GFSI consultant to help you choose your scheme and pass your audit
GFSI recognizes several food safety schemes, and picking the wrong one costs time and money. Our consultants and former auditors help you select the right GFSI-recognized certification, build the program, and pass the audit.
- Independent guidance on SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, and IFS, matched to your customers
- Gap assessment, documentation, implementation, and mock audit in one engagement
- A team that has conducted more than 500 GFSI audits across the United States
A 30-minute call with a GFSI expert. No cost and no obligation.
What is GFSI, and can you be GFSI certified?
GFSI stands for the Global Food Safety Initiative. It is a business-driven program owned by The Consumer Goods Forum. GFSI does not audit or certify companies itself. Instead, it benchmarks food safety certification schemes against a common set of requirements and recognizes the ones that meet them.
This is the point most buyers and suppliers get wrong. You cannot be "GFSI certified." You earn certification to a GFSI-recognized scheme such as SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, or IFS, and that certificate is accepted anywhere GFSI recognition is required. One audit, one certificate, global acceptance.
The value of a GFSI consultant is scheme-neutral advice. We are not tied to one program, so we help you pick the scheme your customers actually require, then build and implement it. An accredited certification body performs the audit and issues the certificate.
In short:GFSI sets the benchmark. You certify to a recognized scheme. We help you choose the right one and pass.
Why food businesses pursue GFSI recognition
A GFSI-recognized certificate is often the entry ticket to major retail and foodservice supply chains. Here is what it does for your business.
Meets buyer requirements
Most large retailers and foodservice operators require a GFSI-recognized certification from their suppliers. Without one, you are not on the approved list.
A passport to global markets
Because schemes are benchmarked to a common standard, one certificate is accepted across markets, so you audit once instead of repeating audits for each customer.
Lowers recall and liability risk
A benchmarked food safety system catches hazards before they reach product, which reduces the odds of a recall, a withdrawal, or a failed inspection.
Aligns with regulation
A GFSI-recognized program maps closely to FDA FSMA preventive controls and USDA requirements, so one system serves both certification and compliance.
Reduces duplicate audits
Replacing a stack of individual customer audits with one recognized certificate saves staff time, travel, and disruption to production.
Strengthens your brand
Recognition signals to buyers and consumers that your product is made under a globally accepted standard, which supports pricing and growth.
One GFSI program, recognized across every major scheme
GFSI recognizes more than a dozen food safety schemes, and buyers accept any of them. We build your program so it maps to all of them, which means the work you put in with us carries over to whichever scheme your customers require.
Ask for SQF today and add a European buyer who wants BRCGS next year, and your foundation still holds. You build the program once, and it counts wherever GFSI recognition is required.
- SQF
- BRCGS
- FSSC 22000
- IFS
- GLOBALG.A.P.
- PrimusGFS
- Global Seafood Alliance
- GRMS
- JFS
- Freshcare
- AsiaGAP
Which GFSI-recognized scheme is right for you?
The scheme you pick should match your product, your process, and above all the customers you sell to. These are the four schemes we work with most.
SQF
Safe Quality Food. Sector-specific Food Safety Codes, an entry-level Fundamentals program, and an optional Quality Code. Popular with US retail and foodservice supply.
BRCGS
British Retail Consortium Global Standards. A single graded standard covering manufacturing, packaging, storage, and distribution.
FSSC 22000
Food Safety System Certification built on ISO 22000. Common with large, multi-site manufacturers and global brands.
IFS
International Featured Standards. Focused on manufacturers, packaging, and logistics, and widely used by European retailers.
GLOBALG.A.P.
Focused on farms and primary production, including agriculture and aquaculture, at the growing and harvesting stage.
PrimusGFS
Covers farm operations and processing for fresh produce, from field through packing and cold storage.
Other GFSI-recognized schemes we can advise on:
CanadaGAP
Freshcare
Global Red Meat Standard
Global Seafood Alliance (BAP)
GRMA
JFS-C
The GFSI Global Markets Programme
If full certification is a stretch today, GFSI offers a stepwise path for emerging and developing suppliers. It is not a certification, but it builds your system toward one and shows customers you are on the way.
STEP ONE
Basic level
Establishes the core food safety fundamentals: good manufacturing practices, basic hazard controls, and the essential records. A practical starting point for sites new to formal food safety systems.
STEP TWO
Intermediate level
Adds a full HACCP-based food safety plan and broader prerequisite programs, closing most of the gap to a full GFSI-recognized certification such as SQF or BRCGS.
Everything your GFSI program needs to pass
Whichever scheme you choose, your consultant delivers a complete, audit-ready program with no major non-conformances left open.
Scheme selection
A clear recommendation on the right GFSI scheme for your customers and product.
Gap assessment
Your facility and documents measured against the chosen scheme.
HACCP-based food safety plan
Flow diagrams, hazard analysis, and critical control points.
