What is it?

The BRC Global Standard for Food Safety is an international standard for Food Safety Management Systems. This standard sets out food safety and quality requirements that must be met by food businesses seeking BRC certification. The BRC scheme requires organisations to implement systems such as HACCP, GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and GHP (Good Hygiene Practice).  Compliance with the guidelines set out in the BRC helps to establish an effective Food Safety Management System. The BRC certificate is recognised by the GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative), which offers opportunities to expand one’s business network. Many companies in the food industry require their suppliers to hold a certificate recognised by the GFSI. Holding a BRC certificate demonstrates to customers that the organisation makes every effort to ensure that the food it produces and supplies is safe and meets stringent requirements and high-quality criteria.

There are various types of BRC schemes, which reflect the nature of a company’s operations.

The BRC family of standards includes:

BRC FOOD – a standard setting out requirements for manufacturers of private-label retail products (basic products), processed food, or food and ingredients used in other sectors of the food industry. Only those products that are manufactured and stored on the premises of the production facility are subject to certification.

The current version of the BRC FOOD standard is version 9.

BRC IOP (BRC P&PM) (Packaging and Packaging Materials) is an extension of the core BRC standard. It sets out the technical requirements to be met by companies whose activities involve the manufacture or supply of packaging intended primarily for food products. Compliance with BRC IOP requirements guarantees the highest safety of the packaging produced and enables compliance with legal and hygiene requirements relating to food safety.

The current version of BRC IOP (P&PM) is version 6.

BRC CP (Consumer Products) – is a BRC standard aimed at companies involved in the production of ‘non-food’ products, i.e. products intended directly for the end consumer. Items classified as ‘non-food’ include, amongst others: cosmetics, textiles, glassware, household chemicals, clothing, kitchenware, household appliances, etc.

The current version of BRC CP is version 4.

BRC Agents & Brokers – is a standard designed for companies providing procurement, transport or distribution services for products within the supply chain. Agents and brokers also play a role in ensuring the safety of products supplied by suppliers.

The current version of the BRC Agents & Brokers standard is version 3.

BRC Storage & Distribution – this standard sets out best practices for the storage and distribution of products. The aim of the standard is to ensure an efficient and safe logistics chain. 

The current version of BRC Storage & Distribution is version 4.

Who is it for?

The BRC system is aimed at any organisation operating in the food industry. 

Benefits

• Increased customer satisfaction;
• Attracting new customers (many organisations work exclusively with companies holding GFSI-recognised certificates);
• Enhanced safety for customers, suppliers and consumers;
• Application of best practices in Food Safety Management;
• Effective monitoring and improvement of the Food Safety Management System;
• Compliance with legal requirements regarding food safety;
• Reduced risk of penalties for non-compliance;