Navigating GFSI Standards: Summary of the Differences and similarities between BRCGS, IFS, FSSC 22000 and GRMS
We often get the question – What is the best GFSI-standard for our site? To answer that question we have provided an overview of the similarities and differences between various GFSI-standards for a better understanding. When making the decision on what standard to select, there are several factors to consider, such as current and potential customers’ demands, current food safety system in place or preference of criteria.
In this article, we have summarized some GFSI scheme characteristics per scheme. We provide you with a comparison of the main global GFSI food processing standard: BRCGS, IFS, FSSC 22000, SQF and Global Red Meat Standard (GRMS).
In order to fully understand the requirements and differences, we recommend that you review the standards yourself and consider what it means to your organisation and activities.
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If you're interested in learning more about these standards or obtaining certification, reach out to your local Kiwa office for personalized assistance or contact us at food@kiwa.com.
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| Certification scheme | BRCGS Food | IFS Food | FSSC 22000 | SQF | GRMS |
| Acccreditation schedule | ISO 17065 | ISO 17065 | ISO 17021 | ISO 17065 | ISO 17065 |
| Normative documents | BRCGS Standard | IFS Standard | Three components: ISO 22000 Industry specific PRP specifications FSSC 22000 scheme requirements |
SQF code that applies to the industry The SQF Code selector can assist in identifying the specific codes and modules |
GRMS Standard |
| Mandatory Interpretations/guidelines | BRCGS Interpretation Guidelines BRCGS Position Statements |
IFS Doctrine | BoS Stakeholder Decisions Interpretation articles |
Food safety codes based on based on business needs and industry scope | GRMS Technical Update |
| System requirements | Food safety and quality | Food safety and quality | Food safety | Food safety and quality | Food safety and quality |
| Audit frequency | Every 6 or 12 months depending on the previous audit result | Every 12 months | Every 12 months | Every 6 or 12 months depending on the previous audit results | Every 12 months |
| Certification cycle | Recertification every year. Or six months based on the Grade of last audit | Recertification every year | Recertification every 3rd year, surveillance audits (annually) in between. | Recertification every year. Surveillance audit at 6 months if ‘C’ rating | Recertification every year |
| Unannounced audits | Every three audits Voluntary every audit |
Every three years | One surveillance audit every three years | Every three years | Every three years |
| Non-conformance system | There are three levels of non-conformities: Major, minor and criticial | Deviation (B, C, D) / Major / Knockout | There are three levels of non-conformities: Major, minor and criticial | There are three levels of non-conformities: Major, minor and criticial | Findings are raked as followed: A: In full compliance, B: Area of concern, C: Minor, D: Major and K: Criticical |
| Scoring system of the audit |
The BRCGS uses a grading system. |
Scoring system based on level of compliance of the requirement. Points are awarded for each requirement fulfilled.
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No scoring system is used. The option to either pass the audit or fail the audit when a critical non-conformity is issued | A scale of 0 to 100 determines the evaluation score. Total points scored based on non-conformities found. | The calculation of the level achieved is based on the ranking and the weighting of each requirement. |
| Auditor rotation requirement? | Rotation after 3 consecutive audits | Rotation after 3 consecutive audits | Rotation after 2 certification cycles (maximum of 6 years). | Rotation after 3 consecutive audits | Rotation after 3 consecutive audits |
| Standard owner website | www.brcgs.com | www.ifs-certification.com | www.fssc.com | SQFI | Home | www.grms.org |