Comparison: International Food Safety Standards driving confidence in the consumers

Food safety standards are the major backbone in providing quality promises to consumers. Let’s do a brief comparison of the differences between the major and international food safety standards around the globe. As well comparison of food safety standards helps food safety officers to attain info.

So FoodTechSafety listed major and the most popular food safety standards / Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS).

Read more: Certifications important for Food Safety Officer

Food safety standards

• Understanding Brand Reputation Compliance

What is Brand Reputation Compliance?

Brand Reputation Compliance entails implementing and maintaining systems and processes that align with industry standards and regulations. It involves conducting risk assessments, developing robust quality management systems, and continuously monitoring and improving performance.

Importance of Brand Reputation Compliance in the food industry

Brand reputation is crucial in the food industry as it directly affects consumer trust and loyalty. Compliance with global standards not only ensures the safety and quality of products but also demonstrates a company’s commitment to responsible and sustainable practices. Additionally, adherence to industry standards helps businesses mitigate risks, avoid legal issues, and gain a competitive edge in the market.

So be always informed and educate Food safety officers with the below major food safety standards:

• Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standards (BRCGS)
• International Featured Standards (IFS)
• Safe Quality Food (SQF)
• Food Safety System Certification (FSSC 22000)

All the above standards belong to the Global Food Safety Initiative scheme (GFSI) ; check the below comparison table :

PARAMETERS	BRCGS	IFS	SQF	FSSC 22000
CERTIFICATE  VALIDITY	Certificate valid for 1 year  Grade C-Recertification  within 6 months	Certificate valid for 1 year	Certificate valid for 1 year. Grade C-Recertification within  6 months	Certificate valid for 3 years
INTEGRATED AUDIT	As recertification is depending on the result of the audit. Grade C is to be 6 months so interval or integrated condition will be changed depending.	Not allowing integration with  ISO management system standard, allows to integrate with product certification scheme.	Different management system  structure, also possible for  integrated audit	Same management system  structure as ISO standard so it  is easy to integrate with other  management system standards
RECERTIFICATION/ MAINTENANCE  VISIT	Same audit time as  Certification visit	Same audit time as  Certification visit	Same audit time as Stage 2  on site	Less audit time than Stage 2  on site
CERTIFICATION  MARK	Not allow to be displayed on the product	Not allow to be displayed  on the product	Level 3 certification can use  certification mark on the product	Not allow to be displayed on the product
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS	Quality and food safety	Quality and food safety	Level 2 Food Safety Level 3 Include Quality (need to conduct food safety analysis, define critical quality control point)	Food Safety
SYSTEM ESTABLISHMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION	Prescriptive requirements	Prescriptive requirements	Some requirements are prescriptive Require SQF practitioner (full-timer)	Provide framework requirements for the company to demonstrate how to comply and demonstrate their food safety system
REPORT/DATA MANAGEMENT	By Certification body and Standard owner	By Certification body and Standard owner	The company needs to register in Quick-fire prior to certification process	By Certification body and Standard owner
CERTIFICATION PROCESS	No stage 1 – Company can easily go direct to on-site certification audit	No stage 1 – Company can easily go direct to on-site certification audit	Stage 1 on-site or off-site Stage 2 on site	Stage 1 on-site or off site. Stage 2 on site
Others			Any Major non-conformity found during Stage 1 need to be closed out prior to stage 2 audit	Critical from stage 1 to be closed out during Stage 2 audit