Prerequisite programs and SOPs
Sanitation, allergen, pest, supplier approval, and traceability programs.
Environmental monitoring program
Sampling plans for Listeria and Salmonella where your process requires it.
Internal and mock audits
A full mock audit against the scheme checklist, with findings closed.
Staff training and defined roles
Your team trained and responsibilities documented for the audit.
Certification audit support
Coordination with the certification body and support on audit day.
Your path from scheme selection to GFSI certificate
A clear set of phases used by hundreds of manufacturers. Most sites reach audit readiness in weeks, not the 6 to 12 months a from-scratch effort usually takes.
Phase 1 - Scheme selection and gap assessment
We confirm which GFSI-recognized scheme your customers require, then measure your facility and documents against it.
- Scheme recommendation matched to your buyers
- Document and facility review against the chosen standard
- Prioritized gap report and action plan
Phase 2 - Program and documentation development
Our team builds every document the scheme requires, tailored to your operation rather than pulled from a generic template.
- HACCP-based food safety plan with hazard analysis and CCPs
- Prerequisite programs, SOPs, and SSOPs
- Allergen, supplier approval, traceability, and recall programs
Phase 3 - Environmental monitoring program
We build the sampling program your site needs, including pathogen environmental monitoring for Listeria and Salmonella where the process calls for it.
- Sampling plan, zones, and corrective actions
- Verification schedules and record templates
- Trend review your auditor will expect
Phase 4 - Implementation and staff training
A program only works when your team runs it. We train staff, define roles, and get your records live.
- Role-based training on the food safety system
- Records live on paper or in the app
- First monitoring rounds reviewed with your team
Phase 5 - Mock audit and certification support
We run a full internal and mock audit against the scheme, close findings, and support you through the certification body audit.
- Internal and mock audits with a scored findings list
- Corrective actions before the real audit
- Support during the certification body audit
How GFSI certification and audits work
A GFSI-recognized certification body performs your audit. The details vary by scheme, but the shape is consistent across them.
Who audits you
A certification body accredited for your chosen scheme. GFSI recognizes the scheme, the certification body runs the audit, and your site holds the certificate.
How often
Certification is valid for 12 months, so you are audited every year to keep it. Most schemes require recertification within a set window before expiry.
Unannounced audits
Most GFSI schemes require at least one unannounced audit within a three-year cycle, so your program has to stay audit-ready all year.
What is checked
Document review, on-site inspection, and staff interviews against the scheme, including your HACCP plan, prerequisite programs, and records.
Non-conformances
Findings are graded minor, major, or critical. Open majors and criticals must be corrected and verified before a certificate is issued.
Grades and outcome
Each scheme has its own rating scale. A passing grade earns the certificate; a critical finding or a low score requires corrective action or a reaudit.
SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, and IFS side by side
All four are GFSI-recognized, so buyers accept any of them. They differ in origin, structure, and where they are most common.
| null | SQF | BRCGS | FSSC 22000 | IFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Owner | SQF Institute (FMI) | BRCGS (LGC) | Foundation FSSC | IFS Management |
| Built on | SQF code, HACCP | BRCGS standard | ISO 22000 | IFS standard |
| Common in | North America | UK and Europe | Global, large sites | Continental Europe |
| Structure | Sector-specific codes | Single graded | Modular, ISO based | Single graded |
| Quality option | Yes, SQF Quality Code | Add-on modules | Add-on module | Add-on modules |
| Best fit | US retail supply | European retail supply | Multi-site global | European retail |
Led by one of the most experienced GFSI auditors in the country
CHIEF FOOD SAFETY OFFICER AND CO-FOUNDER
"I have conducted more than 500 GFSI audits. I help you choose the right scheme and build a program that passes, because I know what auditors look for on both sides of the clipboard."
Dave Seddon, MBA, RDN, LDN, CFSO
Co-founder of FoodReady, longtime food safety auditor, and a finalist for SQF Auditor of the Year named by the SQF Institute.
- 500+ GFSI audits
- SQF Auditor of the Year finalist
- SQF and BRC experience
- GMP certification expertise
Veteran food safety experts across every major scheme
Dave Seddon
Co-founder of FoodReady. More than 500 GFSI audits. SQF Auditor of the Year finalist.
Luke Duffy
SQF, BRC, USDA, and FSQA leadership at large food manufacturers across categories.
Denice Beccard
HACCP, PCQI, and GFSI SQF Practitioner and internal auditor in food manufacturing.
Maggie Kratovil
Certified food safety consultant and SQF practitioner supporting site implementations.
Sam Peña
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, plant manager, and sanitation expert bridging safety and operations.
Keep your GFSI program audit-ready all year
Consulting delivers the program. The FoodReady app helps your team keep it current between audits, which matters because most GFSI schemes include an unannounced audit. It is included with enterprise and manufacturing subscriptions and is entirely optional.
- HACCP builder -Plans with flow, hazard analysis, CCPs, and digital logs.
