BRCGS vs SQF Comparison Guide: Choosing the Right Food Safety Standard

A BRCGS vs SQF comparison guide helps food businesses understand the differences between two of the world’s most recognised food safety certification programmes. Both standards are Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) certified and aim to enhance food safety and quality management as well as to increase consumer confidence along the supply chain. The type of certification a company adopts is determined by their customers, industry, business needs and future plans.

Both BRCGS and SQF are recognised certification schemes, either having been adopted by GFSI or being comparable to GFSI’s benchmarking requirements – they are not the same. The structure, the way it is audited, documentation and focus area vary depending on each standard. Learning the comparison of them will help your organisation decide on the most appropriate certification for fulfilling regulatory requirements, meeting client standards, and advancing its future growth.

What Is the Difference Between BRCGS and SQF?

The major difference between BRCGS and SQF is the approach to food safety management, quality systems, and the requirements for auditing. They both share the common goal of lowering food safety risks and enhancing operational consistency, but they’ve developed to meet certain markets and business requirements.

The two standards ask organisations to:

• Put in place a food safety management system as documented.
• Follow Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles.
• Maintain detailed records and procedures.
• Conduct internal audits.
• Demonstrate continual improvement.
• Successfully complete third-party certification audits.

The focus of BRCGS, however, is more on prescriptive requirements and product safety culture, while the framework of SQF has a flexible approach and allows integration of food safety and food quality.

It’s important to be aware of the differences when choosing which certification fits the operation and customer expectations of your organisation.

What Is BRCGS?

BRCGS (previously British Retail Consortium Global Standards) is one of the world’s foremost food safety certification schemes. It was developed in the UK by retailers and is now recognised globally by manufacturers, processors, packaging manufacturers, storage facilities, and distributors as a standard within the food supply.

The BRCGS Food Safety Standard is dedicated to:

• Product safety
• Food quality
• Legal compliance
• Operational controls
• Risk management
• Continuous improvement
• Food safety culture

BRCGS is one of the unique qualities that make it structured and prescriptive. An expectation within the standard specifies what organisations need to do to be certified; this specifies and lays out potential modifiable standards with consistent expectations across certified organisations.

The BRCGS is a strong indication of a commitment to food safety and product integrity; thus, many leading retailers and brand owners require suppliers to be certified.

What Are the Key Requirements of BRCGS?

To achieve certification, organisations must establish and maintain an effective food safety management system supported by documented procedures and evidence of implementation.

Core requirements typically include:

• Senior management commitment
• HACCP-based food safety plans
• Document control procedures
• Supplier approval programmes
• Site standards and housekeeping
• Product and process controls
• Personnel training and hygiene
• Corrective and preventive action systems
• Internal audit programmes
• Traceability and recall procedures

Certification is maintained through regular audits and ongoing compliance with the standard’s requirements.

What Is SQF?

SQF (Safe Quality Food) is another globally recognised food safety certification programme benchmarked by GFSI. Managed by the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI), the standard is widely used by food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, packaging companies, primary producers, and distributors serving domestic and international markets.

Unlike some certification programmes that focus primarily on food safety, SQF integrates food safety management with quality management, helping organisations build systems that support both regulatory compliance and customer satisfaction.

SQF certification is based on several core principles, including:

• HACCP implementation
• Risk-based food safety management
• Supplier approval and monitoring
• Process control
• Product quality management
• Continuous improvement
• Employee training and competency

Its flexible structure allows organisations of different sizes and sectors to implement certification requirements while adapting them to their specific operations.

Why Is SQF Popular Among Food Manufacturers?

A large number of food producers select SQF as it is a realistic approach to meeting the requirements for both regulations and quality assurance. Companies that supply to supermarkets, foodservice, or wholesalers globally use SQF certification to prove that their products consistently meet recognised food safety and quality standards.

The following makes SQF special:

• Comprehensive food safety framework.
• Incorporates the principles of quality management.
• Versatility in different food industries.
• Global recognition through GFSI benchmarking.
• Strong emphasis on continuous improvement.

If an organisation wants to improve both its food safety and the confidence of its customers, SQF provides a flexible yet clearly defined route to certification. 

How Do BRCGS and SQF Compare Across Key Areas?

Both BRCGS and SQF are recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and are built around risk-based food safety management. However, they differ in several areas that may influence which certification is the better fit for your business.

