Last Updated on November 18, 2025 by Melissa Lazaro

Integration Makes Compliance Easier, Not Harder

When I work with food manufacturers who juggle IFS Food V8, ISO 22000, and BRCGS, I often hear the same thing:
“Why does it feel like we’re running three systems at once?”

And honestly, that feeling makes sense. Without a clear integration strategy, teams end up duplicating documents, repeating audits, and delivering multiple versions of the same training — just because each standard phrases the requirement differently.

But the truth is, these standards overlap more than they differ. With the right approach, you can build a single, unified food-safety and quality system that satisfies all three without extra work.

This guide will walk you through exactly how to do that — step by step.

Start With a Comparison Framework — Mapping the Similarities and Differences

Before merging anything, you need clarity. Each standard has its own structure and emphasis:

• ISO 22000 → high-level risk-based management system (PDCA)
• IFS V8 → operational and audit-focused with scoring model
• BRCGS → highly prescriptive and detailed, especially around GMP

Even though the formats differ, the building blocks are similar: HACCP, traceability, internal audits, management review, and corrective action.

The simplest starting point is a clause mapping matrix. One column per standard, one row per requirement area.

Why this helps: you immediately see where requirements match, where one is stricter, and where you’ll need additional controls.

A common mistake here is choosing one standard’s structure and forcing the others into it. Integration works best when the system reflects how your business operates — not how a book formats its clauses.

Build a Unified Documentation System — Reduce Duplication and Confusion

Once you’ve mapped the overlaps, the next step is aligning documentation.

Instead of three separate manuals, procedures, and forms, create:

• One integrated Food-Safety and Quality Manual
• One set of SOPs mapped to all three standards
• One controlled document and record system
• Shared forms and templates

For example, instead of having three allergen procedures — build one strong version referencing the relevant clauses from all standards.

A single system reduces training load, improves compliance consistency, and makes audit preparation significantly easier.

A quick tip: use metadata tags or a table at the end of each procedure showing which standard(s) it supports. It’s simple and audit-friendly.

Harmonize Operational Controls — Align HACCP, CCPs, OPRPs, and GMP Practices

This is where your integrated system needs to translate into real-world consistency.

Even though terminology differs slightly across the standards, the intent remains the same: prevent product defects and food-safety risks.

Focus on aligning:

• Hazard assessment methodology
• CCP determination and monitoring
• OPRPs and prerequisite programs
• Allergen control and environmental management
• Validation, verification, and challenge tests

Most operational conflicts don’t come from standards — they come from inconsistent execution. Integration solves that by giving operators one clear way of working.

Align Training, Culture, and Competency — Build One Learning System

No one enjoys repeating the same training three different ways. A unified competency model saves time and gives employees clarity.

Here’s what belongs in your integrated training approach:

• One competency framework aligned to all three standards
• Role-based training content rather than standard-based modules
• A single training matrix showing coverage and gaps
• Combined internal auditor training
• Shared food-safety culture initiatives

One client saw better retention by replacing long annual refresher courses with short monthly micro-topics linked to risk areas. Integration gives you the ability to teach once — and apply everywhere.

Integrate Audit, CAPA, and Management Review — One Cycle, Not Three

Instead of managing three separate review and audit programs, combine them.

This part of your integration includes:

• One internal audit plan with cross-standard references
• A shared corrective-action and improvement system
• One management-review process covering all compliance areas
• Shared KPIs, trending, risk-evaluation, and improvement tracking

Auditors appreciate seeing a structured, efficient system — not piles of repeated reports.

A simple way to do this: label findings with tags such as IFS, ISO, or BRCGS during internal audits. One system, one workflow — multiple compliance outcomes.

FAQs — Questions Teams Ask During Integration

Q1: Which standard should we use as the foundation?
Most companies choose ISO 22000 because of its management-system structure, but the final choice depends on customer expectations and operational behavior.

Q2: Does integration reduce the number of external audits?
Not usually. But it significantly reduces internal workload — documentation, training, and review cycles become easier.

Q3: Can we integrate after we’re already certified?
Yes. In fact, most companies do integration during system improvement phases rather than before certification.

Conclusion — Unifying Systems Makes Compliance Stronger and Simpler

Integration isn’t just about reducing paperwork — it’s about creating a system that works in daily operations and survives audits with confidence.

With clarity, mapping, standardized documentation, and unified training, your team gains a single, consistent way of working, regardless of which certification the customer or auditor focuses on.