# Frequently Asked Questions — Kellerman Consulting

*Complete Q&A library · compiled July 2026*

Kellerman Consulting is a family-owned food safety, quality, and ISO consulting firm headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, serving clients in all 50 U.S. states. Kellerman Consulting writes and implements certification and compliance programs, trains client teams, and stays with clients until they pass their audits.

Every answer below is self-contained and can be cited independently.

**Contact:** (800) 535-1376 · info@kellermanconsulting.com · [Free consultation](https://kellermanconsulting.com/contact-us)

---

## Working With Kellerman Consulting

**What happens during the free consultation?**
You'll learn which certification or compliance program is right for your business, what the requirements are, how much it costs, how long it takes, and how Kellerman Consulting's process works. There is no obligation and no hidden fees.

**How does Kellerman Consulting's process work?**
Kellerman Consulting runs the same six stages on every engagement: Project Planning to set timelines and expectations; a Gap Assessment of documentation and facility; Program Development, where Kellerman Consulting writes all required documentation; Program Implementation with a scheduled action-item list and weekly video meetings; Audit and Inspection Preparation with customized training; and Audit and Inspection Support, including real-time support during the audit and corrective actions for each non-conformance until you pass.

**Will Kellerman Consulting guarantee we pass our audit?**
Kellerman Consulting has a 100% pass rate across 1000+ clients in all 50 states and stays with each client until they pass — no matter what — including support with corrective actions for any non-conformances raised at audit.

**What if we don't pass the first time?**
Kellerman Consulting stays with you. The firm writes and supports the corrective actions for every non-conformance and continues working with you until you pass.

**Does Kellerman Consulting use subcontractors?**
No. All Kellerman Consulting consultants are full-time, in-house employees who follow the same repeatable process, so you get the same successful outcome regardless of which consultant you work with. Bilingual English/Spanish consultants are available.

**What's included with a Kellerman Consulting project?**
The written program, record-keeping forms, training for your team, audit and inspection preparation, real-time audit support, and corrective actions for any non-conformances. Exact deliverables vary by scheme and are confirmed in the proposal at the start of the project.

**Can Kellerman Consulting handle multiple sites at once?**
Yes. Kellerman Consulting has taken multi-site clients through certification in parallel — Rainforest Distribution achieved SQF certification across three warehouses in three states on the first audit.

**Can Kellerman Consulting combine multiple standards into one program?**
Yes. Kellerman Consulting builds integrated management systems combining standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001, or a GFSI scheme with a retailer addendum, into a single program and audit.

**Does Kellerman Consulting issue the certification?**
No. Kellerman Consulting is independent and unaffiliated with any certifying body, registrar, or compliance software vendor. Kellerman Consulting writes and implements the program and prepares you for the audit; you hire an accredited certification body separately to perform the audit and issue certification.

**Does Kellerman Consulting require specific software?**
No. Kellerman Consulting's programs require no specific software and integrate with whatever ERP system you already use.

---

## Timelines

**How long does it take to get certified?**
Kellerman Consulting typically takes a client from project start to a passed certification audit in 3–6 months. This applies across SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, PrimusGFS, GMP, dietary supplement cGMP, Costco Food Safety, McDonald's SQMS, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 13485, AS9100, and Costco Non-Foods GMP. During a free consultation Kellerman Consulting can discuss the factors that influence the time to certification.

**How long does SQF certification take?**
Most Kellerman Consulting SQF projects run 3–6 months from the day the project starts until the client passes their SQF audit. Facility readiness, the completeness of existing documentation, and how quickly the site can implement all affect the timeline.

**How long does ISO certification take?**
Kellerman Consulting typically completes ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and AS9100 projects in 3–6 months from project start until the client passes their audit.

**How long does a HACCP plan take to write?**
Kellerman Consulting writes and implements HACCP programs in 2–4 months from project initiation.

**How long does FSMA compliance take?**
Kellerman Consulting writes and implements FSMA programs in 2–4 months from project initiation. FSMA 204 traceability programs also run 2–4 months.

