GFSI Certification: Find the Right Food Safety Scheme for Your Business

The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) doesn't issue certifications directly, it benchmarks and recognizes the food safety certification programs that major retailers and buyers require from their suppliers. Kiwa ASI is an accredited certification body that audits across all major GFSI-recognized schemes, helping you choose the right standard and achieve certification with confidence.

13+ Recognized Schemes
200,000+ Certified Sites
Required by Top Retailers

ONE CB FOR EVERY SCHEME

What is GFSI Certification?

GFSI certification refers to achieving food safety certification through a program that has been benchmarked and recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative. GFSI itself does not certify facilities, instead, it sets rigorous benchmarking requirements that food safety certification programs must meet to earn GFSI recognition. When a facility achieves certification under a GFSI-recognized scheme, it means their food safety management system has been verified against an internationally accepted standard.

The Global Food Safety Initiative was established in 2000 by the Consumer Goods Forum, a coalition of the world's largest food manufacturers, retailers, and distributors. Its mission is to drive continuous improvement in food safety management systems worldwide through a harmonized approach to food safety certification. GFSI evaluates certification programs, known as Certification Program Owners (CPOs), against its Benchmarking Requirements, which are updated periodically (the current version is BMRs v2024). Programs that meet these requirements earn GFSI recognition, creating a trusted foundation that retailers and buyers can rely on.

The operating principle of GFSI is "once certified, accepted everywhere" meaning a facility certified under any GFSI-recognized scheme should be accepted by buyers who require GFSI certification, regardless of which specific scheme was used. This dramatically reduces audit duplication and creates a common language of food safety assurance across the global supply chain. For food manufacturers, processors, growers, packagers, and distributors worldwide, holding a GFSI-recognized certification is increasingly a non-negotiable requirement for doing business with major retail and foodservice customers.

The "Standard for Standards"

GFSI does not certify facilities directly. It benchmarks and recognizes food safety certification programs, creating a trusted framework that ensures any GFSI-recognized certification meets rigorous international requirements for food safety management.

"Once Certified, Accepted Everywhere"

A facility certified under any GFSI-recognized scheme is accepted by buyers who require GFSI certification, regardless of which specific program was used. This eliminates redundant audits and creates a common language of food safety assurance across the global supply chain.

13+ Recognized Certification Schemes

GFSI currently recognizes 13 major certification programs — including SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, IFS, GLOBALG.A.P., PrimusGFS, and CanadaGAP — each covering different sectors, geographies, and supply chain stages.

Required by the World's Largest Retailers

Major retailers and food companies including Walmart, Costco, Target, Kroger, Loblaw, Tesco, Carrefour, and McDonald's require their suppliers to hold a GFSI-recognized food safety certification as a condition of doing business.

WHO IT'S FOR

Who Needs GFSI-Recognized Certification?

If you produce, process, package, store, distribute, or broker food products and your customers require third-party food safety certification, you almost certainly need a GFSI-recognized certification. GFSI schemes cover the entire food supply chain — from primary production through to retail.

Food Manufacturers & Processors

Processing Plants for Perishable & Ambient Products

Facilities that manufacture, process, or convert food products — including meat, dairy, bakery, snacks, beverages, canned goods, frozen foods, and ready-to-eat meals. This is the largest segment of GFSI-certified operations worldwide. Common schemes: SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, IFS.

Fresh Produce Growers & Packers

Farm, Orchard, Greenhouse & Packinghouse Operations

Primary producers growing and packing fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs — from field operations through washing, sorting, grading, and packaging. Common schemes: GLOBALG.A.P., PrimusGFS, CanadaGAP, SQF.

Animal Protein Producers

Meat, Poultry, Seafood & Dairy Operations

Slaughterhouses, further processing plants, dairy processors, and aquaculture facilities handling animal-based food products. Common schemes: SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, Global Red Meat Standard.

Food Packaging Manufacturers

Primary, Secondary & Functional Packaging Producers

Facilities manufacturing food contact packaging materials, labels, and functional packaging components. Common schemes: BRCGS Packaging Materials, FSSC 22000 (Category I), SQF.

