Which GFSI Certification is Right for My Business?

In today's fast-paced global food industry, ensuring the safety and quality of food products is crucial. One effective way to achieve this goal is by obtaining certification from the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), a widely recognized benchmark for food safety management systems. GFSI certifications demonstrate a business's commitment to food safety, enhance consumer trust, facilitate international trade, and promote continuous improvement. However, with several GFSI-approved schemes available, choosing the proper certification for your business can take time and effort. In this blog post, we'll explore the most popular GFSI certifications and introduce additional schemes to help you determine which suits your specific needs, whether you're a food industry professional or a business owner.

Understanding GFSI and Its Importance
The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) is an international collaborative platform created by industry experts to harmonize food safety standards and enhance consumer confidence in the food supply chain. GFSI-approved certification schemes are based on rigorous food safety requirements, incorporating Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles, good manufacturing practices (GMPs), and risk-based preventive controls. These certifications help businesses demonstrate compliance with global food safety standards and improve their overall food safety management systems.

Popular GFSI Certification Schemes

a. Safe Quality Food (SQF):
The SQF certification is an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes, from primary production to manufacturing and distribution. One of the critical features of SQF is its risk-based approach to preventive controls, ensuring that potential food safety hazards are identified and managed effectively. The scheme offers three levels of certification, allowing businesses to select the most suitable level based on their size and complexity:

• Level 1: SQF Food Safety Fundamentals - Ideal for small-scale businesses or those new to food safety certification.
• Level 2: SQF Food Safety - Appropriate for businesses seeking a comprehensive food safety management system.
• Level 3: SQF Food Safety and Quality - Designed for businesses aiming to demonstrate food safety and a commitment to quality assurance.

SQF also significantly emphasizes supply chain management, making it an attractive choice for businesses with complex supply networks. The scheme's strong focus on continuous improvement encourages businesses to constantly enhance their food safety practices and ensure consumer confidence in their products.

b. British Retail Consortium (BRC):
The BRC Global Standard for Food Safety is highly regarded, especially in Europe and the United Kingdom. This certification is suitable for food manufacturers and retailers and is divided into several modules, each designed for specific sectors within the food industry. The modules include food processing, storage, distribution, packaging, and retail.

One of the key strengths of the BRC standard is its structured approach to compliance, which ensures that businesses meet a set of defined requirements related to food safety, quality, and operational criteria. Choosing the BRC certification might be ideal if you have retailers or buyers who specifically request this certification. It can also benefit businesses looking to improve their food safety management systems and demonstrate a commitment to product quality and safety.

c. Global Good Agricultural Practices (GlobalGAP):
GlobalGAP is designed for the primary production sector of the agricultural industry. This standard ensures that agricultural practices meet internationally recognized food safety and sustainability requirements. GlobalGAP applies to a wide range of crops, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and ornamental plants, as well as livestock and aquaculture production.

By adhering to GlobalGAP standards, farmers demonstrate their commitment to safe and environmentally responsible agricultural practices. The certification enhances market access and export opportunities, as it is recognized and accepted by retailers and consumers worldwide. Implementing GlobalGAP practices can improve operational efficiency, compliance with food safety regulations, and increase credibility for agricultural products. If you are involved in primary production and seek to access international markets while promoting sustainable and safe practices, GlobalGAP certification is an excellent choice for your agricultural business.

d. International Featured Standards (IFS):
The IFS Food standard is predominantly used in Europe and emphasizes food safety and quality. It significantly emphasizes senior management commitment, process control, and continuous improvement. IFS offers four different levels of certification, providing flexibility for companies at various stages of development and complexity:

• Basic Level: For businesses with limited food safety systems, aiming to demonstrate the commitment to food safety.
• Higher Level: For businesses with robust food safety management systems, focusing on continual improvement and risk prevention.
• Intermediate Level: For businesses between the Basic and Higher levels, focusing clearly on enhancing food safety practices.
• IFS Broker: For companies involved in food trading, providing specific requirements for food safety and quality in trading activities.

If you primarily operate within European markets or your customers demand this certification, choosing IFS certification might be beneficial. It is also suitable for businesses looking to reinforce their commitment to food safety and quality.

e. Food Safety System Certification (FSSC 22000):
FSSC 22000 is a comprehensive and ISO-based certification scheme for food manufacturers and organizations involved in food packaging and ingredient production. It incorporates ISO 22000 and PAS 220, covering food safety management systems, prerequisite programs, and HACCP principles.
FSSC 22000 is recognized globally and is an excellent choice for businesses seeking a robust and internationally accepted certification. It is ideal for companies looking to demonstrate compliance with both ISO-based management system standards and industry-specific food safety requirements. Choosing FSSC 22000 might be advantageous to strengthen your organization's food safety practices and gain recognition in international markets.

f. Global Aquaculture Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices (GAA BAP):
The GAA BAP certification focuses on aquaculture operations and encompasses hatcheries, farms, feed mills, and seafood processing facilities. It addresses various environmental and social responsibility aspects, food safety, and traceability. For businesses engaged in aquaculture, GAA BAP provides a comprehensive certification to ensure responsible and sustainable seafood production.

g. PrimusGFS:
PrimusGFS is suitable for farms and post-harvest operations. It emphasizes risk-based preventive controls, traceability, and environmental sustainability. PrimusGFS certification is popular in North America and Latin America, making it an excellent choice for fresh produce production and distribution businesses.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Certification

a. Nature of Your Business:
Consider the specific sector of the food industry in which your business operates. Particular certifications may align better with your industry's requirements and expectations, whether you're a primary producer, manufacturer, distributor, or retailer.

b. Market Presence:
If your business exports products or intends to enter international markets, some certifications may be more widely recognized and preferred by global retailers and buyers.

c. Customer Requirements:
Assess the demands of your customers and key stakeholders. Some retailers may mandate a specific GFSI certification for their suppliers, which could influence your decision.

d. Resource and Budget Constraints:
Different certification schemes have varying costs, resource requirements, and timeframes for implementation. Evaluate your organization's capacity to undergo the certification process effectively.

e. Regulatory Compliance:
Ensure that the chosen certification scheme aligns with the food safety regulations in your target markets.

f. Supply Chain Considerations:
Evaluate the scope and complexity of your supply chain. Some certification schemes, like SQF and BRC, strongly emphasize supply chain management, making them suitable choices for businesses with complex supply networks.

g. Continuous Improvement:
Consider the emphasis each certification places on continuous improvement. Some schemes, such as SQF and IFS, are recognized for their strong focus on constantly enhancing food safety systems.

Conclusion
Remember that each certification is a stepping stone towards building a robust and effective food safety management system that benefits both your business and the well-being of consumers. If you find yourself unsure about which GFSI certification is the best fit for your business or need guidance throughout the certification process, worry not! Our team at GoHACCP with Experts is here to assist you. As experienced food safety consultants, we have in-depth knowledge of the GFSI-approved schemes and can provide tailored solutions to help you meet the requirements of your chosen certification. From developing robust food safety management systems to conducting internal audits and mock inspections, we can support you every step of the way.

Contact us at GoHACCP with Experts to work together to ensure your products meet the highest food safety and quality standards. Together, we can pave the way for a safer and more reliable food supply chain, earning the trust and loyalty of your customers while contributing to a healthier global food industry.

Gerardo Fernández, Ph.D.in Biology.
Science Consultant at GoHACCP, dedicated to ensuring the safety and quality of food for consumers and manufacturers through scientific expertise and research.