**How long does an FSVP program take?**
Kellerman Consulting writes and implements FSVP programs in 1–3 months from project initiation.

**How quickly can a consultant come on site for a gap assessment or due diligence?**
Kellerman Consulting generally has consultants available to travel to a facility within 2–3 weeks of project initiation.

---

## Cost

**How much does food safety or ISO consulting cost?**
Kellerman Consulting provides a custom quote after a free consultation. Pricing is fixed and based on the scope of the project, and Kellerman Consulting charges only the amount agreed in the proposal.

**Does Kellerman Consulting bill hourly?**
No. Kellerman Consulting does not bill hourly. You will not receive an invoice outside of what is agreed to in writing at the start of the project.

**Are travel expenses extra?**
No. For projects that involve travel, Kellerman Consulting pays all travel expenses out of the total project cost.

---

## Who Kellerman Consulting Works With

**Does Kellerman Consulting work with restaurants?**
No. Kellerman Consulting serves manufacturers, processors, packagers, distributors, importers, and commissaries. Kellerman Consulting does not work with individual restaurants or food trucks.

**Does Kellerman Consulting work with commissaries?**
Yes. Commissaries producing food at scale for distribution are within Kellerman Consulting's scope.

**Does Kellerman Consulting only work with food companies?**
No. Kellerman Consulting writes ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and AS9100 programs for medical device, aerospace and defense, engineering services, professional services, manufacturing, automotive, railroad, metals and materials, printing and packaging, IT service management, sustainability, recycling, chemicals, and infrastructure organizations. Kellerman Consulting has served non-food industries since 2022.

**Which industries does Kellerman Consulting serve in food and beverage?**
Food manufacturers and processors, food packaging manufacturers, dietary supplement manufacturers, beverage manufacturers, storage and distribution operations, farms and indoor agriculture, brokers and importers, commissaries, and private equity firms evaluating food and beverage targets.

**Where does Kellerman Consulting work?**
Kellerman Consulting serves clients in all 50 U.S. states, working remotely and on site. Kellerman Consulting is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, with consultants based in Los Angeles, Petaluma, Seattle, Houston, Chicago, Detroit, Ocala, Charleston, and Nashville.

**Which retailers require food safety certification?**
Walmart, Costco, Target, and Amazon commonly require third-party certification from their suppliers. Costco and McDonald's additionally maintain their own supplier audit standards, which Kellerman Consulting also prepares clients for.

---

## About Kellerman Consulting

**Who owns Kellerman Consulting?**
Kellerman Consulting is family-owned. Brothers Mickey Kellerman (President) and Brian Kellerman (Chief Quality & Food Safety Officer) founded the firm in August 2016 and still run it.

**How long has Kellerman Consulting been in business?**
Kellerman Consulting was founded in August 2016 and marks its 10-year anniversary in 2026.

**Is Kellerman Consulting certified itself?**
Yes. Kellerman Consulting holds ISO 9001:2015 certification for its own Quality Management System, certificate US021712, and passed its initial certification audit with zero non-conformances. Kellerman Consulting is also an Exemplar Global Recognized Consulting Group and a member of the New York State Food Processors Association.

**What certifications does the Kellerman Consulting team hold?**
Registered SQF Consultants, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, PrimusGFS, Exemplar Global Certified Management System Implementation Consultant, PCQI for human and animal food, FSVP, USDA HACCP, Seafood HACCP, Juice HACCP, Advanced HACCP, Better Process Control School, AFDO Process Authority, Registered Sanitarian, Registered Environmental Health Specialist, ServSafe, Food Defense Manager, ASQ Certified Quality Manager and Certified Quality Auditor, and internal and lead auditor credentials for ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 19011, and AS9100D.

**Does Kellerman Consulting offer free training?**
Yes. Kellerman Consulting publishes more than 100 free food safety and ISO training videos plus free downloadable tools, including risk assessment worksheets, a dietary supplement MMR checklist, a validation and verification log, an FSMA checklist, a CAPA starter kit, an environmental monitoring swab guide, traceability and allergen toolkits, internal audit templates, and KPI spreadsheets. New resources are added at least monthly.

