The Global Food Safety Initiative. It is not a certification itself, but an organization that benchmarks and recognizes specific food safety standards (like SQF, BRC, and FSSC 22000).

Is FDA registration the same as SQF?

No. FDA registration is a basic legal requirement to manufacture food in the US. SQF is a rigorous, voluntary, third-party audit that goes far beyond basic FDA requirements.

Do I need to be SQF certified if I use a co-packer?

No. The manufacturing facility (the co-packer) holds the SQF certification, not your brand. However, you must maintain records proving that you verify your co-packer's certification annually.

SQF vs BRC Certification: Which is Right for Your Co-Packer?

When you pitch your food brand to a major retailer like Walmart, Costco, or Kroger, their first question is rarely about your marketing strategy. Their first question is: "Is your manufacturing facility GFSI certified?"

GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) is an international coalition that benchmarks food safety standards. If a facility passes a GFSI-recognized audit, it proves they adhere to the highest global standards of food safety. The two most common GFSI-recognized certifications in North America are SQF and BRC. Here is how to understand them when evaluating a co-packer.

What is SQF (Safe Quality Food)?

SQF is the most widely adopted GFSI certification in the United States. It is administered by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI). SQF is unique because it is divided into three levels:

Level 1: Food Safety Fundamentals (Basic, not GFSI recognized).
Level 2: Certified HACCP Based Food Safety Plans (This is the standard GFSI-recognized level required by most retailers).
Level 3: Comprehensive Food Safety and Quality Management System (Includes both safety and product quality metrics).

When a co-packer says they are "SQF Certified," you must ask which level. Level 2 is the baseline requirement for major retail distribution.

What is BRC (British Retail Consortium)?

BRC (now known as BRCGS - Brand Reputation through Compliance) originated in the UK but is widely accepted globally, including in the US. BRC is generally considered to be slightly more prescriptive and rigid in its documentation requirements than SQF.

BRC audits are graded on a scale from AA (the highest) down to D (fail). If your co-packer holds a BRC AA or A rating, they are operating an elite food safety program.

Which One Do You Need?

From a retailer's perspective, SQF Level 2 and BRC are functionally identical. Both are GFSI-recognized. Walmart does not care if your co-packer is SQF or BRC, as long as they hold a valid certificate with a passing score.

The choice between the two is entirely up to the co-packer's QA management team. Your job as a brand owner is not to choose the certification, but to verify it.

How to Verify Your Co-Packer's Certification

Do not just take their word for it. You must request a copy of their actual audit certificate and the full audit report. Look for:

The Expiration Date: GFSI audits are conducted annually. Ensure the certificate is current.
The Scope: The certificate lists the specific categories of food the facility is certified to produce. If they are certified to bake cookies, that does not mean they are certified to pasteurize dairy. Ensure your product type is within their scope.
Minor Non-Conformances: Read the full audit report to see what minor infractions the auditor found (e.g., "condensation dripping near line 2"). Ensure the co-packer implemented corrective actions.