regardless of which GFSI food safety certification scheme you choose, an annual audit will be required to maintain it. In addition, an unannounced GFSI audit is required every three years, which we talk about here.

GFSI Certification Comparison

This table helps compare the three main GFSI certification schemes – BRCGS Food Safety, SQF, and FSSC 22000. It highlights key aspects of each standard, which should aid in understanding their differences and suitability for various industry needs.

	BRCGS Food Safety	SQF	FSSC 22000
Global Recognition	Strong global acceptance, especially UK/EU; recognized by 70% of top 10 retailers	Widely used in North America; required by major U.S. retailers (e.g., Walmart, Costco)	Rapid growth globally; strong adoption among multinational companies
Standards & Specificity	Prescriptive, product-focused standard	Program-based; HACCP foundation	ISO-based management system (ISO 22000 + PRPs + FSSC addenda)
Audit Emphasis	Process and product safety controls	Documentation and HACCP demonstration	Management system integration, PRP effectiveness
Best Fit For	Global brands, exporters, companies with strong traceability demands	U.S. manufacturers, distributors, retailers	Larger companies, ISO-driven systems, international operations

What are the Benefits of GFSI Certification?

All this information may seem intimidating if you’re new to food safety certifications. But the up-front work is worth the cost for your business when you consider the benefits of achieving certification:

• Global Recognition: GFSI certification is internationally acknowledged, facilitating market access and global business opportunities.
• Supply Chain Trust: Demonstrates a commitment to food safety, building trust among customers, suppliers, and stakeholders.
• Risk Reduction: Helps identify and mitigate potential food safety hazards, decreasing the likelihood of costly foodborne incidents.
• Consumer Confidence: Increases consumer trust by ensuring adherence to rigorous food safety standards.
• Operational Efficiency: Streamlines processes and improves resource management, leading to cost savings and enhanced productivity.
• Market Advantage: Provides a competitive edge in an industry where safety and quality are paramount, attracting new business and retaining existing customers.
• Continuous Improvement: Encourages ongoing enhancement of food safety practices through regular GFSI audits and reassessments.

How to Get Started with GFSI Certification

Achieving GFSI certification involves several key steps to align your operations with internationally recognized food safety standards. Depending on the robustness of your food safety program, it can be a big task to prepare for a GFSI-benchmarked certification audit. Here are a few steps to help get started:

1. Understand Your Scope
   Identify the scope of your operations, such as farming, food manufacturing, or distribution. This determines the specific requirements your certification process will cover.
2. Choose a Certification Scheme
   Select a GFSI-recognized scheme that fits your industry and scope, such as BRCGS, SQF, or FSSC 22000. Consult with certification bodies to ensure the chosen scheme meets your business needs.
3. Prepare Your Food Safety System
   Review and update your food safety management system to comply with the scheme’s requirements. This may include hazard analysis, risk management, and documentation practices.
4. Engage a Certification Body
   Work with a recognized certification body, such as FSNS Certification and Audit, to audit your operations. Choose a provider with expertise in your scope and scheme for a seamless process.
5. Conduct a Pre-Assessment
   Some certification bodies offer pre-assessments to identify gaps in your system before the official audit. Addressing these issues early improves your chances of success.
6. Schedule and Complete the Audit
   Plan for the certification audit, during which an auditor will evaluate your compliance with the scheme’s standards. Successful completion results in certification.

It’s also advisable to understand the update in December 2024 to GFSI benchmarking requirements, which we explain in this article.

By following these steps, you can achieve GFSI certification and demonstrate your commitment to food safety and quality.

Why Choose FSNS C&A for Your GFSI Certification? 

Once you are ready to begin the certification and audit process, the FSNS Certification & Audit team can help.

• Accredited by ANSI and ANAB to conduct certification and renewal audits against the top three GFSI food safety certifications.
• Each of our auditors has an average of 14 years of experience working in food manufacturing.
• We visit your facility and assess your compliance with pertinent food safety schemes based on the certification(s) you seek.
• Our team helps facilities prepare for their GFSI food safety certification through pre-assessments or mock audits that provide a realistic expectation of what to expect.
• In a survey of FSNS C&A customers, 99% said they were satisfied or extremely satisfied with our auditors.

FSNS C&A is an accredited, experienced company offering third-party food safety audits to help you stay in compliance with your certification scheme. Contact us to discuss your plans to become certified against GFSI standards.