---

# Food Safety Certifications

## SQF
*Source: [/sqf-consulting/](https://kellermanconsulting.com/sqf-consulting/)*

**What is an SQF audit?**
SQFI publishes GFSI-benchmarked food safety and quality codes created to meet customer and regulatory requirements across the food industry. SQF certified sites implement SQF programs in their facility and are audited annually to confirm the program is working and to maintain certification.

**What is an SQF consultant?**
SQF consultants are hired to develop SQF programs tailored to each unique operation so the business can achieve SQF food safety or quality certification. Kellerman Consulting's SQF consultants are registered by SQFI and stay current with SQFI professional training. Your consultant writes your program and trains you to implement and maintain it.

**What is SQF training?**
SQF training teaches food-industry personnel how to implement Food Safety Management Systems based on a GFSI-benchmarked code. SQF programs focus on elements such as management commitment, document control, specification development and regulatory review, vendor approval, the operations and food safety manual, CAPA, non-conformance and customer complaints, recall and crisis management, validation and verification, food defense and food fraud prevention, training, sanitation, calibration and maintenance, and receiving and distribution.

**Is SQF Edition 9 still valid?**
SQF Edition 9 remains valid worldwide. There is a transition period before sites are required to move to SQF Edition 10.

**What are the key updates in SQF Edition 10?**
SQF Edition 10 was published in March 2026. Key updates include food safety culture, with documented objectives, evidence, continuous improvement, and senior management involvement; change management procedures for managing risk from changes in personnel, process, and equipment; document consolidation to streamline and reduce documentation where possible; competency-based training focused on assessment and demonstrated competency rather than attendance alone; and greater emphasis on proactive allergen control.

## BRCGS
*Source: [/brcgs-consulting/](https://kellermanconsulting.com/brcgs-consulting/)*

**What is the difference between BRC and BRCGS?**
The British Retail Consortium created the BRC food standards in the UK. The standards were acquired by LGC Assure and renamed BRCGS, for Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standards. BRC and BRCGS are often used interchangeably in the food industry.

**What is BRCGS?**
BRCGS focuses on quality and safety management assurance for the global supply chain and is benchmarked to GFSI. Many global retailers, manufacturers, and processors require a GFSI-recognized certification such as BRCGS to do business. Certification is available for BRCGS Food Safety, Packaging, Storage & Distribution, and more.

## FSSC 22000
*Source: [/fssc-22000/](https://kellermanconsulting.com/fssc-22000/)*

**What is FSSC 22000?**
FSSC 22000 is a flexible, globally recognized food safety certification scheme benchmarked to GFSI and based on ISO 22000, so it pairs well with ISO management systems. It emphasizes communication and is often used by packaging and chemical companies that already run non-food quality management systems.

**When was FSSC 22000 Version 7 published?**
FSSC 22000 Version 7 was published May 1, 2026. Kellerman Consulting writes and implements V7 programs, or updates an existing V6 program to V7 and trains your team on the changes.

**How long do you have to transition from V6 to V7?**
A 12-month transition period applies. Audits against V6 are permitted until April 30, 2027. Upgrade audits against V7 run from May 1, 2027 to April 30, 2028.

**What are the key updates in FSSC 22000 V7?**
V7 incorporates the new ISO 22002-x series on prerequisite programs, aligns the scheme with GFSI benchmarking requirements 2024, strengthens requirements supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and provides a more defined structure for food-chain subcategories.

## PrimusGFS
*Source: [/primusgfs/](https://kellermanconsulting.com/primusgfs/)*

**What is a PrimusGFS audit?**
PrimusGFS is a GFSI-recognized certification commonly sought by farms, indoor agriculture, packinghouses, cold storage, and food processors. Audits cover the Food Safety Management System, Good Agricultural Practices, Good Manufacturing Practices, prerequisite programs, Good Handling Practices, and HACCP.

**What is the difference between PrimusGFS and SQF?**
Both are GFSI-recognized. SQF has more requirements, is more common, and leans toward risk assessments; PrimusGFS leans more toward standard operating procedures. Kellerman Consulting helps you choose the right scheme during a free consultation.

