What is GFSI Certification?

A Costco audit is based on GFSI benchmark standards.

Have you been told by a potential buyer that your product needs to be GFSI certified?  Well, GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) in itself is NOT a certification program.  However you can become certified to a food safety standard (certification scheme) that is recognized by GFSI by meeting their stringent benchmarking standards. GFSI is coordinated by […]

What is SQF Certification?

SQF certified chocolate candy.

A SQF (Safe Quality Food) certification is a GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiate) system of food safety requirements created and managed by the SQF Institute.  SQF is accredited by ANSI and provides a food safety and quality program recognized world wide.  SQF certification is used to manage the food safety risks that inherently happen with […]

What is BRC Certification?

Fresh seafood HACCP plan example

A BRCGS (British Retail Consortium Global Standard) or BRC (British Retail Consortium) food safety audit is an international standard, implemented as a questionnaire, to check for compliance in food production. BRC Certification is a GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) benchmarked standard. It’s used by food manufacturers, retailers and service providers around the world to assess […]

What’s the Difference Between SQF and BRC?

Croissants produced at a facility that is BRC certified.

SQF Certification and BRC Certification are both GFSI Standards SQF (Safe Quality Food) and BRC (British Retail Consortium) are both internationally recognized food safety management systems that aim to provide assurance to customers about the quality and safety of food products. Both SQF and BRC are benchmarked standards of the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).  […]

What Are The 8 Major Steps to Prepare For An SQF Audit?

An SQF audit checklist being completed. SQF certification for food safety system. Digital SQF checklist.

What does SQF stand for? What is an SQF audit? Before I get to the 8 major steps, let’s talk SQF basics. An SQF audit is the process you must follow to attain SQF certification. SQF (Safe Quality Food) is a food safety management system certification process created by the SQF Institute. A SQF Certification […]

Food Safety Audits Needed to Sell at Whole Foods

FSMA, food safety, culture, FDA

Whole Foods grocery stores seem to be everywhere now. It’s no wonder most vendors want their food products to be sold at Whole Foods. Whole Foods is known for carrying high-quality food products and they want their vendors to supply their stores with safe food as well.  So, what food safety requirements do you need […]

Do You Need GFSI to Sell Pet Food at Walmart?

Walmart dog food must be GFSI to sell, FoodReady food safety consulting and software can help with GFSI certification

Do you want to get your dog food, cat food, dog treats, or cat treats sold at Walmart? Like Whole Foods, Walmart has certain expectations in the way of food safety. Let’s pretend Walmart wants to sell your dog or cat food at their stores. Besides having a good product, what do you need to […]

What is a GMP Certification and Audit?

Cupcakes created in a facility with a cGMP or GMP certification.

Has a business such as Whole Foods, Costco, Publix, Kroger, Trader Joe’s or Aldi told you that you need a CGMP aka GMP  certification (Good Manufacturing Practices) before they will sell your product in their stores? GMP stands for Good Manufacturing Practices and is a set of standards and requirements set by the FDA that […]

How to Prepare for a Costco Audit (GFSI Based)

A Costco audit is based on GFSI benchmark standards.

  The Costco Audit is “basically” GFSI Wouldn’t it be great to get your food products into Costco? Costco has close to 800 stores and over 200 locations outside the United States. Costco is the third largest retailer in the United States and is still growing! Just think of the income, yikes! But getting your […]

How to Prepare for an SQF Audit

SQF audit, sqf certification, BRC, BRC audit, HACCP plan, haccp

Have you been wondering why you should have your food processing facility SQF certified and how to go about it? How important is record keeping and how will a digital food safety software system help you stay compliant with SQF? SQF certification can be a requirement for many food retailers. SQF is considered a higher […]