BRC Global Standard for Food Safety: First published in 1998 by the British retailers' association as the BRC Standard. The standard is adopted by food suppliers worldwide.
Process Overview
Following a BRC food audit, organizations that have met the requirements of the standard are entitled to receive one of two types of certificate, valid for either 6 months or 1 year. The certificate duration is determined by the grade the organization receives in the audit. The BRCGS Food Safety Standard has 5 grades: AA, A, B, C and D.
AA is the highest grade; for organizations certified at grade AA, A or B, the certificate is issued with a validity of 1 year. For the other grades, this period is 6 months. A renewal audit must be carried out before 12 months or 6 months, respectively, have passed since the date of the first audit.
What Are the Criteria of the BRC Food Safety Standard?
To demonstrate compliance with these standards, supplier companies must meet certain criteria. These criteria are divided into 6 main groups, listed as follows. 1. HACCP Hazard Analysis 2. Critical Control Points Management System 3. Quality Management System 4. Site Environment Standards 5. Product Control 6. Process Control, Personnel Competence and Hygiene Standards
What Benefits Does BRCGS Provide?
- Increases consumer confidence in suppliers.
- Builds strong ties with the retail distribution network.
- Increases production efficiency.
- Minimizes significant food risks.
- Offers a broad scope covering quality, hygiene and product safety.
- Ensures effective control of internal processes and minimizes the risk of errors.
- Brings a proactive approach to food safety.
BRCGS — frequently asked questions
What Is BRCGS?
In 1998, the British Retail Consortium (BRC), the British retailers' association, developed the BRC Technical Standard for Food, taking the needs of the industry into account.
The purpose of the BRC Standard is to evaluate manufacturers that produce food under the own brands of the retailers they supply. The BRC Standard was created so that retailers and food brand owners exercise the necessary care regarding safety and quality, and so that a minimum hygiene standard is ensured in food production facilities.
Who Can Obtain the BRCGS Certificate?
You should determine which BRC certificate is appropriate for your sector.
- BRC Food – Food Manufacturers
- BRC/IoP – Packaging Manufacturers
- BRC CPS – Consumer Products
- BRC Storage and Distribution – Storage and Distribution Organizations
- BRC Non GM – Non-GMO Products
What Is the Certification Process for the BRC Food Safety System?
Planning
Obtaining BRC Global Standard certification can be a major challenge for some companies. Companies that want to be certified should plan ahead, knowing what is required before a certification audit is arranged, so that they are well prepared.
Preparation
Evaluating the BRC Standard and its suitability for your company's needs. BRC can help with good implementation, and guidance documents on using the standards have also been published for some sectors. Obtaining the BRC Global Standards.
To help with the implementation of the BRC Global Standards, BRC has developed a wide range of practical training courses. These trainings are provided by our company.
Assessment
Before the audit, the company must have prepared its practices against the requirements of the existing system and the standard. You can set up the BRC system yourself, or if you cannot, you can request services from our company. In BRC, preparations for the audits at the relevant grade are evaluated.
NBC Global Certification APPLICATION
When applying to NBC Global Certification, you should describe in detail the work your company does. The process is then started by completing the Application Form for the necessary audit.
Audit
The audit is carried out by auditors on a date agreed with your company. NBC Global Certification accompanies you throughout this process.
Corrective Actions
Any nonconformity identified during the audit is closed within a maximum of 28 days.
Certification Decision
The Certification Body reviews the audit report together with the auditor's documents and the corrective action documents submitted for the certification decision.
Issuing of the Report and Certificate
The audit team prepares the report. The BRC certificate is issued on the basis of these reports.