**What is the difference between SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, and PrimusGFS?**
All four are GFSI-recognized and accepted by major retailers. The right one depends on your products, your facility, your customers, and which scheme your buyers require. Kellerman Consulting helps you choose during a free consultation.

## GMP and cGMP
*Source: [/gmp/](https://kellermanconsulting.com/gmp/)*

**What does a GMP consultant do?**
A GMP consultant provides a written quality and food safety manual tailored to your product, process, and operation, with training to current FDA requirements and to the specific GMP scheme you're certifying against — plus project management, staying with you until you pass.

**What is the difference between GMP and cGMP?**
GMPs, also called prerequisite programs, are the site- and company-specific rules and daily activities that keep products safe. GMP audits have fewer requirements than GFSI audits and are often a stepping stone to GFSI certification. cGMP, or Current Good Manufacturing Practice, is a step up, required for dietary supplement manufacturers, with additional product testing and more thorough quality management systems.

**How do I get GMP or cGMP certified?**
The FDA does not certify, though it provides GMP regulatory oversight for most food manufacturers, with USDA overseeing meat, poultry, and egg products. Being compliant is not the same as being certified — for certification you hire a third-party auditing company to evaluate your practices against the standard. Kellerman Consulting writes and implements the programs tailored to your product and process.

## Dietary Supplement
*Source: [/nsf-dietary-supplement/](https://kellermanconsulting.com/nsf-dietary-supplement/)*

**What is a dietary supplement?**
Dietary supplements are products intended to be consumed in addition to a regular diet, such as probiotics, vitamins, minerals, and herbs. The FDA places nutraceuticals in the same category as dietary supplements and food additives.

**Who is responsible for reviewing dietary supplement products?**
The FDA treats dietary supplements as food, not drugs — avoid disease-treatment or cure claims, which would make the product a drug. The FDA may inspect manufacturing facilities for compliance, and many companies also pursue voluntary third-party certification. Kellerman Consulting writes the program, trains you to implement it, and stays with you until you're certified.

**What is 21 CFR Part 111?**
21 CFR Part 111 is the section of the Code of Federal Regulations covering current Good Manufacturing Practice, packaging, labeling, and holding for dietary supplements. Kellerman Consulting writes a product-specific certification and regulatory compliance program and trains you to follow it to pass your next certification or inspection.

**What is dietary supplement or vitamin certification?**
Because the supplement market is large and competitive, many companies pursue third-party cGMP certification to stand out. NSF's supplement certification is widely recognized, and Kellerman Consulting's team knows what it takes to get products NSF certified. Kellerman Consulting is unaffiliated with any certifying body.

## Costco Food Safety Audit
*Source: [/costco-food-safety-consulting/](https://kellermanconsulting.com/costco-food-safety-consulting/)*

**What is the Costco food safety audit?**
The Costco food safety audit is a third-party audit for any facility that supplies or processes food products for Costco Wholesale. Costco's current expectations are published in the Costco Food Safety GMP Audit V3.0 and Global Costco Food Safety Audit Expectations V3.0, published September 1, 2025. Kellerman Consulting writes and implements your program to the up-to-date requirements — including the Costco addendum for GFSI-recognized programs, the Costco Food Safety Audit program, and the Small Supplier Audit program — and prepares you for an announced or unannounced audit.

## McDonald's Supplier Quality Management System
*Source: [/mcdonalds-supplier-quality-management-system-consulting/](https://kellermanconsulting.com/mcdonalds-supplier-quality-management-system-consulting/)*

**What is the McDonald's SQMS audit?**
McDonald's suppliers of raw materials and food must comply with McDonald's food safety and quality standards. Accepted standards include McDonald's GLOBALG.A.P., the Supplier Quality Management System, Good Manufacturing Practices, and the Distributor Quality Management Process. While an SQMS audit can be a standalone audit, it is typically conducted as an add-on addendum to a GFSI food manufacturing standard audit such as SQF, BRCGS, or PrimusGFS.

