Acquiring food and beverage certifications in Canada will enable manufacturers to significantly expand their market reach, attract new customers, and comply with export standards.
These certifications ensure that food & beverage products meet safety, quality, sustainability, and religious dietary requirements.
Below is a comprehensive list of the most important certifications for food and beverage manufacturers in Canada.
List of Food and Beverage Certifications for Canadian Manufacturers
| Certification | What is it? | Regulating Body | Why It Matters |
| HACCP | A systematic approach to identifying, evaluating, and controlling food safety hazards. | Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Codex Alimentarius, FDA, EU laws | Required for SFCR compliance Forms the foundation of other certifications Accepted globally |
| BRCGS | A GFSI-recognized standard ensuring food safety, quality, and legal compliance. | BRCGS Global Standards | Required by major retailers (Walmart, Tesco, Costco) High-level food safety and quality control |
| SQF | A GFSI-recognized food safety and quality certification for retailers and food service providers. | SQF Institute (SQFI) | Recognized globally Required by major food retailers Enhances brand reputation and consumer trust |
| FSSC 22000 | A GFSI-recognized food safety system based on ISO 22000, HACCP, and risk-based thinking. | Foundation FSSC (Netherlands) | Recognized in global markets Required by multinational food brands Focuses on food safety culture |
| Halal | Certifies that food complies with Islamic dietary laws, ensuring no pork, alcohol, or haram ingredients. | No single regulatory body. Major halal certification standards in North America include those by the American Halal Foundation (AHF) and Canadian Halal Bureau (CHB) | Expands market reach to Muslim consumers Required for exporting to Muslim-majority countries |
| PrimusGFS | A GFSI-recognized food safety certification for fresh produce growers, packers, and processors. | Azzule Systems, other local certification bodies | Required by major retailersEnsures fresh produce safety from farm to table |
| Organic | Verifies that food products meet Canada’s Organic Standards (CAN/CGSB-32.310-2020). | Canada Organic Regime (CFIA), other local organic certification bodies | Required for Canada Organic Logo Attracts health-conscious consumers Expands export opportunities |
| GMP | Ensures food production meets hygiene, safety, and quality control standards. | CFIA & third-party certifiers | Provides foundational compliance for HACCP, BRCGS, SQF Essential for food safety approval |
Conclusion
By obtaining and maintaining these certifications, Canadian food and beverage manufacturers can ensure compliance, enhance market access, and build consumer trust. Always check with regulatory bodies and certification organizations for the latest requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the most important food and beverage certifications in Canada?
The key certifications for food and beverage manufacturers in Canada include HACCP, BRCGS, SQF, FSSC 22000, Halal, Kosher, PrimusGFS, Organic, and GMP certification. These ensure compliance with food safety regulations, market acceptance, and consumer trust.
2. Is HACCP certification mandatory for food manufacturers in Canada?
Yes, HACCP is mandatory for most food manufacturers under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR). It ensures food safety by identifying and controlling potential hazards throughout the production process.
3. What is the difference between HACCP and GMP certification?
HACCP focuses on preventing food safety hazards through a risk-based approach, while GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) ensures hygienic and quality-controlled production environments. GMP is a foundational requirement for HACCP compliance.
4. What is the best GFSI certification for Canadian food manufacturers?
The best Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)-recognized certification depends on your business needs. BRCGS and SQF are widely accepted by retailers, while FSSC 22000 is ideal for large manufacturers with ISO-based systems.
5. How does BRCGS certification benefit Canadian food businesses?
BRCGS certification is recognized by global retailers like Walmart, Tesco, and Costco. It enhances food safety, traceability, and supplier compliance, making it easier to enter international markets.
6. Is SQF certification required for selling to major retailers in Canada?
Yes, SQF certification is required by many grocery chains, food distributors, and foodservice providers in Canada. It demonstrates high food safety standards and compliance with retailer expectations.
7. What makes FSSC 22000 different from BRCGS and SQF?
FSSC 22000 is based on ISO 22000 and provides a risk-based food safety management system. Unlike BRCGS and SQF, it is preferred by large multinational food companies that already follow ISO standards.
8. Is Halal certification necessary for exporting to Muslim-majority countries?
Yes, Halal certification is required for food exports to Muslim-majority countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Canadian certifiers like AHF, CHB, and IFANCC provide globally recognized Halal certification.
9. How does Kosher certification help Canadian food manufacturers?
Kosher certification allows food manufacturers to sell to Jewish communities in Canada, the U.S., and Israel. It is also sought after by health-conscious and vegetarian consumers.
10. What is PrimusGFS certification, and who needs it?
PrimusGFS certification is a food safety standard for fresh produce growers, packers, and processors. It ensures Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and is required by retailers and distributors handling fresh fruits and vegetables.
11. How can a Canadian food business get organic certification?
To get organic certification in Canada, businesses must comply with the Canada Organic Regime (COR) and the CAN/CGSB-32.310-2020 standards. Certification is regulated by CFIA-approved organic certifiers.
12. What are the benefits of GMP certification for food manufacturers?
GMP certification ensures proper hygiene, employee training, sanitation, and contamination control in food production. It is often required as a prerequisite for HACCP, SQF, and BRCGS certification.
13. What is the difference between Halal and Kosher certification?
Halal certification follows Islamic dietary laws, banning pork and alcohol, and requires specific slaughter methods for meat. Kosher certification follows Jewish dietary laws (Kashrut), with strict separation of meat and dairy.
14. How long does it take to get food safety certification in Canada?
The timeline varies by certification:
- HACCP: 2–6 months
- BRCGS/SQF/FSSC 22000: 4–12 months
- Halal/Kosher: 1–2 months
- Organic: 3–6 months
15. Which food certifications are required for exporting from Canada?
HACCP, BRCGS, SQF, FSSC 22000, Halal, Kosher, and Organic certification are commonly required for exporting food products from Canada. Requirements vary based on the destination country’s regulations.