CSQ CERTIFICATION
The CSQ Certification Program and applicable standards were built around ISO/IEC 17067
ANNOUNCEMENT
TSLC Is Now Part of Kiwa ASI
Kiwa ASI has acquired TSLC Canada, bringing together the trusted TSLC team with the broader resources and global expertise of Kiwa ASI. If you have worked with TSLC in the past, you will continue working with the same experienced professionals who understand your operation and certification needs.
Now, with the added support of Kiwa ASI, you also gain access to expanded services, additional technical expertise, and a stronger operational presence in Canada. Our goal is to provide a seamless transition while delivering even greater value, consistency, and support across your certification journey.
CanadaGAP Certification & Audit Services
Kiwa ASI helps Canadian growers, packers, and produce handlers achieve CanadaGAP certification through accredited audits built on HACCP principles and Good Agricultural Practices. Your path to major retail and export markets.
- HACCP-Based
- GFSI Recognized
- Accredited CB
Get Started Today
Your trusted partner in bridging the gap between Canadian growers and global retail markets.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
Trusted by Food Facilities Across the Country
We have enjoyed working with the team at Kiwa ASI TSLC for the past two years. Our auditor is very professional, knowledgeable, through and honest. The team at Kiwa ASI TSLC has been incredibly supportive and responsive to all questions and to any of our needs. We are very happy with our service and look forward to our continued partnership.
Sunshine Asparagus Farms
We really appreciate the professionalism and support from both the Auditor and the Kiwa ASI TSLC team during our recent CanadaGAP audit. The Auditor was clear, respectful, and thorough. Kiwa ASI TSLC’s guidance was also a big help in keeping everything on track. Thanks to everyone involved for making it a positive and constructive experience.
Delta Country Farms (BC) Ltd
Need the Costco Produce Addendum? We've Got You Covered.
We now offer Costco Produce Addendum audits to support growers, packers, and suppliers meeting Costco's supplier requirements. Our team will guide you through expectations, timing, and audit readiness to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
Whether you're adding the Costco requirement to an existing certification or preparing for your first audit, we provide clear, consistent support every step of the way.
What is CanadaGAP Certification?
CanadaGAP is a HACCP-based food safety certification program designed for the Canadian fresh produce industry. It verifies that companies growing, handling, packing, storing, and wholesaling fresh fruits and vegetables meet nationally recognized standards for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Developed and managed by CanAgPlus, the program covers the entire fresh produce supply chain — from on-farm growing operations through to packing, repacking, storage, wholesale, and brokerage. Several CanadaGAP certification options are recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), which means your certification carries weight not just domestically but with international buyers and retail chains that require GFSI-benchmarked standards.
For most Canadian produce operations selling to major retailers, foodservice distributors, or export markets, CanadaGAP certification is effectively a requirement, not an option.
HACCP-Based Standards
Ensures fresh produce meets GAP and GMP requirements.
Full Supply Chain
Covers growing, packing, storage, wholesale, and brokerage.
GFSI Recognized
Accepted by international buyers and major retail chains.
Market Access
A requirement for selling to Canadian retailers and export markets.
WHO IT'S FOR
Who needs CanadaGAP certification?
CanadaGAP certification applies to any Canadian operation involved in the production, handling, or distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables. If your operation touches fresh produce at any point in the supply chain and your customers require GFSI-recognized or nationally recognized food safety certification, CanadaGAP is the standard built specifically for your industry.
Producers & Growers
Field, Orchard & Vineyard Operations
Operations growing fresh fruits and vegetables in open fields, orchards, vineyards, and other outdoor environments. CanadaGAP covers crop-specific practices including water quality management, soil and growing media, crop protection product application, fertilizer and biosolid use, and field harvesting hygiene. Commodity groups include potatoes, leafy vegetables and cruciferae, small fruit (berries), tree and vine fruit, and combined vegetables (asparagus, sweet corn, legumes, bulb and root vegetables, fruiting vegetables).