## Costco Non-Foods GMP
*Source: [/costco-non-foods-gmp/](https://kellermanconsulting.com/costco-non-foods-gmp/)*

**What is the Costco Non-Foods factory GMP audit?**
The Costco Non-Foods factory GMP audit is a Good Manufacturing Practices audit required for all factories and packaging operations making non-food products for Costco Wholesale. The factory GMP audits are site-specific and are not connected to specific products. Passing makes you a Costco-approved supplier.

---

# ISO Certifications

## ISO 9001
*Source: [/iso-9001/](https://kellermanconsulting.com/iso-9001/)*

**What is ISO certification?**
The International Organization for Standardization develops international standards that apply to businesses such as medical devices, aerospace and defense, engineering services, professional services, infrastructure, manufacturing, automotive, railroads, metals and materials, printing and packaging, IT service management, sustainability, recycling, and chemicals. Companies get certified to demonstrate they perform in line with ISO standards. ISO does not perform certification audits itself — you hire an accredited certification body to complete the audit.

**What is ISO 9001?**
ISO 9001 is an individual standard outlining the requirements for quality management systems. ISO 9001:2015 is the most commonly recognized global QMS certification standard and applies broadly to food and non-food businesses — it is the most versatile QMS standard.

**How do I get ISO certified?**
You hire an independent third-party certification body to evaluate your practices against the ISO standard. Companies often engage ISO consulting support to prepare. Kellerman Consulting is independent and unaffiliated with any certifying body or software company, and provides programs and training tailored to your organization to prepare you to pass your third-party audit.

## ISO 14001
*Source: [/iso-14001-consulting/](https://kellermanconsulting.com/iso-14001-consulting/)*

**Who should get ISO 14001 certified?**
ISO 14001 is an Environmental Management System standard that benefits businesses of all types by demonstrating commitment to sustainability and environmental management. It is common in automotive, electronics, engineering, telecommunications, and construction.

**What are the benefits of ISO 14001 certification?**
ISO 14001 certification can save money through efficient use of water and energy, help you comply with environmental regulations, and improve your reputation with stakeholders.

**What are the key changes in ISO 14001:2026?**
ISO 14001:2026 has been published. Key changes include a focus on climate change and sustainability; easier integration with ISO 9001 and ISO 45001, with clearer examples for small and medium-sized businesses; emphasis on environmental impact across the supply chain and increased accountability for externally provided products, services, and processes; clearer identification of the required inputs for internal auditing; and greater emphasis on employee engagement, leadership, and environmental responsibility.

## ISO 45001
*Source: [/iso-45001-consulting/](https://kellermanconsulting.com/iso-45001-consulting/)*

**Who should get ISO 45001 certified?**
Businesses wanting to demonstrate a commitment to workplace safety and manage occupational health and safety risks. Companies in higher-risk industries — construction, mining, oil and gas, healthcare, and manufacturing — often pursue it alongside other ISO certifications.

**What are the benefits of ISO 45001 certification?**
Reported benefits include improved employee safety, fewer workplace accidents, improved business reputation, and increased employee satisfaction.

## Integrated ISO

**What is an integrated ISO audit?**
An integrated ISO audit is a voluntary certification process combining multiple management systems based on different ISO standards — commonly ISO 9001 for quality, ISO 14001 for environmental management, and ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety. Kellerman Consulting writes and implements integrated ISO programs.

## ISO 13485
*Source: [/iso-13485-consulting/](https://kellermanconsulting.com/iso-13485-consulting/)*

**What types of companies get ISO 13485 certified?**
Companies involved in the design, production, installation, storage, development, and servicing of medical devices, and businesses that supply services to medical device manufacturers. ISO 13485 is a well-recognized international standard specific to the medical device industry.

**How is the medical device industry regulated in the United States?**
The FDA regulates the medical device industry. Manufacturers must seek FDA approval by showing a device is safe and effective before it can be sold in the U.S.

**What is the difference between ISO 13485 and FDA Part 820?**
ISO 13485 is an international, voluntary certification; 21 CFR Part 820 is specific to the United States and mandatory for medical device distribution there. In January 2024 the FDA published a final rule aligning its Quality System Regulation with ISO 13485 — the updated Part 820, called the QMSR, is effective February 2, 2026.

