What Certifications Do You Need to Work in a Food Plant?
Food manufacturing is one of the most stable industries to build a career in. With growing demand for packaged foods, beverages, and ready-to-eat products, plants are hiring across entry-level and leadership roles. But many candidates ask the same question: “Do I need certifications to work in a food plant?”
The good news is that not every role requires formal credentials. However, having the right certifications can make you more competitive, open doors to higher-paying jobs, and help you move up quickly.
At Top Quality Recruitment, we place candidates across the food and packaged goods industry every day. Here are the top certifications employers look for in food plant workers.
1. HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point)
HACCP is the gold standard in food safety. This certification shows you understand how to identify, monitor, and control potential food safety risks.
Who needs it: Supervisors, QA staff, and anyone involved in food safety programs.
Why it matters: Most employers require HACCP-trained employees to meet audit and compliance standards.
2. GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)
GMP certification ensures you understand the basics of hygiene, sanitation, and proper handling of food products. Many plants offer in-house GMP training, but having this certification on your résumé is a plus.
Who needs it: Line operators, production workers, and supervisors.
Why it matters: GMP is foundational to every food plant and is often a minimum requirement.
3. SQF (Safe Quality Food)
SQF is a globally recognized food safety and quality program. While often held by managers and QA staff, more plants are encouraging frontline workers to get SQF training as well.
Who needs it: QA specialists, supervisors, and management.
Why it matters: SQF-certified professionals help companies maintain higher audit scores and compliance.
4. Forklift & Equipment Licenses
Food plants rely on forklifts, pallet jacks, and specialized machinery. Having a forklift license (or being willing to get one) is a big advantage for production and warehouse roles.
Who needs it: Material handlers, warehouse staff, operators.
Why it matters: Certified operators reduce safety risks and increase efficiency on the floor.
5. First Aid & WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System)
Basic safety certifications like First Aid and WHMIS (in Canada) or OSHA safety training (in the U.S.) make you more versatile and valuable in a plant setting.
Who needs it: All employees benefit, but especially supervisors and safety leads.
Why it matters: Plants prioritize workers who can help maintain a safe environment.
Final Takeaway
While not every food plant job requires certifications, having HACCP, GMP, SQF, forklift licenses, or safety training will set you apart from other candidates. These credentials not only help you get hired faster, but they also position you for career advancement into supervisory or quality assurance roles.
At Top Quality Recruitment, we help candidates find rewarding careers in food manufacturing and connect employers with certified, job-ready talent.