Greenhouse Operations
Controlled Environment Produce Growers
Greenhouse facilities producing tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, leafy greens, herbs, and other fresh produce in controlled environments. CanadaGAP provides a dedicated greenhouse manual addressing the unique food safety considerations of controlled-environment agriculture, including irrigation water management, growing media, biological controls, and enclosed facility sanitation.
Packinghouses
Packing & Minimal Processing Facilities
Facilities that receive harvested produce and perform packing operations including washing, sorting, grading, trimming, waxing, and packaging. CanadaGAP covers packinghouse GMP requirements including facility design, sanitation and cleaning programs, pest management, equipment maintenance, temperature control, and water quality for post-harvest handling.
Storage Facilities
Cold Storage & Controlled Atmosphere Operations
Warehouses and cold storage facilities that store fresh produce under refrigerated or controlled atmosphere conditions. CanadaGAP addresses temperature monitoring, facility sanitation, pest management, chemical storage, and inventory management requirements specific to produce storage operations.
Repacking Operations
Repackers & Fresh-Cut Processors
Facilities that receive packed produce and repackage it — including fresh-cut processing, relabeling, and repackaging for retail or foodservice customers. Repacking operations follow the CanadaGAP repacking manual with GMP and HACCP requirements specific to higher-risk post-harvest handling.
Wholesalers
Wholesale Distribution Operations
Wholesale produce distributors managing incoming and outgoing product, cold chain maintenance, and supplier management. CanadaGAP addresses wholesale-specific requirements for product handling, storage conditions, traceability, and food safety documentation.
Brokers
Produce Brokerage Operations
Companies that facilitate the sale and distribution of fresh produce without physically handling the product. CanadaGAP's brokerage manual focuses on supplier management best practices, traceability documentation, and product safety assurance through supply chain oversight.
Note: CanadaGAP certification is particularly critical for operations supplying major Canadian retailers (Loblaw, Sobeys, Metro, Costco, Walmart Canada), foodservice distributors, and exporters shipping to markets that require GFSI-recognized food safety certification.
BENEFITS
What Are the Advantages of CanadaGAP Certification?
Retail & Buyer Access
Most major Canadian retailers and foodservice chains require CanadaGAP as a condition of supply. Certification opens the door to accounts that won't consider uncertified suppliers.
GFSI Recognition
Several CanadaGAP options are GFSI-benchmarked, giving your certification international credibility and acceptance with global buyers and export markets.
Reduced Food Safety Risk
A HACCP-based system identifies and controls biological, chemical, and physical hazards across your entire operation, from field to shipment.
Regulatory Alignment
CanadaGAP aligns with CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) requirements and the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations, keeping your operation inspection-ready.
Consumer Confidence
Certification signals that your produce is grown, handled, and stored under verified food safety controls, strengthening your brand with buyers and consumers.
Continuous Improvement
Annual audits create a cycle of regular evaluation, helping you catch issues early and build a stronger food safety culture across your team.
THE AUDIT
What Does a CanadaGAP Audit Cover?
A CanadaGAP audit is an on-site assessment of your operation’s compliance with the applicable CanadaGAP food safety manuals and audit checklist (currently Version 11.0 for 2026). Audit scope depends on your operation type and commodity — auditors assess against the specific manual sections applicable to your activities.
Key Audit Areas
| Audit Area | Key Focus |
|---|---|
| Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) | Water quality and testing, soil and growing media, crop protection products, fertilizers and biosolids, field harvesting practices, and worker hygiene in production environments |
| Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) | Packinghouse and storage facility design, sanitation and cleaning programs, pest management, equipment maintenance, temperature monitoring, and water quality for post-harvest handling |
| HACCP Food Safety Plan | Hazard analysis, critical control points, monitoring procedures, corrective actions, verification activities, and record-keeping specific to your commodity and operation type |
| Traceability & Recall | Lot identification systems, one-step-forward and one-step-back traceability capability, documented mock recall exercises, and recall procedure documentation |
| Personnel & Training | Staff hygiene practices, food safety training records, visitor policies, protective clothing requirements, and evidence that employees understand contamination prevention responsibilities |
| Suppliers & Incoming Materials | Incoming material verification, approved supplier lists, documentation for purchased inputs (packaging, chemicals, water treatment products), and letters of assurance |
| Documentation & Records | Food safety manual maintenance, forms, receipts, letters of assurance, certificates, and all records retained for a minimum of four years |
Certification Options
CanadaGAP offers seven certification options. The technical food safety requirements are the same across all — what differs is the audit structure and GFSI recognition status.