**Is ISO 13485 mandatory?**
ISO 13485 is not mandatory, but retailers and businesses in the medical device supply chain may require ISO 13485 certification before doing business with you.

## AS9100
*Source: [/as9100-consulting/](https://kellermanconsulting.com/as9100-consulting/)*

**What types of companies get AS9100 certified?**
Any business in the aviation, space, and defense supply chain — aircraft manufacturers and maintenance companies, parts and components manufacturers, R&D businesses, engineering and technical design providers, and service providers to the aerospace industry.

**What is the difference between AS9100 and ISO 9001?**
AS9100 includes all the requirements of ISO 9001 and adds aerospace- and defense-specific requirements. It is specialized for aviation, space, and defense and generally not applicable to other industries.

**What is the difference between AS9100, AS9110, and AS9120?**
AS9100 is the foundational standard for organizations that design and manufacture aerospace products. AS9110 is for organizations providing maintenance and repair services. AS9120 is for distributors of aerospace parts within the aviation, space, and defense supply chain.

**Is AS9100 certification mandatory?**
AS9100 certification is not legally required, but it is a voluntary certification businesses often need in order to participate in the aviation, space, and defense industry.

## Quality Management Systems
*Source: [/quality-management-consulting-with-kellerman-consulting/](https://kellermanconsulting.com/quality-management-consulting-with-kellerman-consulting/)*

**What is a QMS?**
The American Society for Quality defines a quality management system as a formalized system that documents processes, procedures, and responsibilities for achieving quality policies and objectives. Kellerman Consulting writes and implements a QMS tailored to your organization and to the certification scheme you choose.

**What is the ISO 9000 family?**
ISO 9000 is a family of quality management system standards spanning many industries. ISO 9001:2015 is the most commonly recognized global QMS standard and applies to food and non-food businesses alike. Kellerman Consulting writes and implements ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 45001, ISO 14001, AS9100, and integrated ISO programs.

**What are the elements of a quality management system?**
A QMS focuses on business process management, leadership and management review, customer support, developing people, continuous improvement, and using evidence to support decision-making. GFSI food safety schemes pair well with QMS schemes like ISO. No specific software is required, and the systems integrate with any ERP software.

---

# Food Safety Compliance

## HACCP
*Source: [/haccp/](https://kellermanconsulting.com/haccp/)*

**What does HACCP mean?**
HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point. The FDA defines it as a management system addressing food safety through the analysis and control of biological, chemical, and physical hazards across production, procurement, handling, manufacturing, distribution, and consumption.

**What is a HACCP consultant?**
Kellerman Consulting's HACCP consultants follow the full 12-step HACCP process: consulting with your team, building and validating a flow diagram, conducting the hazard analysis, determining critical control points, establishing critical limits, establishing corrective actions and verification procedures, and establishing documentation and recordkeeping — then training you to follow the facility-specific program. Plans are written to be approved by FDA, USDA, and state inspectors.

## FSMA
*Source: [/fsma-consulting/](https://kellermanconsulting.com/fsma-consulting/)*

**What does FSMA stand for?**
FSMA stands for the Food Safety Modernization Act, law since 2011 and enforced by the FDA to prevent foodborne illness. It applies to domestic and foreign food businesses with limited exceptions. Rules under FSMA include the Preventive Controls rules for human and animal food, the Produce Safety rule, and the FSVP rule.

**What are the five key elements of FSMA?**
Preventive controls, a food defense plan, a food fraud plan, an operational and food safety training program, and a Good Manufacturing Practice program.

**What are the five preventive controls?**
The food safety plan covering process controls, food allergen controls, sanitation controls, supply-chain controls, and a recall plan.

**Who needs to be PCQI certified?**
The FDA requires businesses that manufacture and handle human or animal food to employ at least one Preventive Controls Qualified Individual. PCQI certification requires completing an FSPCA-accredited PCQI training course; the PCQI is responsible for implementing and maintaining food safety plans.

