Top Food Safety Certifications Every Food Manufacturer Should Know

In today’s competitive food industry, producing tasty products isn’t enough. Consumers, regulators, and business partners all expect strict safety and hygiene standards to be met. And for food manufacturers, meeting those expectations is no longer optional—it’s essential.

Food safety certifications are a powerful way to prove your commitment to quality. Whether you’re a small dairy producer in Kenya or a large-scale snack manufacturer in Germany, being certified can open up new opportunities in domestic and global markets.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most important food safety certifications every food manufacturer should be familiar with, and how a trusted partner like QCert360 can help you through the entire certification process.

Why Food Safety Certifications Matter

Food safety certifications are more than just a stamp—they’re proof that your business operates responsibly and consistently. Here’s why they matter:

  • Stay legally compliant: Meet national and international food regulations
  • Win customer trust: Show you care about food safety and hygiene
  • Reach new markets: Export to regions like the EU, North America, or the Middle East
  • Improve operations: Make your production more efficient and controlled
  • Avoid recalls: Reduce the risk of contamination and protect your brand

For manufacturers in India, Nigeria, Vietnam, and beyond, food safety certification can be the difference between staying local and going global.

ISO 22000 – Food Safety Management System

ISO 22000 is a global food safety standard that outlines how to manage food safety risks. It’s based on HACCP principles and integrates smoothly with ISO 9001 (quality management).

Why it matters:

  • Applies to every part of the food chain, from farm to fork
  • Improves coordination across departments and partners
  • Helps businesses meet both local laws and international standards

Where it’s popular: Germany, India, Indonesia, South Africa

If you’re planning to export packaged foods or beverages, ISO 22000 is often a great starting point. Many companies in countries like Vietnam and the UAE adopt ISO 22000 as a stepping stone before pursuing more industry-specific certifications like FSSC 22000. For instance, a Vietnamese seafood exporter used ISO 22000 to strengthen internal processes and eventually meet EU import requirements.

GMP – Good Manufacturing Practices

GMP certification focuses on making sure your facility, equipment, and staff follow the basics of safe food production. It’s often seen as a foundation before getting certified for other standards like HACCP or ISO 22000.

Why it matters:

  • Ensures cleanliness and proper facility upkeep
  • Prevents contamination and mix-ups
  • Builds consistency in how food is produced

Where it’s crucial: Nigeria, Thailand, Kenya, Philippines

Whether you run a spice processing plant in Sri Lanka or a juice bottling facility in Tanzania, GMP lays the groundwork for safe and scalable operations. For example, a Tanzanian company exporting dried fruits to Germany began with GMP certification to improve facility hygiene, later gaining ISO 22000 for broader market access.

HACCP – Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points

HACCP is a structured system that identifies where food hazards can occur and how to prevent them. It’s widely accepted and often required by law in many countries.

Why it matters:

  • Focuses on prevention instead of correction
  • Required by regulators and major buyers in many markets
  • Boosts brand image and reduces liability

Where it’s needed: EU, US, Canada, Ghana, Egypt

For example, a seafood processing plant in Morocco aiming to supply European supermarket chains must demonstrate a functioning HACCP plan to satisfy EU import requirements. Similarly, a tomato paste exporter in Egypt used HACCP to gain trust among Italian distributors.

FSSC 22000 – Food Safety System Certification

FSSC 22000 builds on ISO 22000 and adds extra food safety and quality requirements. It’s one of the most accepted certifications by global retailers.

Why it matters:

  • Recognized by GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative)
  • Includes sector-specific technical specs
  • Helps with traceability and supplier approvals

Where it’s relevant: South Africa, Thailand, Turkey

It’s especially relevant for companies producing packaged goods for global distribution. For example, a Turkish snack manufacturer used FSSC 22000 to meet the stringent requirements of global buyers like Nestlé and Carrefour.

BRCGS – Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standard

BRCGS, developed in the UK, is a top choice for manufacturers wanting to sell to British and European retailers. It’s especially detailed and focuses on food safety, quality, and legality.

Why it matters:

  • Required by UK retail giants like Tesco
  • Emphasizes senior management commitment
  • Helps reduce the number of customer audits

Where it’s used: Egypt, UK, Poland, UAE

For example, a frozen meals manufacturer in Poland looking to enter the UK’s competitive retail space would find BRCGS not just helpful—but mandatory. BRCGS certification enabled them to onboard with two leading supermarket chains within six months.