- Operational checklists -Mobile forms for sanitation, inspection, and quality.
- Batch traceability -Production and shipping links, recall-ready at any moment.
- Supplier documents -Automatic collection to keep supplier approval complete.
Dashboard
What manufacturers say about working with us
"FoodReady helps reduce time and complexity in filling out our programs and keeping track of filled-out forms and it has reduced staffing needs."
"The people at FoodReady are excellent to work with and care to get involved with your company and make it as best as it can be. FoodReady staff also helped provide training to our QA team."
"The hierarchy of our food safety/quality control team was changing, and we wanted a system that would grow with us. Being a newer company as well, FoodReady was the perfect companion. As a company grows, needs ebb and flow and changes, FoodReady has been more than accommodating to that. The software effortlessly keeps track of all of our changes to stay in compliance with the regulations set forth by the BRC standard for Documentation."
"Eurobake passed an FDA inspection within 4 weeks of implementation, passed a GMP audit within the first 3 months, and passed a GFSI audit within the first 8 months. We also passed a Costco audit. Our timeline for preparedness was driven by Eurobake’s needs and it could have been much faster if we did not have so many unique attributes."
Not sure which GFSI scheme you need?
Book a free consultation. We will look at your customers and product and tell you which recognized scheme to pursue and what it takes to pass.
GFSI consulting and certification FAQ
What is a GFSI Consultant?
A GFSI Consultant specializes in helping companies comply with standards recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative, such as SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, and IFS. They offer tailored strategies to achieve certification, conduct gap assessments, and ensure continuous compliance with evolving global food safety requirements.
What does a GFSI consultant do?
A GFSI consultant helps you select a recognized scheme, runs a gap assessment, develops your food safety documentation and programs, trains your team, and prepares you for the certification audit with an internal and mock audit. Because we are scheme-neutral, our advice is based on your needs, not on selling one program.
Can you be GFSI certified?
No. GFSI does not certify companies. It benchmarks and recognizes food safety schemes. You earn certification to a GFSI-recognized scheme such as SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, or IFS, and that certificate is accepted wherever GFSI recognition is required. A GFSI consultant helps you choose and achieve the right one.
Which GFSI scheme should I choose?
The right scheme depends on your product, your process, and the customers you sell to. SQF is most common in North America, BRCGS and IFS in Europe, and FSSC 22000 with large multi-site manufacturers. GLOBALG.A.P. and PrimusGFS cover primary production and produce. We recommend the scheme your buyers require with the least friction for your operation.
Can a GFSI consultant help improve operational efficiency in addition to compliance?
Yes, a GFSI consultant not only helps you achieve compliance, but also provides insights to optimize processes, reduce waste, and improve operational efficiency, which can positively impact your bottom line.
What is the role of FoodReady’s software in maintaining GFSI compliance?
FoodReady’s software helps businesses maintain compliance through features like digital documentation, operational checklists, traceability tools, and real-time monitoring, making it easier to stay audit-ready.
What kinds of companies get the most value from GFSI programs?
GFSI-aligned practices are valuable for manufacturers, packaging firms, and distributors seeking higher food safety and broader market reach.
What is the GFSI Global Markets Programme?
It is a stepwise, non-certification path for emerging and developing suppliers. The basic level establishes food safety fundamentals, and the intermediate level adds a full HACCP-based plan. It lets you show buyers measurable progress while you build toward a full GFSI-recognized certification.
How does a gap assessment help prepare for a GFSI audit?
A gap assessment identifies areas where your current food safety practices fall short of GFSI standards. It provides a clear roadmap for addressing deficiencies, ensuring you’re fully prepared for a successful audit.
How long does GFSI certification take?
Building a program from scratch commonly takes 6 to 12 months. With an experienced consultant and a clear scope, many sites reach audit readiness in weeks to a few months. You get a dated schedule after the gap assessment.
How often does a GFSI-compliant system need to be updated or reviewed?
Staying compliant with GFSI standards typically means annual audits, and having a consultant can make the process smoother.
How long is certification valid, and what is an unannounced audit?
A GFSI-recognized certificate is valid for 12 months, so you are audited every year. Most schemes require at least one unannounced audit within a three-year cycle, which means your program has to stay audit-ready year round. The FoodReady app helps your team keep records current between audits.
Do retailers actually require GFSI recognition?
Most large retailers and foodservice buyers require a GFSI-recognized certification as a condition of supply. The specific scheme they accept varies, which is why choosing the right one matters. We confirm your customers' requirements before you commit to a scheme.
What does GFSI consulting cost?
Cost depends on your facility size, current program maturity, chosen scheme, and target program. Certification body audit fees are separate from consulting fees, and we explain both so there are no surprises. After a free consultation we provide a clear, fixed-scope quote for your operation.
Book your free GFSI consultation
Tell us about your facility and the customers you sell to. A GFSI consultant will help you pick the right scheme and schedule your call.