## FSMA 204
*Source: [/fsma-204-consulting/](https://kellermanconsulting.com/fsma-204-consulting/)*

**What does FSMA 204 stand for?**
FSMA Section 204(d) is the FDA's Food Traceability Final Rule, "Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods." It adds traceability recordkeeping requirements for businesses that manufacture, process, pack, or hold foods on the Food Traceability List. Most major retailers are requiring compliance ahead of the FDA's own timeline.

**What foods are on the Food Traceability List?**
The list covers certain cheeses — those made from pasteurized milk that are fresh soft, soft unripened, soft ripened, or semi-soft, and certain cheeses made from unpasteurized milk other than hard cheese; shell eggs; nut butters; fresh cucumbers, herbs, leafy greens, melons, peppers, sprouts, tomatoes, and tropical tree fruits; fresh-cut fruits and vegetables; fresh and frozen finfish; refrigerated and frozen smoked finfish; fresh and frozen crustaceans; fresh and frozen bivalve molluscan shellfish; and refrigerated ready-to-eat deli salads.

**What is a traceability plan?**
A traceability plan is a written method describing how a business tracks the movement and exchange of products through the supply chain. The food industry requires companies to quickly identify specific lots and batches of finished products and ingredients and to help coordinate removal of contaminated products when necessary. Identifying each traceability lot is key to compliance and consumer protection.

**What is Electronic Data Interchange?**
Electronic Data Interchange is a method for sharing business documents electronically between organizations. EDI is not required by FSMA 204, but it may be required to do business with larger food-industry companies. Kellerman Consulting provides EDI guidance and EDI and SSCC setup assistance, plus annual assessments, trace exercises, and mock recall assistance.

**What is a Serial Shipping Container Code?**
A Serial Shipping Container Code is an 18-digit number that identifies a shipping unit such as a carton, pallet, or container, used to track shipments through the supply chain. Kellerman Consulting provides SSCC setup assistance and related trace and mock recall support.

## FSVP
*Source: [/fsvp-consulting/](https://kellermanconsulting.com/fsvp-consulting/)*

**What is FSVP?**
FSVP is the Foreign Supplier Verification Program. To be compliant, importers need a documented FSVP program. Kellerman Consulting writes and implements your FSVP, trains you, and helps you pass your next inspection.

**Who needs an FSVP program?**
A Foreign Supplier Verification Program is required for any business importing or consigning food that is imported. If you own, purchase, or have agreed to purchase the food at the time of U.S. entry, you need an FSVP program. Even if you are only importing samples into the United States, you are still required to have an FSVP program.

**What are common FDA findings for FSVP?**
Common issues identified during FSVP inspections include missing or inadequately written FSVP programs — failure to develop and implement a hazard analysis or a written verification program for each imported food or dietary supplement; insufficient supplier approval programs — failure to evaluate a foreign supplier's food safety program or verify that they operate in compliance with U.S. standards; a lack of verification activities, such as insufficient test results or certification paperwork from the foreign supplier; and missing or deficient records — failure to maintain thorough, up-to-date, and accessible documentation demonstrating FSVP compliance.

---

# On-Site Assessments

## Gap Analysis
*Source: [/gap-analysis/](https://kellermanconsulting.com/gap-analysis/)*

**What is the difference between a gap analysis and an internal audit?**
A gap analysis is typically performed before putting a new process or standard in place, identifying areas to improve prior to implementing a new compliance process or certification standard. An internal audit verifies whether a company's existing processes and procedures are working correctly to comply with requirements. Kellerman Consulting performs both.

**What are the three key parts of a gap analysis?**
The current state, the desired state, and the gap between them. A gap analysis provides an outside perspective on how a business or project is currently progressing.

**What is the difference between a gap analysis and a risk assessment?**
A gap analysis identifies potential areas for improvement against a set of rules or requirements. A risk assessment identifies and prioritizes areas of risk so steps can be taken to mitigate them. Risk assessment policies and procedures are included as part of food safety and quality certification programs.