| Option | Description | GFSI | Audit Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Self-assessment with periodic on-site audit | No | 4-year cycle with random audits in Years 2–4 |
| A2 | Self-assessment with extended cycle after random audit | No | 4-year cycle; extends 4 years from any random audit |
| B | Group certification with central management system | Yes | Annual (internal + external group audits) |
| C | Individual annual on-site audit — production, packing & storage | Yes | Annual on-site audit |
| D | Annual on-site audit — repacking & wholesaling | Yes | Annual on-site audit |
| E | Annual on-site audit — production, packing & storage (non-GFSI) | No | Annual on-site audit |
| F | Annual on-site audit — brokerage operations | No | Annual on-site audit |
Important: Options B, C, and D are GFSI-recognized. If your buyers require GFSI-benchmarked certification, you must be enrolled in one of these three options.
Scoring & Pass Requirements
CanadaGAP uses a percentage-based scoring system with different pass thresholds depending on your certification option:
| Certification Option | Pass Score | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Options B, C, and D | 100% compliance | No autofail items; all non-conformities must be closed within corrective action timelines |
| Options A1 and A2 | 85% minimum | No autofail items |
| Options E and F | 95% minimum | No autofail items |
Autofail Items: Certain checklist items are designated as “autofail” — failure on any autofail item results in automatic audit failure regardless of your overall score. These items address fundamental food safety risks that cannot be left unresolved.
Corrective Action Requirements
45-Day Corrective Action Window: All Corrective Action Requests (CARs) must be implemented within 45 calendar days of receiving the audit report. Operations also have 45 calendar days (or until the end of the season, whichever is sooner) to seek adjustments to their audit score through the corrective actions process.
The auditor and certification body must approve all corrective actions before certification can be issued. In exceptional cases, operations may discuss whether an extension is possible — for example, if a significant capital investment is required.
Unannounced Audit Requirements
For GFSI-recognized certification options (B, C, and D), unannounced audits are part of the program. These audits verify that your operation maintains food safety standards at all times, not just when a scheduled audit is expected.
Prepare for CanadaGAP Certification with Kiwa ASI Training
Build the foundational knowledge your team needs to achieve and maintain CanadaGAP certification. Our live virtual courses are led by industry experts and designed for audit readiness.
HACCP Certification Training
HACCP Certification Training
This live virtual HACCP certification course provides 16 contact hours of comprehensive training over four half-day sessions. Participants learn to develop, implement, and maintain a HACCP plan based on Codex Alimentarius principles — the same HACCP foundation that CanadaGAP requires for all certified operations.
16 Contact Hours
4 Half-Day Sessions
Live Virtual
HACCP Certificate Included
Upcoming Dates — $695 Per Seat
May 11–14, 2026
🕓 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM CT
💻 Live via Zoom · 4 half-days
July 20–23, 2026
🕓 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM CT
💻 Live via Zoom · 4 half-days
Aug 31 – Sep 3, 2026
🕓 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM CT
💻 Live via Zoom · 4 half-days
October 5–8, 2026
🕓 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM CT
💻 Live via Zoom · 4 half-days
December 14–17, 2026
🕓 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM CT
💻 Live via Zoom · 4 half-days
Need to train 6+ people? Ask about on-site private training → | US.Info@kiwa-asi.com
Internal Auditor Training
Internal Audit Food Safety Training
Our course equips your team with the skills for effective internal audits, focusing on practical application to ensure compliance with CanadaGAP requirements. Strengthen your internal audit program to meet CanadaGAP and other GFSI scheme requirements.