Feature	BRCGS	SQF
Origin	Developed by the British Retail Consortium	Developed by the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI)
GFSI Recognition	Yes	Yes
Primary Focus	Food safety, product safety, legal compliance, and quality culture	Food safety and quality management
Audit Style	Highly prescriptive with detailed requirements	Flexible and risk-based
HACCP Requirement	Mandatory	Mandatory
Documentation	Extensive documented procedures and records	Comprehensive documentation with operational flexibility
Food Safety Culture	Strong emphasis	Included as part of management commitment
Supplier Management	Detailed supplier approval requirements	Robust supplier management programme
Market Recognition	Widely requested by UK and European retailers	Common across North America and international supply chains
Suitable For	Retail suppliers, manufacturers, packaging and storage businesses	Manufacturers, processors, ingredient suppliers, farms, and foodservice suppliers

Neither certification is universally better. The right choice depends on your customers, target markets, and operational requirements.

Which Industries Commonly Choose BRCGS?

BRCGS is used by the majority of businesses supplying to retailers, supermarkets and branded food manufacturers. As it is based on the needs of the retail sector, there are a lot of organisations that select BRCGS to meet their customer requirements and prove the high levels of product safety and compliance.

Typical users of the BRCGS are the following:

• food producers
• own-label producers,
• retailers supply chains,
• packaging producers,
• storage and distribution companies,
• consumer goods producers,
• food traders

A significant proportion of UK and European retailers require BRCGS certification from their suppliers, so it is a key qualification for companies looking to supply them. 

Which Businesses Benefit Most From SQF?

SQF is often chosen by organisations looking for a flexible food safety management system that also incorporates product quality. Its structure makes it suitable for businesses across multiple stages of the food supply chain.

SQF is commonly implemented by:

• Food processors
• Beverage manufacturers
• Ingredient suppliers
• Primary producers
• Fresh produce businesses
• Seafood processors
• Bakery and confectionery manufacturers
• Dairy producers

Because SQF combines food safety and quality management, it is particularly attractive to organisations that want to strengthen operational performance while meeting customer and regulatory expectations.

Which Certification Is Easier to Achieve?

Neither BRCGS nor SQF should be considered easier than the other. Both require organisations to implement effective food safety management systems, maintain detailed documentation, and successfully complete independent certification audits.

The level of preparation required depends on factors such as the following:

• Existing HACCP programme
• Quality management maturity
• Documentation systems
• Employee training
• Internal audit processes
• Management commitment
• Operational complexity

Businesses with well-established food safety systems may transition more smoothly into either certification, while those starting from scratch may require additional preparation regardless of the standard they choose.

Rather than asking which certification is easier, organisations should focus on which one best aligns with their customers’ expectations and long-term business objectives.

What Factors Should You Consider Before Choosing?

Selecting the right certification involves more than comparing audit requirements. A strategic decision should consider both your current operations and future business plans.

Before deciding between BRCGS and SQF, ask the following questions:

• Do my customers require a specific certification?
• Which countries or markets do I supply?
• What are my regulatory obligations?
• Does my current food safety system align more closely with one standard?
• Do I have the resources to maintain certification?
• Will the certification support future business growth?
• What level of documentation and ongoing management can my organisation sustain?

Answering these questions can help ensure your chosen certification delivers long-term value rather than simply meeting a short-term requirement.

Why Does GFSI Recognition Matter?

One of the biggest commonalities between the BRCGS and SQF is that both are recognised by the GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative). GFSI benchmarking provides assurance that recognised certification schemes address internationally recognised food safety requirements.

For food businesses, the choice of a GFSI-recognised certification can contribute to:

• Show your commitment to globally recognised food safety protocols.
• Enhance credibility with customers and regulators.
• Enhance supplier relationships.
• Facilitate entry into new markets.
• Enable continuous improvement throughout the business.

For many organisations, getting certified to a GFSI-recognised standard is a key step in establishing trust across the food supply chain. 

Can You Transition Between BRCGS and SQF?

Yes. For many food businesses, moving from BRCGS to SQF works well once their customer needs, markets of export, or business objectives have evolved. Both standards are based on GFSI but differ in structure and certification documentation; thus, there are regulations that must be followed regarding BS switching/scratching.

The following are commonly key to a successful transition:

• Carrying out gap assessment with the new standard.
• Review and refresh food safety documents.
• Revising HACCP plans as necessary.
• Improving supplier authorisation procedures.
• Training employees on new requirements.
• Carrying out self-examinations in advance of the certification audit.