Storage & Distribution

Warehousing, Cold Chain & Logistics Providers

Third-party logistics companies, cold storage warehouses, and distribution operations handling food products. Common schemes: BRCGS Storage & Distribution, SQF, FSSC 22000 (Category G).

Animal Feed Producers

Feed Mills & Ingredient Manufacturers

Facilities producing animal feed, premixes, and feed ingredients for food-producing animals. Common schemes: FSSC 22000 (Category D), GLOBALG.A.P. Compound Feed Manufacturing.

Food Ingredients & Chemical Producers

Additives, Flavors, Enzymes & Processing Aids

Manufacturers of food ingredients, bio-cultures, vitamins, minerals, flavoring compounds, and processing aids used in food production. Common schemes: FSSC 22000 (Category K), SQF.

Retail, Wholesale & Food Service

Restaurants, Catering, Retail & Brokerage

Retail outlets, wholesale distributors, catering operations, restaurants, and food brokers — any operation that sells, serves, or facilitates the trade of food products. Common schemes: FSSC 22000 (Categories E, F), SQF.

Note: The right GFSI scheme for your operation depends on your supply chain position, customer requirements, geographic markets, and facility type. Kiwa ASI can help you determine which certification best fits your business, contact us for a free consultation.

BENEFITS

What Are the Advantages of GFSI-Recognized Certification?

Achieving a GFSI-recognized food safety certification delivers strategic business value that extends far beyond regulatory compliance, from unlocking global market access to reducing operational costs and strengthening your brand's credibility.

Global Market Access

Major retailers and food companies worldwide, including Walmart, Costco, Target, Kroger, Tesco, Carrefour, McDonald's, and Starbucks, require their suppliers to hold GFSI-recognized certification. Without it, your facility is effectively excluded from these supply chains. Certification is the key that unlocks access to the world's largest buyers.

"Once Certified, Accepted Everywhere"

GFSI's core operating principle means a single certification satisfies the food safety requirements of multiple customers simultaneously. Instead of undergoing separate audits for each buyer, one GFSI-recognized certification demonstrates compliance across the board, dramatically reducing audit fatigue and associated costs.

Stronger Food Safety Management Systems

The process of achieving GFSI certification drives measurable improvements in HACCP implementation, prerequisite programs, traceability systems, sanitation protocols, allergen controls, and employee training. These improvements reduce the risk of contamination, recalls, and customer complaints.

Competitive Differentiation & Brand Protection

Certified facilities are listed in public registries and certification directories that buyers actively consult when sourcing suppliers. GFSI certification signals operational excellence and a commitment to food safety that differentiates your business in competitive procurement decisions.

BEST FOR

Canadian growers, packers, storage facilities, repackers, wholesalers, and brokers of fresh fruits and vegetables.

KEY FEATURE

Developed specifically for the Canadian produce industry and 100% aligned with Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR). Multiple certification options (A1, A2, B, C, D, E, F) with varying audit frequencies and GFSI recognition levels.

CURRENT VERSION

CanadaGAP Version 11.0

Learn more about CanadaGAP Certification →

THE AUDIT

Understanding GFSI Scopes: What Does Your Audit Cover?

GFSI defines a series of scopes that correspond to different stages and activities within the food supply chain. Your certification scope determines which parts of your operation are assessed during the audit. Here are the GFSI scope categories:

GFSI Scope Categories

SCOPE	DESCRIPTION	EXAMPLE SCHEMES
AI	Farming of animals for meat, milk, eggs, honey	GLOBALG.A.P.
AII	Farming of fish and seafood	GLOBALG.A.P., Global Aquaculture Alliance
BI	Farming of plants (other than grains and pulses)	GLOBALG.A.P., PrimusGFS, CanadaGAP
BII	Farming of grains and pulses	GLOBALG.A.P., SQF
BIII	Pre-process handling of plant products	PrimusGFS, CanadaGAP, FSSC 22000
C0	Animal primary conversion (slaughter)	SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000
CI	Processing of perishable animal products	SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, IFS
CII	Processing of perishable plant products	SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, IFS
CIII	Processing of mixed perishable products	SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, IFS
CIV	Processing of ambient stable products	SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, IFS
D	Production of animal feed	FSSC 22000, GLOBALG.A.P.
E	Catering and food service	FSSC 22000
FI	Retail and wholesale	FSSC 22000
FII	Food broker / agent	FSSC 22000
G	Storage and distribution services	BRCGS S&D, SQF, FSSC 22000
I	Production of food packaging	BRCGS Packaging, FSSC 22000
K	Production of (bio) chemicals and bio-cultures	FSSC 22000

