GFSI-Recognized Standards Compared

Food businesses across the supply chain face growing pressure to demonstrate product safety, and many customers now require certification under a program recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). However, choosing between SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, and other programs is not always straightforward.

Each program supports strong food safety practices, but its structure, scope, and audit approach may differ. Understanding these differences can help your organization choose the option that best fits its operations and customer requirements.

What Are GFSI Standards?

GFSI is a private, industry-led initiative that helps improve food safety management across the global supply chain. It does not write laws, conduct facility audits, or issue certificates. Instead, it reviews food safety certification programs against detailed benchmarking requirements.

Programs that meet these requirements are commonly referred to as GFSI-benchmarked or GFSI-recognized standards. More precisely, they are GFSI-recognized certification programs, with SQF, BRCGS, and FSSC 22000 among the best-known examples.

Facilities earn certification through an approved certification body—not GFSI itself. Although the phrase “GFSI certification” is widely used, there is no single GFSI certificate.

GFSI recognition gives manufacturers, retailers, and other buyers a common way to assess suppliers. Certification may also reduce the need for separate customer audits. However, buyers can still require a certain program or add their own supplier conditions.

Why Does GFSI Recognition Matter?

Certification under a recognized program can show customers that a facility follows a structured food safety management system. Depending on the program and certification scope, an audit may cover:

• Management responsibility and food safety culture
• Hazard analysis and risk-based controls
• Sanitation and good manufacturing practices
• Pest management
• Allergen controls
• Supplier approval
• Food defense and food fraud
• Traceability and recall procedures
• Employee training
• Corrective action and continuous improvement

Certification is generally voluntary rather than a legal requirement. However, some retailers, manufacturers, and foodservice organizations require suppliers to hold certification as a condition of doing business.

Certification also does not replace compliance with FDA, USDA, state, or local requirements. Facilities must continue to meet all laws and regulations that apply to their operations.

Comparing GFSI-Recognized Standards

SQF Certification

Safe Quality Food, or SQF, is widely used in North America and covers primary production, manufacturing, packaging, storage, distribution, and retail. SQF certification may suit Midwest businesses supplying U.S. retailers, manufacturers, or foodservice companies because its sector-based codes align with specific operations.

Audits assess documented controls such as management commitment, hazard analysis, sanitation, pest prevention, traceability, supplier management, and corrective action. SQF also offers a separate quality code for eligible sites seeking to address food quality alongside food safety. Organizations should confirm the correct scope and current code with their customers and certification bodies.

SQF may be suitable when:

• A customer asks for SQF specifically
• The facility operates mainly in North America
• Sector-based requirements would fit the operation
• The business wants the option to add a quality component

BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety

Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standards (BRCGS) was developed for British retailers and is now used by food businesses worldwide. Its certification programs cover food safety, packaging materials, storage and distribution, and other supply-chain activities.

BRCGS is known for detailed, clearly defined requirements. Auditors examine both the documented management system and how well controls work within the facility. Site condition, housekeeping, equipment, sanitation, and operational practices receive close attention.

Audit results use a grading system, which gives customers an easy way to understand performance. BRCGS also includes announced and unannounced audit options under its program rules.

BRCGS may be a good fit when:

• A specific customer requests it
• The company supplies British or European markets
• The facility prefers detailed requirements
• Customers value a graded audit result

FSSC 22000 Certification

Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) 22000 is based on ISO 22000, an international food safety management standard. It combines ISO 22000 with sector-specific prerequisite program (PRP) requirements and additional FSSC requirements.

This structure makes FSSC 22000 certification attractive to organizations familiar with ISO management systems. A business may find it easier to align FSSC 22000 with systems such as ISO 9001 or ISO 14001.

The scheme follows a management-system approach, emphasizing leadership, risk-based planning, communication, documented processes, performance review, and continual improvement.

FSSC 22000 may be ideal when:

• The organization already uses ISO systems
• Management wants an integrated system
• The facility operates in a sector covered by FSSC 22000
• Customers accept or request FSSC 22000

BRCGS vs. FSSC 22000

Choosing between BRCGS and FSSC 22000 often comes down to customer expectations and the organization’s preferred management approach.

BRCGS sets detailed criteria for site conditions and operational controls, while its grading system allows buyers to compare audit performance. FSSC 22000 follows an ISO-based management system structure, which may feel more familiar to organizations already using ISO standards.

Neither is automatically the better option. The right choice depends on customer acceptance, certification scope, facility type, existing systems, available resources, and business goals.

Other GFSI-Recognized Programs

Other programs may be more appropriate for certain products, regions, or supply-chain stages:

• IFS: Common among businesses supplying retailers in parts of Europe.
• PrimusGFS: Focused largely on fresh produce, including growing and packing operations.
• GLOBALG.A.P.: Common in primary agricultural production.

The list and scope of recognized programs can change. Organizations should confirm current recognition and scope directly with GFSI, the program owner, and prospective customers.

How to Choose the Right Program

Begin with your customers. Ask which certifications they require and whether they accept multiple options. Do not assume that every buyer will accept every recognized program.

Next, review your facility’s products and activities. The selected certification must cover the appropriate scope, such as primary production, manufacturing, packaging, warehousing, or distribution.

Also consider:

1. Existing food safety and ISO systems
2. Program and certification-body availability
3. Audit structure and scoring
4. Staff knowledge and training needs
5. Preparation and ongoing certification costs
6. Requirements for announced or unannounced audits
7. Plans to enter new markets

A gap assessment can help identify missing procedures, records, training, or facility improvements before the certification audit.

Pest Management’s Role in Audit Readiness

Pest management is a core prerequisite program within recognized food safety standards. Auditors may review pest activity, monitoring records, trend reports, corrective actions, device maps, structural risks, sanitation concerns, and the use of pest-control materials.

A strong program focuses on prevention rather than responding only after pests appear. Key measures include inspecting incoming goods, sealing entry points, reducing food and water sources, maintaining monitoring devices, analyzing trends, and documenting corrective actions.

For Midwest facilities, seasonal conditions can affect pest pressure. Cold winters may drive rodents indoors, while warmer months can increase insect activity. Warehouses, food plants, packaging sites, and distribution centers need a program designed around their buildings, products, risks, and audit requirements.

Building a Stronger Food Safety System

SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, and other GFSI-recognized programs share one goal: helping businesses prevent food safety failures. Because their structures and audit methods differ, the best choice is the one that meets customer expectations and fits your organization’s operations.

McCloud Pest Solutions helps food and related facilities across the Midwest improve pest prevention, documentation, and audit readiness. Effective pest management can support certification efforts while protecting products, facilities, customers, and brands.