6 Contact Hours
1 Full Day
Live Virtual
Certificate Included
Upcoming Dates — $500 Per Seat
July 14, 2026
🕓 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM CT
💻 Live via Zoom · Full day
November 5, 2026
🕓 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM CT
💻 Live via Zoom · Full day
Need to train 6+ people? Ask about on-site private training → | US.Info@kiwa-asi.com
How Should You Prepare for a CanadaGAP Audit?
Whether you're certifying for the first time or preparing for your annual re-audit, a structured approach helps your operation perform at its best. First-time certification preparation typically takes 3–6 months depending on the maturity of your existing food safety systems.
01
Enroll in the Program and Obtain the Manuals
Register with the CanadaGAP program through the official CanadaGAP website (canadagap.ca). Download the food safety manuals applicable to your operation type and commodity — separate manuals exist for fresh fruits and vegetables, greenhouse products, and the appendices. The manuals are available free of charge. Review the chart in the manual that indicates which sections apply to your specific activities (production, packing, storing, repacking, wholesaling, brokerage).
02
Select Your Certification Option
Determine which certification option (A1, A2, B, C, D, E, or F) is right for your operation. If your buyers require GFSI-recognized certification, you must select Option B, C, or D. If you are a single-site producer, packer, or storage facility, Option C is the most common path. Repacking and wholesale operations typically enroll in Option D. Brokerage operations enroll in Option F.
03
Conduct a Self-Assessment or Gap Analysis
Use the CanadaGAP self-assessment checklist to compare your current practices against each requirement. Identify where you meet the standard and where gaps exist. Kiwa ASI offers optional pre-assessment audits to help you with this step — having an experienced auditor walk through your operation before the official audit significantly improves your chances of first-time success.
04
Build or Strengthen Your Food Safety System
Develop or update your HACCP-based food safety plan, standard operating procedures (SOPs), cleaning and sanitation schedules, training records, pest management program, water testing protocols, and traceability procedures. Ensure all documentation meets the CanadaGAP manual requirements for your operation type. Pay particular attention to the commodity-specific hazard analysis requirements in your applicable manual.
05
Train Your Team
Ensure all workers — field crews, packinghouse staff, storage operators, and supervisors — understand food safety procedures, personal hygiene expectations, and how to report issues. Document all training including dates, topics covered, trainer names, and attendee signatures. Training must cover food safety hazards specific to your commodity and operation type.
06
Test Your Traceability System
Run a mock recall exercise to confirm you can trace product one step forward (to the customer) and one step back (to the source). Document the test results, timing, and any corrective actions taken. CanadaGAP auditors will verify that your traceability system can identify and locate product quickly and accurately.
07
Schedule and Complete Your Kiwa ASI Audit
Contact Kiwa ASI to confirm your scope, select your certification option, choose an audit date that aligns with your growing or packing season, and finalize logistics. For seasonal operations, timing your audit during active production allows auditors to observe practices in real time. After the audit, address any corrective action requests within the 45-day corrective action window.
YOU'VE DONE THE PREP WORK
Ready to Schedule Your CanadaGAP Audit?
You know the steps — now let Kiwa ASI handle the rest. Request a quote or talk to our team about timing your audit around your season.
Why Choose Kiwa ASI for CanadaGAP Certification?
Kiwa ASI is a licensed and accredited CanadaGAP certification body with deep roots in the Canadian produce industry. With over 30% of all CanadaGAP certifications nationwide, we bring unmatched expertise and reliability to your certification journey.
Experience
Produce industry expertise
Kiwa ASI auditors have deep, hands-on experience with fresh fruit and vegetable operations across Canada. They understand seasonal pressures, commodity-specific risks, and the practical realities of farm-to-pack operations — bringing real-world industry knowledge to every audit.
Scheduling
Flexible, season-aware scheduling
We know produce operations run on nature's timeline. Kiwa ASI schedules audits around your growing and packing season so certification doesn't compete with your busiest weeks. Our dedicated scheduling team works with you to find dates that minimize operational disruption.
Preparation
Pre-assessments & gap analysis
Optional preliminary audits help you identify non-conformities before the official certification audit. This is especially valuable for first-time applicants looking to maximize their chances of achieving certification on the first attempt.
