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BRCGS Food Safety

The global standard for safer food production and processing

BRCGS Food Safety is a standard for food production and processing businesses. It helps to protect consumers by establishing rigorous safety and quality criteria and supporting compliance with regulatory requirements.

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What Is BRCGS Food Safety?

BRCGS Food Safety is a global standard that helps companies in the food industry create a strong Food Safety Management System (FSMS) to manage food safety.

It makes sure organisations consistently meet customer and regulatory demands by focusing on food quality, safety, and risk management.

Following this standard helps businesses improve their work processes, lower risks, and make their food products safer and of better quality.

Any company that makes, processes or packages food can use it, no matter their size.

Getting BRCGS Food Safety certification shows a commitment to high food safety standards and helps build trust with customers and partners by proving you follow food safety regulations.

What is BRCGS Food Safety

Understanding BRCGS Food Safety

BRCGS Food Safety has become a global benchmark for quality and safety in the food industry. Many companies seek this certification to make their operations more efficient and improve food product safety.

It was the first standard to be recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and is regularly updated to include the latest food safety practices.

The newest version – issue 9 – focuses on better risk management and stronger food safety protocols to help companies meet industry standards.

Understanding BRCGS Food Safety

Who Needs BRCGS Food Safety?

The BRCGS Food Safety standard is important for any business that makes, processes, or packages food.

Using this standard helps companies meet strict regulatory and customer requirements, which builds trust with consumers. It also helps streamline operations, reduce risks, and improve production processes. 

Achieving BRCGS certification is especially useful for businesses wanting to enter new markets or improve their reputation. It shows they take food safety seriously. The standard involves everyone in the company, with a focus on managing risks and getting senior management involved.

With certifications in over 130 countries, BRCGS Food Safety helps food businesses work better and make safer products, making it easier to sell around the world.

Who needs BRCGS Food Safety

Benefits of BRCGS Food Safety

The BRCGS Food Safety Standard offers many advantages for food businesses:

  • Regulatory compliance – Helps meet international food safety regulations.
  • Risk management – Provides a system to identify and reduce risks during production.
  • Improved food safety – Sets high safety and quality standards across food products.
  • Brand reputation – Strengthens your brand by following best food safety practices.
  • Customer confidence – Boosts trust with clients by showing a commitment to food safety and quality.
  • Market access – Makes it easier to sell in global markets that require BRCGS certification.
  • Supply chain assurance – Improves traceability and transparency within the supply chain.
Benefits of BRCGS Food Safety

The BRCGS Food Safety Standard Explained

BRCGS Food Safety Specification

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 Requirements

BRCGS Food Safety certification shows a commitment to high food safety standards in production, processing or packaging. Key requirements for certification include:

  • Hazard and risk analysis – Use a HACCP plan to find and control food safety risks.
  • Food Safety Management System – Maintain an FSMS that covers all parts of food production and handling. 
  • Site standards – Make sure facilities are clean and meet operational standards to avoid contamination.
  • Product control – Manage allergen risks and test products for safety and quality.
  • Process control – Follow documented procedures for consistent and safe production.
  • Personnel training – Provide ongoing staff training on food safety practices.
  • Supplier management – Monitor suppliers to check that all materials meet safety and quality standards.

BRCGS Food Safety Certification

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:

  • Getting started – Read the standard, Interpretation Guideline and relevant Additional Modules. Contact us to discuss your application.
  • Learn – If desired, attend BRCGS Academy training for practical help with implementation. 
  • Review – Conduct a self-assessment gap analysis with the Standard. Assemble and train a team for implementation, and consider hiring a consultant if needed.
  • Prepare – Create an action plan from the self-assessment, conduct risk assessments, establish control points, prepare procedures, and perform internal audits.
  • Plan audit – Schedule an audit with us, ensuring staff availability and readiness.
  • On-site audit – The audit will review your FSMS implementation by examining procedures, documentation, and staff interviews.
  • Non-conformities and corrective action – Fix any non-conformities with corrective actions and root cause analysis within 28 days post-audit.
  • Certification – We review non-conformities and finalise the audit report. If successful, certification is issued within 42 calendar days from the start of the audit.

Learn More About BRCGS Food Safety Certification

BRCGS Food Safety Standard FAQs

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