What All GFSI Audits Have in Common

Regardless of which scheme you choose, every GFSI-recognized certification audit evaluates these core areas:

AUDIT AREA	WHAT AUDITORS ASSESS
Food Safety Management System	Documented FSMS, management commitment, food safety policy, organizational structure, management review
Hazard Analysis & HACCP	Codex Alimentarius-based HACCP plan, hazard identification, CCP determination, critical limits, monitoring, verification
Prerequisite Programs (PRPs)	Facility design, sanitation, pest management, equipment maintenance, water quality, chemical control, waste management
Traceability & Recall	One-step-forward, one-step-back traceability, mock recall exercises, product identification and lot coding
Personnel & Training	Employee training programs, hygiene practices, competency verification, food safety awareness
Supplier Management	Approved supplier programs, incoming material verification, specifications, certificates of analysis
Food Safety Culture	Leadership commitment, communication, employee engagement, measurement, and continuous improvement of food safety behaviors
Food Defense & Food Fraud	Vulnerability assessments, threat assessments, mitigation plans for both intentional adulteration and economically motivated fraud

Non-Conformity Categories (Common Across Schemes)

CATEGORY	DEFINITION
CRITICAL	A fundamental failure posing immediate food safety or legal risk. Typically results in automatic certification failure or certificate suspension.
MAJOR	A substantial failure to meet a requirement’s intent, or a pattern of minor failures that raises significant doubt about product conformity.
MINOR	A requirement not fully met, but product safety and conformity are not in doubt based on objective evidence.

Note: Specific terminology, corrective action timelines, and grading systems vary by scheme. BRCGS uses a letter grade system (AA–D). SQF uses a numerical scoring system. FSSC 22000 and IFS each have their own classification and timeline structures. Ask Kiwa ASI which scheme’s approach best fits your operation.

Why Choose Kiwa ASI for GFSI Certification?

Kiwa ASI is one of the few certification bodies accredited to audit across all major GFSI-recognized schemes, giving you a single, trusted partner regardless of which standard your buyers require.

Multi-Scheme Expertise

One CB for Every GFSI Standard

Kiwa ASI audits SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, IFS, GLOBALG.A.P., PrimusGFS, CanadaGAP, and more. If your customers require different GFSI schemes across different facilities or product lines, you can consolidate all your certifications with one certification body, simplifying scheduling, communication, and administration.

Accredited

Recognized Across Every Major Scheme

Kiwa ASI holds accreditations and licensing from every major GFSI Certification Programme Owner. Our auditors meet the specific competence requirements for each scheme and carry the qualifications your certification demands.

Preparation

Comprehensive Training & Consulting

Through ASI Training and Consulting, LLC, we offer HACCP certification, PCQI training, Internal Auditor courses, and scheme-specific training to help your team build the knowledge they need for audit readiness. All consulting and training services are conducted separately from our accredited certification body to maintain independence.

Support

Responsive Scheduling & Dedicated Support

Our client services team provides fast audit scheduling, clear communication throughout the certification process, and expert guidance on non-conformity closure. We work with your timelines and understand that certification decisions drive business outcomes.

Partnership

Global Kiwa Network

As part of Kiwa, a global testing, inspection, and certification company operating in 30+ countries, Kiwa ASI provides consistent audit quality and international support wherever your operations are located. Local U.S. and Canadian expertise backed by global resources and credibility.

Frequently Asked Questions About GFSI Certification

What is GFSI certification?

