When a food company considers obtaining GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) certification, two common questions are: "How much will it cost?" and "How long will it take?" The answers vary depending on several factors, including the size of the company, the complexity of its operations, and its current food safety practices. Below, we’ll break down these factors to provide a clearer picture of what to expect.
Table of Contents
The Main Factors
1. The Initial Investment: Time and Resources
The time required to achieve GFSI certification typically ranges from 6 to 12 months. This timeline depends largely on how prepared the company is when it starts the process. If a company already has good practices in place, like a strong HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) plan, it may be able to complete the certification process more quickly. On the other hand, if a company needs to build its food safety system from scratch, the process can take longer
The cost of GFSI certification also varies widely. The expenses include internal costs, such as staff time, and external costs, such as hiring consultants, purchasing software, and paying for the certification audit. For example, the cost of the initial audit alone can range from a few thousand to over ten thousand dollars, depending on the size and complexity of your facilities.
2. Internal Costs: Staff Time and Training
One significant cost is the time spent by staff on preparing for certification. This includes developing and implementing food safety procedures, documenting practices, and training employees. Companies often underestimate how much time their staff will need to dedicate to these tasks. In addition, some companies choose to invest in training programs or online tools to help guide the process, which adds to the overall cost.
For smaller companies, these internal costs can be a major burden, making it important to plan ahead and allocate resources efficiently. Larger companies may have more flexibility, but still need to manage these costs carefully to stay on budget.
3. External Costs: Consultants and Audits
Hiring a GFSI consultant can help streamline the certification process, but it also adds to the cost. Consultants typically charge between $2,500 and $12,000 depending on the scope of their work and the complexity of the company’s operations. Additionally, the certification audit itself is a significant expense. The cost of the audit varies based on the chosen GFSI scheme, the size of the facility, and the length of the audit. Companies should also budget for potential re-audits if they do not pass the initial inspection.
Comparing Costs of Different GFSI Schemes
When a company decides to get GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) certification, it’s important to understand the costs involved. Different GFSI certification schemes, like BRCGS, SQF, and FSSC 22000, have different costs. Knowing these differences can help your company plan and choose the right certification for your needs.
1. BRCGS (British Retail Consortium Global Standards)
BRCGS is a well-known GFSI scheme, especially in Europe. It focuses on food safety, quality, and how well a company operates. The cost of a BRCGS audit usually ranges from $5,300 to $7,500 for a two-day audit. The cost can be higher if your facility is large or if the audit takes more time.
2. SQF (Safe Quality Food)
SQF is the most popular GFSI scheme in North America. It’s flexible and can cover different parts of the food supply chain. The cost for SQF certification includes a desk audit and a facility audit. For a typical facility, this can cost between $7,300 and $9,000. Annual recertification audits cost a bit less, usually between $4,500 and $6,000.
3. FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification)
FSSC 22000 is based on ISO standards, which makes it a good option for companies that already follow ISO rules. It is widely accepted around the world. The costs for FSSC 22000 certification are usually similar to BRCGS and SQF, depending on how big and complex the facility is.
4. PrimusGFS
PrimusGFS is used mainly in the fresh produce industry, especially in North and Latin America. The cost of certification depends on the type of business, like farms, processing plants, or distribution centers. The cost can range from a few thousand dollars to over ten thousand dollars, depending on how much the audit covers.
How Long Does It Take to Get a GFSI Certification?
Getting GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) certification takes time, planning, and hard work. How long it takes can vary depending on several factors, like how complex the company’s operations are, which GFSI scheme is chosen, and how ready the company is. Here’s a simple breakdown of the time needed to get GFSI certified.
1. Initial Assessment and Preparation (1-3 Months)
The first step is doing an internal assessment or gap analysis. This helps the company figure out what needs to be fixed to meet the GFSI standards. This stage can take 1 to 3 months, depending on how prepared the company is. During this time, the company also works on improving its food safety management system and making sure all procedures are in place.
2. Internal Audits and Training (3 Months)
After the initial preparation, the company should do internal audits and train employees. Internal audits help find any remaining issues before the official audit. This stage usually takes about 3 months. It includes checking records and making sure all food safety procedures are being followed correctly.
3. Certification Audit and Follow-Up (1-3 Days)
The certification audit itself usually lasts 1 to 3 days. During this audit, a third-party auditor reviews the food safety documentation, checks the facility, and talks to employees. If any problems are found, the company has about 30 days to fix them before a follow-up review.
4. Receiving the Certification (1-2 Months)
After the audit, and once all issues are fixed, the company can receive its GFSI certificate. This final step usually takes 1 to 2 months. After getting certified, the company must keep following the standards through regular checks and audits.
