How to Choose the Right Consultant for Implementing Food Safety & Quality Standards (HACCP, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, BRC, etc.)

Struggling to find the right food safety consultant? Learn how to choose the best expert to implement HACCP, ISO 22000, or FSSC 22000 and build a sustainable food safety management system.

In today’s food industry, compliance with food safety and quality standards like HACCP, ISO 22000, and FSSC 22000 is more than just a regulatory checkbox—it’s a competitive necessity. These standards help food businesses protect consumers, ensure consistent product quality, and build trust with buyers and regulatory authorities.

But implementing these systems effectively requires expertise. A simple Google search will return countless consultants offering their services. So how do you choose the right food safety consultant for your business?

Here’s a complete guide to help you make the right decision.

1. Choose a Consultant with a Strong Food Science Background

Food safety is deeply rooted in science. A consultant with formal education in food science, microbiology, or biotechnology understands the underlying principles behind hazard identification, control measures, and risk assessment.

Why this matters:

• Helps tailor scientifically sound food safety plans
• Improves decision-making in critical areas like shelf life, allergen control, or CCP validation
• Enhances your team’s understanding of foodborne risks

2. Look for Real-World Food Manufacturing Experience

Experience in actual food production environments—whether in processing, QA, or operations—is invaluable. Consultants with factory floor experience can:

• Provide practical solutions that actually work in your environment
• Understand day-to-day operational challenges
• Customize systems to suit your equipment, workforce, and workflows

This makes the difference between a system that looks good on paper and one that actually works.

3. Focus on Implementation, Not Just Certification

Many consultants focus only on getting your business certified—and then disappear. But a certificate alone doesn’t guarantee safety or consistency. The real goal should be effective implementation that delivers long-term benefits.

Choose a consultant who:

Guides you in building a working system

• Helps you establish realistic procedures
• Supports you after the audit
• Empowers your team to run the system independently
• Certification should be a milestone—not the finish line.

4. Prioritize Consultants Who Train and Mentor Your Team

A sustainable food safety management system (FSMS) needs your team to own it. That’s only possible through proper training and continuous support.

A good consultant will:

• Conduct hands-on training sessions
• Build your internal Food Safety Team
• Help develop internal auditors and document controllers
• Encourage open communication and learning

Your team should feel confident, not overwhelmed.

5. Watch Out for Confusing or Fear-Based Approaches

Some consultants try to make systems sound more complicated than they are—creating confusion and dependency. A trustworthy consultant will simplify the process and help your team build clarity.

Avoid consultants who:

• Use excessive jargon without explanation
• Scare you into thinking the system is “too technical”
• Push for unnecessary procedures or costs

Instead, choose someone who can break down complex standards into easy-to-follow steps.

6. Have an Open Discussion Before You Hire

Before making your final decision, schedule an initial consultation to:

• Discuss your current food safety practices
• Understand their approach to implementation and training
• Clarify how they customize documentation
• See how they communicate and solve problems

Ask for:

• Case studies or similar past projects
• Client testimonials
• Credentials and certifications (e.g., Lead Auditor, FSSC Approved Trainer)

Also, check their online presence, website, and social media. A credible consultant is usually transparent about their experience and success stories.

Final Thoughts

Hiring the right consultant is a crucial step in building a strong, sustainable food safety or quality management system. Whether you’re pursuing HACCP, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, or another GFSI-recognized standard, make sure your consultant:

• Has both scientific and practical knowledge
• Focuses on implementation and team development
• Communicates clearly and honestly
• Becomes a partner—not just a temporary service provider

A well-implemented FSMS is not only about passing audits—it’s about building a culture of safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

Need Help with Food Safety Standards?

At Food Fix, we specialize in personalized consulting for GMP, HACCP, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, BRC, and more. With hands-on industry experience and a strong scientific background, we’re committed to building systems that work—long after certification.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.