Both are GFSI-benchmarked and required by global food buyers — but they are not interchangeable. Some buyers accept either; others specify one. Here is how they differ.
Both GFSI-benchmarkedBRCGS graded A-D with unannounced optionFSSC 22000 = ISO 22000 + sector TS + FSSC additions
Food & Safety
BRCGS Food Safety
The British Retail Consortium standard. Required by most UK supermarkets. Sites graded A to D. Unannounced audits available. Strong allergen and labelling focus.
Food & Safety
FSSC 22000
ISO 22000:2018 + sector-specific ISO/TS + FSSC additional requirements. Required by multinational food manufacturers and food service companies.
GFSI benchmarked
Both confirmed
Graded?
BRCGS: A-D. FSSC 22000: pass/fail
Based on ISO 22000?
BRCGS: No. FSSC 22000: Yes
Dimension
BRCGS Food Safety
FSSC 22000
Standard basis
BRC proprietary standard
ISO 22000:2018 + ISO/TS + FSSC additions
Current version
Issue 9
Version 6
GFSI recognised?
Yes
Yes
Audit grade
A, B, C, D (A = outstanding)
Pass/fail — no grade
Unannounced audits
Available and encouraged by buyers
Not standard
Allergen management
Fundamental requirement — most scrutinised
Required but less prescriptive
Traceability exercise
Live 4-hour trace at every audit
Required but not always live
CB requirement
BRCGS-approved CBs only
FSSC-licensed CBs only
Typical buyer
UK supermarkets, US retail
Multinational food manufacturers, food service
Social criteria
Included in Issue 9
Not in base — SA8000 separate
Which one do you actually need?
→ Choose BRCGS Food Safety if
Your buyer is a UK supermarket or retailer
Your buyer has named BRCGS specifically
You supply to US buyers who specify BRCGS
→ Choose FSSC 22000 if
Your buyer is a multinational food manufacturer or food service company
Your buyer has specified FSSC 22000
You already hold ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000 is the natural next step
Can you have both?
Yes — some large manufacturers hold both. The preparation overlaps but the CB audits are separate. Driven by customer portfolio requirements.
Both BRCGS and FSSC 22000 require batch-level traceability and CCP monitoring records. In Clicarity, every production batch captures CCP parameters and allergen status at goods-in. When a batch splits into retail and foodservice packs, each tracks through its own label verification independently. See how it works →