GFSI Consultant | Certify Consulting | GFSI Certification Guidance

The Global Benchmark

What is GFSI?

The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) is a business-driven initiative managed by the Consumer Goods Forum. GFSI is not a certification itself — it is a benchmarking organization that evaluates and recognizes food safety certification schemes against its rigorous requirements.

Schemes like SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, IFS, and GLOBALG.A.P. have been benchmarked and recognized by GFSI. When a retailer or food company says they require "GFSI certification," they mean certification to one of these recognized schemes.

Many of the world's largest retailers and food companies — including Walmart, Costco, Kroger, Tesco, and Carrefour — require their suppliers to hold GFSI-recognized certification. Achieving certification demonstrates that your food safety system meets an internationally benchmarked standard.

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Comprehensive Scheme Expertise

GFSI-Recognized Schemes We Support

We have deep expertise across the major GFSI-recognized food safety certification schemes. Choose the one that fits your business.

SQF

Safe Quality Food. Popular in North America, covers both food safety and quality management. Multi-level certification options.

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BRC / BRCGS

Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standards. Strong in UK and international markets. Detailed, prescriptive requirements.

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FSSC 22000

Food Safety System Certification. ISO-based foundation with global acceptance. Ideal for companies in the ISO ecosystem.

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ISO 22000

International food safety management standard. Foundation of FSSC 22000. Note: ISO 22000 alone is not GFSI-recognized, but is the basis for FSSC 22000.

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Scheme Selection Guide

Choosing the Right GFSI Scheme

Each GFSI-recognized scheme has strengths suited to different markets, company types, and business strategies. Here is how they compare.

SQF

Popular in North America
Combines food safety + quality management
Multi-level certification (Fundamentals, Level 2, Level 3)
Owned by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI)

Best for: North American markets, quality-focused companies

BRC / BRCGS

Strong in UK and European retail markets
Detailed, prescriptive requirements
Grading system (AA, A, B, C, D)
Widely recognized by international retailers

Best for: UK/European markets, international exporters

FSSC 22000

ISO-based foundation (ISO 22000)
Strong global acceptance
Integrates with other ISO management systems
Accredited certification body audits

Best for: ISO ecosystem companies, global markets

Key Decision Factors

Customer requirements — What do your buyers specifically require?

Market focus — Where are your primary markets?

Existing systems — Do you have ISO certifications already?

Industry sector — Manufacturing, storage, packaging, or primary production?

How We Help

Our Approach

Certify Consulting helps food companies choose the right GFSI scheme and achieve certification with confidence. Here is how we work.

1

Initial Assessment

We evaluate your current food safety system, understand your customer requirements, and assess your operational readiness for GFSI certification.

2

Scheme Selection Guidance

Based on your markets, customer requirements, existing systems, and business goals, we recommend the GFSI scheme that offers the best fit and return on investment.

3

Implementation

Full A-to-Z implementation support — gap assessment, documentation, HACCP plans, prerequisite programs, training, internal audits, and management review.

4

Certification Support

Pre-audit readiness reviews, certification body coordination, and on-site support during your certification audit. We stay with you until you are certified.

Common Questions

GFSI FAQs

Is GFSI a certification?

No. GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) is not a certification itself. It is a benchmarking organization managed by the Consumer Goods Forum that recognizes food safety certification schemes. You cannot get "GFSI certified" — instead, you achieve certification to a GFSI-recognized scheme such as SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, IFS, or GLOBALG.A.P.

Which GFSI scheme is right for my company?

The right GFSI scheme depends on several factors: your customer requirements (some retailers specify a particular scheme), your target markets (BRC is strong in Europe/UK, SQF in North America), your existing management systems (ISO-based companies may prefer FSSC 22000), and your industry sector. We provide a free initial assessment to help you choose the most appropriate scheme.

Do all retailers require GFSI certification?

Not all retailers require GFSI certification, but most major ones do. Companies like Walmart, Costco, Kroger, Tesco, Carrefour, and many other large retailers and food service companies require their suppliers to hold GFSI-recognized certification. The requirement is increasingly common and becoming a standard expectation in the food supply chain.

How long does it take to get GFSI-recognized certification?

The timeline varies by scheme and your current food safety system maturity. Generally, expect 6 to 12 months from initial assessment to certification audit. Companies with existing HACCP plans or ISO management systems may achieve certification faster. SQF typically takes 6-9 months, BRC 6-9 months, and FSSC 22000 6-12 months.

Ready to Achieve GFSI Certification?

Schedule a free 30-minute consultation. We'll help you choose the right GFSI scheme, assess your current readiness, and map out a clear path to certification — no obligation.

Schedule Free Consultation Call 858-240-4353

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