A side-by-side comparison of the three most requested food safety certifications, and how to choose between them.
The short answer
If your buyers only ask for a certified food safety management system, ISO 22000 is usually enough. If they ask for a GFSI-recognised certificate — as most multinational brands and large retailers do — choose FSSC 22000 or BRCGS. If you supply UK retailers, BRCGS is often expected.
Side-by-side comparison
| ISO 22000 | FSSC 22000 | BRCGS Food | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certification audit | 2-stage on-site | 2-stage on-site | 1-stage on-site |
| Approach | Builds on ISO 9001 core elements | Framework for a process-based FSMS | Prescriptive food safety requirements |
| Scope | PRPs + HACCP food safety plan | ISO 22000 + ISO/TS 22002 PRPs + scheme requirements | HACCP-based food safety plan + detailed GMP |
| NC closure | Set by certification body | Within 28 days (minor) | Within 28 days |
| Certificate cycle | 3 years, annual surveillance | 3 years, annual surveillance | Re-audit every 6 or 12 months by grade |
| GFSI recognised | No | Yes | Yes |
When ISO 22000 is the right choice
- Your customers are domestic and don't specify GFSI
- You want a first certified system that can later upgrade to FSSC 22000
- You are a caterer, transporter or storage provider covered by its broad food-chain scope
When to go for FSSC 22000
FSSC 22000 adds detailed prerequisite programmes, food defence, food fraud mitigation, allergen management, environmental monitoring and food safety culture to ISO 22000. Because it is built on ISO 22000, upgrading is straightforward. Version 7 was published in May 2026, with audits against it phasing in from 2027.
When to go for BRCGS
BRCGS is preferred by UK retailers and many importers. It is more prescriptive, grades your site on audit performance, and audit frequency depends on the grade — which rewards strong performers.
How HL Associates helps
We start with a gap assessment, recommend the standard that matches your customers and markets, and then implement it end to end — documentation, training, internal audit and certification body audit support.
FAQs
Can I hold ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000 together?
You don't need both — FSSC 22000 already includes ISO 22000. Most companies upgrade from ISO 22000 to FSSC 22000.
Which is easier, BRCGS or FSSC 22000?
Neither is 'easy'. BRCGS is more prescriptive (clear what to do), while FSSC 22000 gives more flexibility within the ISO framework. The best choice depends on your customers.
Need help applying this to your plant? Talk to our experts — free consultation, reply within 24 hours.