Support
Clear communication
We provide straightforward audit findings, practical guidance on corrective actions, and ongoing support to help you maintain compliance year-round.
Partnership
Kiwa ASI + TSLC Canada partnership
We've partnered with TSLC Canada to expand CanadaGAP certification services across the country, combining our auditing expertise with TSLC's deep roots in Canadian agriculture to give growers a trusted, streamlined path to certification.
CanadaGAP Certified by Kiwa ASI
With over 30% of all CanadaGAP certifications nationwide, Kiwa ASI is a trusted certification partner for growers, packers, wholesalers, and brokers across Canada. Our public registry of certified companies reflects our commitment to transparency and food safety excellence.
Questions Before You Enroll?
CanadaGAP is a national food safety certification program for the Canadian fresh produce industry, built on HACCP principles and Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs). It is owned and managed by CanAgPlus, a not-for-profit corporation. The program covers companies that produce, handle, pack, repack, store, wholesale, and broker fresh fruits and vegetables. Certification options B, C, and D are recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), providing both domestic and international market acceptance.
Yes — CanadaGAP certification options B (Group Certification), C (Annual On-Site Audit for production, packing and storage), and D (Annual On-Site Audit for repacking and wholesaling) are formally recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative. Options A1, A2, E, and F are valid CanadaGAP certifications but are not GFSI-recognized. If your buyers require GFSI-benchmarked certification, you must be enrolled in Option B, C, or D.
CanadaGAP offers seven certification options (A1, A2, B, C, D, E, F) that share the same technical food safety requirements but differ in audit frequency, structure, and GFSI recognition. Options A1 and A2 use a four-year cycle with self-assessments between audits and require an 85% pass score. Options B, C, and D are GFSI-recognized with annual audits and require 100% compliance. Options E and F are annual audits requiring 95% with no GFSI recognition. Option B is for group certification, Option F is specifically for brokers.
Pass scores depend on your certification option. GFSI-recognized options (B, C, and D) require 100% compliance with the audit checklist and no autofail items. Options A1 and A2 require a minimum score of 85% with no autofail items. Options E and F require a minimum of 95% with no autofail items. Failure on any autofail item results in automatic audit failure regardless of your overall percentage score.
Audit duration varies based on the size and complexity of your operation. A typical on-site audit for a single facility takes one to two days. Duration is confirmed during scheduling based on the scope of your certification, the number of commodities, and the types of operations included (production, packing, storage, etc.).
All corrective action requests must be implemented within 45 calendar days of receiving your audit report. The auditor and certification body must approve your corrective actions before certification is issued. Where corrective action cannot be completed during the current year (for example, if capital investment is required), you must submit a corrective action plan for approval, and implementation will be verified at your next audit.
Costs vary based on your operation's size, complexity, certification option, number of commodities, and location. Additional costs may include CanadaGAP program enrollment fees and travel expenses. Contact Kiwa ASI at 1 (800) 477-0778 or CA.Info.TSLC@kiwa-asi.com for a customized quote tailored to your specific requirements.
The current CanadaGAP food safety manuals are Version 10.0, which became effective April 1, 2023. The corresponding audit checklist is Version 11.0, which took effect April 1, 2026. CanadaGAP updates its manuals annually to reflect industry developments, regulatory changes, and technical improvements. Updated manuals typically take effect on April 1 each year.
Yes. Kiwa ASI offers Costco Produce Addendum audits to support growers, packers, and suppliers meeting Costco's supplier requirements. Whether you're adding the Costco requirement to an existing CanadaGAP certification or preparing for your first audit, our team will guide you through expectations, timing, and audit readiness to ensure a smooth process.
Yes. If you are currently certified with another CanadaGAP certification body, you can transfer your certification to Kiwa ASI. Contact our team to discuss the transfer process, timing, and any documentation requirements. We'll ensure a seamless transition so there's no gap in your certification status.
All consulting services are offered through ASI Training and Consulting, LLC. All activity is conducted separately from our accredited certification body, ASI Food Safety, LLC, in order to safeguard against any conflicts of interest.