Migrating to a food safety management system may be easier for companies which have one in place because many of the principles on which both systems are based are shared, including principles of risk management, HACCP, traceability, corrective action and continuous improvement.

Properly planning the transition process ahead of time can reduce stress and ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible and that audit readiness is maximised.

How Can You Prepare for a Successful Certification Audit?

Whether you’re pursuing BRCGS or SQF, preparation is one of the most important factors in achieving certification.

Before your audit, make sure you:

• Review all documented procedures.
• Verify that records are complete and up to date.
• Conduct internal audits to identify non-conformities.
• Complete corrective actions before the audit.
• Train employees on food safety responsibilities.
• Confirm supplier documentation is current.
• Test product traceability and recall procedures.
• Ensure senior management is actively involved in the food safety management system.

Regular internal reviews help identify weaknesses before the certification body does, making the external audit more efficient and reducing the likelihood of major non-conformities.

Why Is Ongoing Compliance Just as Important as Certification?

Getting certified is just the start. Staying in compliance involves ongoing monitoring of your operations, internal audits, training your employees, and updating your documentation when regulations, products, or business processes change. 

Companies that view food safety as a continuous commitment and not a single event are commonly more prepared for surveillance audits, customer audits, and regulatory audits.

It’s important to keep your certification active to do the following:

• Build and retain customer confidence.
• Increase consistency of operations.
• Minimise food safety hazards.
• Facilitate the process of continual improvement.
• Your brand reputation is under threat every day; keep your guard up.

Integrating food safety into daily processes will ultimately keep your management system adding value for years after the door was closed on your initial certification audit. 

How Can Document Compliance Help Your Business Achieve Certification?

The implementation of a recognised food safety standard can be complex, especially in multi-site, multi-supplier, multi-regulatory organisations. Having expert guidance can make this process easy and help drive the implementation of a practical and sustainable food safety management system into your Business.

Document Compliance specialises in providing bespoke compliance support to help businesses prepare for meeting BRCGS and SQF and other recognised food standards. Instead of offering standardised documentation and procedures, we tailor them to your organisation’s operations and certification goals.

Our services include:

• BRCGS compliance support
• SQF implementation guidance
• HACCP documentation
• Gap assessments
• Internal audit preparation
• Supplier document management
• Approved Supplier Programme development
• Mock recall exercises
• Documentation reviews for food safety
• Certification readiness assessments

From certification for the first time to upgrading between standards, our team can ensure that you build a compliant system that meets both regulatory requirements and is future-proofed for business success.

Conclusion

Deciding whether to go with BRCGS or SQF isn’t a matter of which standard is better – it’s about choosing the certification that best meets the needs of your customers, products, target markets, and business goals.

As you can see in this BRCGS vs SQF comparison guide, both certifications are recognised by GFSI and offer international standards for food safety management. Knowing the differences between them, evaluating your operational requirements, and getting ready for certification will enable your organisation to make a well-informed decision that enhances compliance, strengthens customer confidence, and supports future growth. 

FAQ’s

Q1. What is the difference between BRCGS and SQF?

Ans: Both are GFSI-recognised food safety certification programmes, but they differ in their structure, audit approach, documentation requirements, and industry focus. BRCGS is generally more prescriptive, while SQF offers greater flexibility within its food safety and quality management framework.

Q2: Is BRCGS recognised by GFSI?

Ans: Yes. BRCGS is benchmarked by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and is recognised by retailers, manufacturers, and food businesses worldwide.

Q3. Is SQF recognised internationally?

Ans: Yes. SQF is a globally recognised, GFSI-benchmarked certification programme used by food manufacturers, processors, distributors, and suppliers across international markets.

Q4. Which certification do retailers prefer?

Ans: Preferences vary depending on the retailer and region. Many UK and European retailers commonly request BRCGS certification, while SQF is widely recognised throughout North America and many global supply chains.

Q5. Can I switch from SQF to BRCGS?

Ans: Yes. Many organisations transition between certification schemes as customer requirements or business objectives change. A structured gap assessment and documentation review can help ensure a smooth transition.

Q6. Which standard is better for food manufacturers?

Ans: There is no single best option. The right certification depends on your customers’ expectations, export markets, operational structure, and existing food safety management system.