IFS – International Featured Standards

IFS Food is another GFSI-approved certification used heavily in Germany, France, and other European markets. It assesses how food manufacturers handle product safety and quality.

Why it matters:

  • Strong focus on product integrity and supplier audits
  • Allows direct entry into EU private label markets
  • Highlights process transparency

Where it’s required: Germany, France, Tunisia, Italy

IFS is ideal for food producers working with store-brand contracts in the EU. For instance, a pasta manufacturer in Italy relied on IFS to become a preferred supplier to Lidl and Aldi.

SQF – Safe Quality Food

SQF is a US-based certification used by retailers and regulators to verify food safety and quality. It covers farms, processors, and distributors.

Why it matters:

  • Trusted in the US, Canada, and Australia
  • Reduces audit duplication for exporters
  • Helps meet the US FDA’s FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act)

Where it’s growing: Philippines, South Africa, Mexico

Exporters aiming for shelf space in North American chains like Walmart or Costco should prioritize SQF. A Filipino coconut water brand recently used SQF to establish a successful distribution deal in Canada.

GlobalG.A.P.

GlobalG.A.P. is a farm-level certification covering food safety, worker welfare, and sustainability. It’s key for those in primary food production.

Why it matters:

  • Ensures fresh produce safety from the source
  • Helps smallholders access premium markets
  • Demonstrates social and environmental responsibility

Where it’s vital: Kenya, Morocco, Vietnam

A mango exporter in Kenya or a dragon fruit farmer in Vietnam looking to supply supermarkets in Europe or the Middle East will benefit from GlobalG.A.P. compliance. It also allows cooperatives to attract funding from NGOs and government programs.

Halal and Kosher Certifications

These religious certifications ensure that food products meet Islamic (Halal) or Jewish (Kosher) dietary laws.

Why it matters:

  • Expands reach to Muslim or Jewish consumers
  • Often legally required in key markets
  • Builds credibility in ethical sourcing

Popular for: Indonesia, UAE, Israel, Poland

A Halal-certified meat exporter in Indonesia can tap into high-demand markets like the UAE and Malaysia, where Halal is a legal import requirement. Kosher-certified bakeries in Poland gain access to Jewish communities in New York, London, and Tel Aviv. Additionally, both certifications attract health-conscious and ingredient-aware consumers.

Choosing the Right Certification

Not every food business needs every certification. It depends on:

  • Where you’re exporting (e.g., UK = BRCGS, USA = SQF)
  • What you produce (e.g., dairy, snacks, seafood)
  • Buyer requirements (e.g., retailer audits)

Here are a few examples:

  • A tea exporter in India targeting UK retailers may go for ISO 22000 + BRCGS
  • A shrimp processor in Ghana might need HACCP + GlobalG.A.P.
  • A biscuit company in Egypt targeting US markets may pursue GMP + SQF

Choosing the right mix depends on balancing cost, market access, and long-term growth. Many businesses start with GMP or HACCP as a base, then layer on ISO 22000 or a GFSI-recognized certification once they scale. It’s also important to evaluate buyer contracts and understand which schemes they accept. Doing this ensures you’re not over-certifying—or worse, choosing the wrong one.

How QCert360 Can Help in getting your food safety certification?

Navigating these options alone can be confusing. That’s why businesses across Asia, Africa, and Europe partner with QCert360.

We simplify the journey by helping you:

  • Understand which certification suits your product and market
  • Conduct a gap analysis to see what’s missing
  • Train your team and create documentation
  • Coordinate with certifying bodies and prepare for audits
  • Maintain your certification and stay compliant

We’ve helped:

  • A cassava processor in Nigeria expand to France with GlobalG.A.P. certification
  • A tea company in India pass BRCGS audits for UK chains and secure new export contracts
  • A seafood exporter in Tunisia become HACCP certified and gain EU buyer approval
  • A jam producer in Morocco secure both GlobalG.A.P. and Halal certifications to enter Middle Eastern supermarkets

Our team brings regional insight and international expertise to ensure faster approvals and better outcomes. From small farms in Rwanda to processing plants in Malaysia, QCert360 has helped food businesses go global.

Our comprehensive services include:

Food safety certifications aren’t just a formality—they’re essential for staying competitive. They help you:

  • Build customer trust
  • Prevent food safety issues
  • Access global markets
  • Prove your commitment to quality

From GMP and ISO 22000 to BRCGS, HACCP, and Halal, choosing the right certification helps your brand grow with confidence.

📞 Call us: +91 7483870406
📧 Email: contact@qcert360.com
🌍 Visit: www.qcert360.com

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