The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) benchmarks private food safety standards to ensure they meet minimum requirements for food safety management. GFSI-recognised standards include SQF (Safe Quality Food), BRC Global Standard for Food Safety, and IFS Food. These standards are required by major retailers worldwide.
Traceability Requirements
All GFSI-recognised standards require certified facilities to maintain comprehensive traceability systems. Common requirements include: traceability of raw materials from supplier to finished product; traceability of finished products from production to customer; ability to conduct a traceability exercise within 4 hours; and annual traceability testing to verify system effectiveness.
SQF (Safe Quality Food)
SQF is a GFSI-recognised standard managed by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI). SQF has three levels: Level 1 (food safety fundamentals); Level 2 (HACCP-based food safety plan); and Level 3 (comprehensive food safety and quality management system). SQF is widely required by US retailers and food service companies.
BRC Global Standard
The BRC Global Standard for Food Safety is managed by the British Retail Consortium (BRC). It is widely required by UK and European retailers. BRC certification grades range from AA+ (highest) to C. BRC requires a documented HACCP plan, a food safety management system, and comprehensive traceability procedures.