The whole process of getting GFSI certification can take between 6 and 12 months. The exact time depends on how ready the company is, how complex its operations are, and which GFSI scheme it chooses. Being organized and planning well can help make the process go more smoothly and quickly.
Hidden Costs
When planning for GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) certification, it’s important to think beyond the obvious costs like audits and consultant fees. There are hidden costs that can add up, and knowing about them ahead of time can help you budget more accurately. Let’s look at some of these hidden expenses.
1. Travel and Administrative Fees
One common hidden cost comes from travel and administrative fees. If you need to bring in an auditor from outside your area, you might have to pay for their travel expenses, such as airfare, hotels, and meals. Some certification bodies charge a flat rate for travel, but others bill by the hour, which can increase costs. Administrative fees are another potential surprise. These fees cover things like report writing, processing your certificate, and other paperwork. Often, these are not included in the initial quote, which means you could end up paying more than expected.
2. Costs of Correcting Problems
If the auditor finds problems during the GFSI audit, you will need to fix them before you can get certified. This might mean changing your processes, buying new equipment, or training your staff. Sometimes, the certification body will charge extra to review the changes you make. This fee might be charged for each problem they review, or it could be an hourly rate.
These costs can add up, especially if your facility has multiple issues to fix.
3. Extra Audits and Re-Inspections
If your facility doesn’t pass the first audit, you might need to schedule a re-audit. This can be expensive because you will have to pay for the audit again, including any travel and administrative fees. Re-inspections also cost extra and may delay your certification, which could impact your business if customers are waiting for you to become certified.
Hidden costs can make GFSI certification more expensive than you might expect. By understanding these potential costs—like travel, administrative fees, corrective actions, and re-audits—you can better plan your budget and avoid surprises.
How to Manage and Lower GFSI Certification Costs
Getting GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) certification can be expensive, but there are ways to keep costs down. By planning ahead and making smart choices, you can save money while still meeting the required standards.
1. Start with a Gap Analysis
A gap analysis helps you see where your current food safety practices already meet GFSI standards and where improvements are needed. By focusing only on areas that need work, you avoid spending money on unnecessary changes. This approach saves both time and money. You can do this analysis yourself or hire a consultant to help.
2. Pick the Right GFSI Scheme
Different GFSI schemes have different costs, so it’s important to pick the one that best fits your business. For example, BRCGS and SQF have different fees based on the size and type of your facility. Comparing these options helps you choose the one that offers the best value for your company.
3. Reduce Travel and Admin Costs
Travel and administrative fees can add up, especially if your auditor has to travel far. To keep costs down, try to work with a local auditor. Also, ask for a detailed list of all possible charges upfront, so you don’t get surprised by extra fees later.
4. Use Technology to Save Time and Money
Using digital tools can help you save time and money during the GFSI certification process. Digital checklists, automated record-keeping, and online tools can make the process faster and more accurate, reducing labor costs and the chance of mistakes.
5. Plan for Ongoing Costs
GFSI certification isn’t a one-time cost. You’ll need to plan for regular audits and updates to keep your certification. Setting aside money for these recurring costs helps you stay compliant without unexpected expenses.
How Inspectle Can Help You Stay GFSI Compliant
Using Inspectle for visual inspections can greatly help your facilities stay in line with GFSI standards. By focusing on three key areas, Inspectle makes it easier to maintain compliance and reduce the risks associated with food safety:
Visual Inspections Made Simple: Inspectle allows you to take quick photos during inspections. If you spot a problem, you can capture it immediately, add notes, and have visual proof of non-conformities. This is faster and more accurate than traditional checklists, helping you address issues before they escalate.
Alerts and Quick Actions: When you take photos of issues, Inspectle helps your other team members see non-conformities and quickly address them. The software notifies the right people, so corrective actions can be taken right away. This means problems are solved faster, keeping your facility in line with GFSI standards.
Organized Visual Records for Audits: Inspectle keeps all your photos, notes, and reports in one place. This makes it easy to show auditors that your facility is following GFSI standards. With everything well-organized and easy to access, you can confidently handle audits and stay compliant.
By using Inspectle, you make visual inspections more efficient and effective, helping your facility meet GFSI standards and maintain your certification over time. Try Inspectle for free.
About the Author: Robert Jakobson
Robert Jakobson has worked in the manufacturing industry since 2010. With over a decade of experience in B2B marketing, he specializes in helping companies improve their operations with software and hardware solutions. His deep knowledge of the industry and passion for technology make him a trusted expert. Robert’s experience ranges from product development to marketing, giving him valuable insights into how businesses can use tools like the Inspectle Food Safety Inspection software to stay compliant and improve their processes.