The BRCGS Food Safety standard was introduced in 1998 by the British Retail Consortium to create a comprehensive framework for food safety.
Since then, it has been updated several times to meet the changing needs of the food industry, with major updates in 2005, 2008, 2018, and the latest in August 2022. These updates keep the standard relevant and effective in ensuring food safety and quality.
Based on general food safety principles, it focuses on meeting regulations and managing risks within the food sector.
The standard applies to all stages of food production, from making food to packaging it. Widely recognised, it helps organisations maintain high safety standards, ensure product and process quality, and build consumer trust.
BRCGS Food Safety certification shows a commitment to high food safety standards in production, processing or packaging. Key requirements for certification include:
BRCGS Food Safety certification shows that your organisation’s Food Safety Management System meets the standard’s requirements. It gives customers, stakeholders, and regulators confidence that you consistently produce high-quality food products.
To get certified, follow these steps:
Originally, BRC stood for British Retail Consortium. The organisation rebranded to BRCGS, where GS stands for Global Standards, to reflect its global reach and the breadth of its standards beyond just the retail sector.
BRC originally stood for the British Retail Consortium, a trade association representing UK retailers. BRC developed standards for product safety and quality.
BRCGS, or BRC Global Standards, is the updated name reflecting its further international reach and focus. BRCGS develops and manages global safety and quality standards across various sectors, including food, packaging and consumer products. It provides a framework for manufacturers to produce safe, high-quality products, with certification helping to verify compliance.
Essentially, BRCGS is the global version of the original BRC standards.
BRCGS (BRC Global Standards) and HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) both relate to food safety.
While both are important in food safety, BRC covers a wider range of operational standards. The BRCGS standard requires businesses to implement a comprehensive HACCP plan as part of their Food Safety Management System. The integration of HACCP within BRCGS certification underscores its importance in achieving global food safety compliance.
ISO (The International Organization for Standardization) develops international standards across various industries, promoting best practices globally. BRCGS focuses specifically on food safety standards, providing detailed frameworks for compliance in food production and packaging.
While ISO covers a broad spectrum of industries and sectors, BRCGS is specifically tailored to help businesses provide high food safety and quality standards.
BRCGS certification is not mandatory, but it is highly valued.
Many retailers and food companies require suppliers to be BRCGS-certified to demonstrate high food safety standards and quality. Achieving certification can enhance market access, build stakeholder and customer trust, and demonstrate compliance with global best practices.
