ISO 22000 vs GFSI (SQF, BRC, IFS, and FSSC 22000): Meeting key Requirements

The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is transforming the U.S. food safety system into one that is based on the prevention of foodborne illnesses. It will be a system in which the food industry systematically puts in place measures proven effective in preventing contamination. Having a GFSI recognized certification can be important to a company that is selling to one of the major retailers and is obliged to comply with FSMA requirements. The manufacturers and retailers have to understand which certification they have to follow to be in compliance with FSMA.

• GSFI certificates
• ISO 22000 standard
• The selection process for manufacturers
• The selection process for retailers
• How ISO 22000 can provide an effective food safety system?
• Which GFSI standard has a focus on quality, food safety, and legality which GFSI focuses on food safety and legal compliance?

• ISO 2200 and GSFI
• The requirements of ISO 22000
• Key elements of GFSI certification
• The importance of ISO 22000 to GSFI certification 
• Why is ISO 22000 important?
• How to choose the appropriate GFSI standards?
• Review to understand which industry segment is included in the scope of the certification
• The benefits of each certification
• The difference between the requirements and management of the certification program and audits among the various GFSI standards

GFSI “benchmarks” food safety standards, assessing them against a set of criteria to ensure the core of the standards are equivalent and certification will be acceptable. The objective is “once certified, accepted everywhere”, eliminating the time expense involved in duplication of audits. Many retailers and food manufacturing companies are requesting that suppliers become certified to a GFSI recognized standard. It is also important to know which GFSI standard applies to your industry.

• Food inspectors
• Food safety and quality consultants
• Food safety personnel
• HACCP personnel
• Regulatory authorities and personnel
• Quality manager
• Quality assurance
• Auditors
• General managers
• Owner of the business

Ben, owner and Managing Director of BSD Group is a food professional consultant. He has solid understanding of food and beverage industry with good knowledge of food and beverage product regulation and compliance. He is a recognized global expert in standards, regulations, supply chain transparency and is a public speaker for food safety. He understand the importance of regulatory compliance for companies which plan to sell or export their products within international markets. Ben has 20 years experience in food and beverage industry, with 12 years' international experience as senior advisor to Codex in CCFA, CCCF, CCFSDU and European Commission. During this time he played an active role in the development of International Standards and sharing best practices and guidelines to country delegates and NGOs.

Ben's main expertise is in international food laws and food additives regulations, food safety, supply chain transparency and traceability, date coding, food waste reduction, thorough knowledge of US, Canada, Codex EU food and beverage law, and health and nutrition.