BRCGS Gluten-Free was first published in 2011 and the current issue, Issue 4, was published in February 2024.
The standard is specifically designed to help food businesses deliver gluten-free products. It was created to meet the growing need for trusted gluten-free product safety and to extend the reach of quality management internationally.
The standard fits well with existing Food Safety Management Systems, including HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points), which is essential for identifying and controlling food safety hazards.
BCRGS Gluten-Free also aligns with the Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS) standards, which are crucial for maintaining strict gluten-free requirements across Europe.
This integration provides a structured approach to managing gluten-free product quality across various food production and distribution industries.
The BRCGS Gluten-Free certification has a number of requirements to guide you in establishing a robust management system for gluten-free product integrity. The standard focuses on several key requirements to achieve this:
Meeting these requirements will help your business reduce the chances of gluten contamination and increase customer and stakeholder trust.
Achieving BRCGS Gluten-Free certification is not a standalone process. Organisations typically need to have a strong Food Safety Management System in place, such as HACCP, and then implement the BRCGS Gluten-Free Standard as an extension to aid gluten-free integrity.
Certification shows that your Gluten-Free Management System meets the required standards, giving customers and partners confidence that you consistently produce safe, compliant, gluten-free products.
To achieve certification, follow these steps:
The BRCGS Gluten-Free standard is important for food businesses that produce or handle gluten-free products because it helps ensure product integrity and safety.
By following this standard, companies can meet strict consumer expectations and regulatory requirements, boosting their brand reputation and earning consumer trust.
In a market where gluten-free claims are carefully checked, certification shows a commitment to quality and safety, which helps maintain a competitive edge and maintain customer loyalty.
The BRCGS Gluten-Free standard helps businesses manage gluten contamination risks by providing a structured framework for identifying, assessing, and mitigating these risks during production.
Companies must conduct comprehensive risk assessments and implement preventive measures, such as segregated production areas and rigorous cleaning protocols. These actions help businesses deliver gluten-free products that consistently meet safety and quality standards.
By following these practices, businesses can lower the chance of contamination and safeguard their brand’s reputation.
The BRCGS Gluten-Free standard is applicable to manufacturers, processers and packers of gluten-free products.
Businesses of any size looking to improve the integrity of their gluten-free offerings and meet both market and regulatory demands would benefit from obtaining this certification. By doing so, they can enhance their credibility and appeal in the growing gluten-free market segment.
Maintaining compliance with the BRCGS Gluten-Free standard involves several requirements, including regular internal audits and management reviews to verify compliance with the standard’s requirements.
Organisations must keep detailed records of all processes and procedures and regularly train staff to keep them aware of the latest best practices and regulatory changes. In addition to internal checks, periodic external audits are required.
These audits provide an opportunity to address any areas for improvement so that the organisation remains current with the latest standards.