GFSI certification refers to achieving food safety certification through a program recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative. GFSI itself does not certify facilities — it benchmarks and recognizes food safety certification programs (like SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, and IFS) that meet its rigorous international requirements. When you achieve certification under a GFSI-recognized scheme, your food safety management system has been verified against a globally accepted standard.

What are the GFSI-recognized certification schemes?

As of 2026, the major GFSI-recognized certification schemes include SQF (Safe Quality Food), BRCGS (British Retail Consortium Global Standards), FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification), IFS (International Featured Standards), GLOBALG.A.P., PrimusGFS, CanadaGAP, Global Aquaculture Alliance, Global Red Meat Standard, Freshcare, Equitable Food Initiative, Japan Food Safety Management Association (JFSM), and Japan GAP Foundation (ASIAGAP). Each covers different sectors and stages of the food supply chain.

Is GFSI certification mandatory?

GFSI certification is technically voluntary — there is no law that requires it. However, it is effectively mandatory for suppliers to major retailers and food companies. Walmart, Costco, Target, Kroger, Tesco, Carrefour, McDonald's, and many other global buyers require their suppliers to hold a GFSI-recognized certification as a condition of doing business. Without it, your facility is excluded from these supply chains.

How do I choose the right GFSI scheme?

Your choice depends on four factors: customer requirements (which schemes your buyers accept or prefer), your supply chain position (farming, manufacturing, packaging, distribution), your geographic markets (BRCGS and IFS are strong in Europe; SQF and PrimusGFS in North America), and your existing management systems (FSSC 22000 integrates easily with ISO frameworks). Kiwa ASI offers a free GFSI Comparison Chart and expert consultation to help you decide.

What is the difference between GFSI and a specific certification like SQF or BRCGS?

GFSI is the benchmarking organization — the "standard for standards." SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, and IFS are the actual certification programs that facilities get audited against. GFSI evaluates these programs to verify they meet international food safety requirements. Think of GFSI as the accreditor of certification schemes, not the scheme itself. All GFSI-recognized schemes are considered equivalent under the "once certified, accepted everywhere" principle.

How long does GFSI certification take?

The timeline depends on your chosen scheme, facility readiness, and existing food safety systems. First-time certification preparation typically takes 6–12 months. The certification audit itself takes 1–5 days on-site depending on facility size, complexity, and scheme. After initial certification, annual surveillance or recertification audits maintain your certification status.

How much does GFSI certification cost?

Costs vary significantly based on the scheme you choose, your facility's size and complexity, number of employees, product lines, and audit duration. Additional costs include the standard purchase, registration fees (some schemes charge these), training, consulting, and travel expenses. Contact Kiwa ASI at info@asifood.com or call 1 (800) 477-0778 for a customized quote based on your specific requirements and chosen scheme.

Can Kiwa ASI certify my facility under multiple GFSI schemes?

Yes. Kiwa ASI is accredited to audit across all major GFSI-recognized schemes. If you operate multiple facilities that require different certifications — for example, BRCGS for your manufacturing plant and SQF for your distribution center — Kiwa ASI can serve as your single certification body across all locations and schemes, simplifying coordination and scheduling.

What happens if I fail a GFSI certification audit?

Consequences depend on the specific scheme. A critical non-conformity typically results in automatic certification failure (BRCGS), certificate suspension (FSSC 22000), or a failed audit requiring re-audit (SQF). Major non-conformities require documented corrective action and may require on-site follow-up verification. Minor non-conformities must be addressed within the scheme's corrective action window (typically 14–28 calendar days). Kiwa ASI provides guidance on corrective action requirements for your specific scheme.

Are all GFSI-recognized certifications equivalent?

Under GFSI's "once certified, accepted everywhere" principle, yes — all GFSI-recognized certifications are considered equivalent in demonstrating that a facility's food safety management system meets international requirements. However, some buyers or markets may prefer specific schemes. European retailers often prefer BRCGS or IFS, while North American operations frequently choose SQF. The technical requirements and audit approaches differ between schemes, but the food safety assurance they provide is considered equivalent by GFSI.