To understand the benefits of FSSC 22000, Safe Quality Food (SQF), and BRCGS we must first understand each:

FSSC 22000 is an ISO based Food Safety Management System and it integrates nicely with other ISO based management systems including ISO 9001, ISO 14000 and others.

SQF is a Food Safety Management Certification Scheme, created and managed by SQF Institute, used to control food safety risks.

BRCGS: Developed as a division of BRC in 1996, BRCGS was founded by retailers to harmonize food safety standards. Since then they have developed many Global Standards including the BRCGS Global Food Safety Standard. Over 22000 sites worldwide have obtained certification to the BRCGS Food Safety Standard. The current edition is edition 9.

All 3 are GFSI recognized food safety certifications. This allows your customers to have confidence in your food safety program and know that you have a rigorous food safety system in place.

Managing Risk

First and foremost, building a GFSI Benchmarked System will provide your company with effective management of food safety hazards by creating an environment capable of producing safe product and a management system to continually manage, monitor, validate, and improve the system.

Maintain current customers

Statistics show that approximately 1 out of 4 certified companies are asking their suppliers to achieve certification. Chances are that if you have not been asked yet, you will be asked in the near future. Starting on your certification can help you stay competitive and qualified to work with your current customers.

Increase your market reach

Large retailers and multinational manufacturers or processors are also demanding certification of their suppliers. Having FSSC, SQF, or BRCGS Certification means you are qualified to supply these organizations or their suppliers, opening up a large market for your products.

Prepare for regulatory changes

Countries across the globe are making changes to food safety regulations, including the United States and its Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). FSSC and SQF help prepare your organization to meet many or most FSMA requirements.

Becoming certified to FSSC, SQF, or BRCGS can increase your market opportunities, increase your customer’s confidence in your food safety practices and improve your internal processes to ensure safe product.