## Internal Audits
*Source: [/internal-audit-consulting/](https://kellermanconsulting.com/internal-audit-consulting/)*

**What is an internal audit?**
An internal audit is an independent investigation, performed by or for the organization, into documentation and monitoring actions to determine whether the audited program is functioning as intended. It is a master verification action required by GFSI schemes including SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, and PrimusGFS, by QMS schemes such as ISO, and by GMP and GDP schemes.

**Why hire an outside firm for internal audits?**
Certification schemes require that employees don't audit their own work, to eliminate the risk of fraud. Having Kellerman Consulting perform your internal audit provides an external review that satisfies this independence requirement, with a written report of non-conformance findings and follow-up support.

## Risk Assessments
*Source: [/risk-assessments/](https://kellermanconsulting.com/risk-assessments/)*

**What are food safety risk assessments?**
Food safety risk assessment is the process of identifying hazards — a snapshot of the organization's current measures to control risks. Food safety risk assessments help prevent contamination by identifying and assessing hazards before food reaches the consumer, and help identify measures to mitigate risk.

**What is an ISO risk analysis?**
ISO provides guidelines to structure the risk assessment process — identifying and evaluating possible risks, determining their likelihood, and highlighting strategies to manage them. Assessing and controlling risk is key to quality control.

**What is a risk matrix?**
A risk matrix is a visual grid that assesses potential risks by plotting their likelihood of occurrence against the severity of their consequences, helping companies prioritize which risks to address first.

## Private Equity Due Diligence
*Source: [/due-diligence-consulting/](https://kellermanconsulting.com/due-diligence-consulting/)*

**What is a food safety and quality private equity due diligence assessment?**
A food safety and quality private equity due diligence assessment is an on-site assessment for investors acquiring, or evaluating as a third-party vendor, a food or quality operation. Kellerman Consulting visits the sites, reviews food safety and quality program documentation and operations, and delivers a written report of findings and recommendations — with follow-up meetings — to help investors identify risks, inform the deal, and protect the investment. If desired, Kellerman Consulting can then rewrite or fill gaps in the acquisition target's documentation after the acquisition is completed.

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## Maintenance Appendix — Dated Content

Some answers above reference specific scheme editions, versions, and effective dates. These will go stale as standards are revised. This index exists so they can be located and updated in one pass whenever a new edition is published.

| Answer | Dated claim | Review when |
|---|---|---|
| Is SQF Edition 9 still valid? | Edition 9 valid; transition period to Edition 10 in progress | SQFI announces the Edition 9 sunset date |
| What are the key updates in SQF Edition 10? | Edition 10 published March 2026 | Edition 11 is announced |
| When was FSSC 22000 Version 7 published? | V7 published May 1, 2026 | V8 is announced |
| How long do you have to transition from V6 to V7? | V6 audits permitted until April 30, 2027; V7 upgrade audits May 1, 2027 – April 30, 2028 | After April 30, 2028 |
| What are the key updates in FSSC 22000 V7? | Aligns with GFSI benchmarking requirements 2024 | GFSI publishes new benchmarking requirements |
| What are the key changes in ISO 14001:2026? | ISO 14001:2026 published | Next ISO 14001 revision |
| What is the difference between ISO 13485 and FDA Part 820? | QMSR effective February 2, 2026 | Effective date passes — revise to past tense |
| What is the Costco food safety audit? | Costco GMP Audit V3.0 and Global Expectations V3.0, published September 1, 2025 | Costco publishes V4.0 |
| How long has Kellerman Consulting been in business? | Founded August 2016; 10-year anniversary 2026 | Annually |
| Client and project counts | 1000+ clients, 1250+ projects | Annually, or when the milestone changes |

**Updating this file:** the supplemental file is uploaded through the LLMS Amplifier dashboard and can be replaced without changing its URL, so a revised version can be swapped in at any time. Where the same dated fact also appears on a public service page or in the site's FAQ schema, update all three together so they don't disagree.

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**Kellerman Consulting** · 977 S Remington Rd, Columbus, OH 43209 · (800) 535-1376 · info@kellermanconsulting.com
Serving all 50 U.S. states · ISO 9001:2015 certified · Exemplar Global Recognized Consulting Group
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*Last Updated: July 2026*