BRC standard: Your guide to better food safety and compliance

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) is a UK-based organization that sets global standards for safety and quality across industries. In 2019, it was rebranded as BRCGS (British Retail Consortium Global Standards) to emphasize its global reach. BRCGS provides a framework for ensuring product safety, quality, and legality in the food industry through rigorous standards for production, packaging, storage, and distribution.

BRCGS certification is important in the food industry as it ensures that companies produce safe and high-quality products. It enhances consumer confidence by demonstrating compliance with legal requirements and adherence to best practices like HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points).

Over 22,000 sites worldwide are certified under BRCGS, making it an essential credential for accessing international markets. The standard promotes continuous improvement in processes, reduces risks associated with food safety hazards, and supports regulatory compliance.

In this guide, we would look at the details of the BRC standards and various applications in different sectors. 

Key components of the BRC standard

Understanding the key components of the BRC standard is essential for ensuring your business maintains high safety and quality standards. Here’s how these elements can serve you and enhance your operations:

• Food safety culture: Building a strong food safety culture involves training your team regularly on safety protocols and encouraging open communication about safety concerns. Implement regular meetings to discuss safety practices and recognize employees who contribute to a safer environment. By doing so, you ensure that every team member understands their role in maintaining safety, which reduces risks and improves compliance.
• Supplier approval and management: Develop a thorough supplier evaluation process that includes audits, performance reviews, and compliance checks. Maintain an approved supplier list and establish clear criteria for supplier selection and retention. When managing suppliers, you can ensure that all materials meet BRC standards, reducing the risk of quality issues and ensuring a reliable supply chain.
• Traceability and documentation: Implement a robust traceability system that allows you to track every product batch from raw material to finished goods. Use digital checklists to maintain detailed records of each step in the production process. This level of documentation enables you to quickly identify and address issues, ensuring transparency and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Risk management and control measures: Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards in your operations. Develop and implement control measures for each identified risk, and regularly review their effectiveness. Also you can engage your team in continuous improvement initiatives to refine these measures. By proactively managing risks, you can prevent disruptions and maintain a high standard of safety and quality.

By focusing on these key components, you can optimize your compliance with the BRC standard, ensuring that your business operates at the highest levels of safety and quality.

What’s the new update in the BRC standard version 9?

If you’re preparing for the BRCGS Food Safety Standard Issue 9, understanding its development and key updates is crucial. Version 9 was released in August 2022, with implementation starting on February 1, 2023. 

The development process involved a working group of international stakeholders who reviewed emerging product safety concerns since issue 8 and identified areas for improvement. This included enhancing food safety culture, expanding audit options using ICT technology, updating core product safety activities, and aligning with GFSI benchmarks.

Here are some key aspects of how version 9 came to be and its main updates:

• The development process involved a diverse group of stakeholders from food manufacturers, retailers, certification bodies, and technical experts who aimed to address emerging product safety concerns and improve global applicability.
• A significant focus is placed on developing a robust food safety culture strategy that involves senior management commitment to training and employee feedback.
• Issue 9 introduces a blended audit option that combines onsite visits with remote assessments using ICT technology.
• Requirements have been updated for internal audits, root cause analysis, preventive actions, and incident management to ensure more effective risk management.
• The HACCP section now requires validation before implementing changes or introducing new equipment or products.

These changes aim to enhance overall compliance while ensuring your facility maintains high standards in line with international expectations.

Benefits of compliance with the BRC standard

Compliance with the BRC standard offers numerous benefits for businesses in the food industry. Here are some of the benefits for your brand:

• Compliance with the BRC standard enhances your market access, as it is recognized globally and often required by major retailers, making it easier for you to access new markets and secure contracts.
• Holding a BRC certification sets your company apart from competitors by demonstrating a strong commitment to food safety and quality, which enhances customer trust and loyalty.
• The comprehensive risk assessment measures within the BRC standard help identify potential hazards, reducing the likelihood of product recalls, legal issues, and reputational damage.
• The certification process often uncovers inefficiencies in operations, allowing you to streamline processes and improve productivity; many companies report reduced customer audits after achieving BRC certification.
• Achieving BRC certification enhances your brand image by signaling a commitment to quality and safety; it protects your customers from health risks associated with contaminated or unsafe food products.

8 steps to achieve BRCGS certification  

Achieving BRCGS certification requires a structured approach to ensure your business meets the required standards. The process involves understanding the standard, preparing your operations, and undergoing a successful audit. Below are the detailed steps to guide you through the certification journey:  

1. Download the standard and interpretation guidelines: The first step is to obtain the official BRCGS standard and its interpretation guidelines from the BRCGS website. These documents outline all the requirements and provide clarity on how to implement them. Reviewing these materials will help you understand what is expected of your business. Make sure you involve key team members in studying the standard so everyone is aligned with its objectives. This step sets the foundation for all subsequent actions.  
2. Seek pre-sales support: If you are unsure about where to start or need help navigating the certification process, reach out to BRCGS pre-sales support. They can provide guidance on purchasing the standard, choosing training courses, or selecting a certification body. This support ensures you are on the right track from the beginning. For example, if you are struggling to identify which version of the standard applies to your business, they can help clarify this for you.  
3. Attend training: To fully understand the scope and requirements of BRCGS certification, it is essential to attend relevant training sessions. These can be in-person workshops or online courses tailored to your specific industry or needs. Training helps you and your team grasp key concepts such as hazard analysis, risk management, and operational controls. By investing in training, you ensure that everyone involved in implementation has the necessary knowledge and skills.  
4. Conduct a self-assessment: Before scheduling an official audit, conduct a thorough self-assessment of your operations using a checklist or self-assessment tool provided by BRCGS. This step helps identify gaps in compliance and areas that require improvement. For instance, you might discover that certain documentation is incomplete or that employee training on food safety needs enhancement. Addressing these issues early will save time and reduce stress during the audit process.  
5. Choose a certification body: Selecting an accredited certification body is a critical step in achieving BRCGS certification. Certification bodies are independent organizations authorized to conduct audits and issue certificates. Research different options and choose one that aligns with your business needs and location. Make sure they have experience in your industry to ensure a smooth audit process. This decision plays a significant role in how efficiently you achieve certification.  
6. Prepare for audit: Preparing for an audit involves organizing all necessary documents and ensuring your facility meets BRCGS standards. This includes having up-to-date policies, procedures, and records related to food safety management systems or operational controls. Conduct mock audits internally to simulate the actual process and identify any last-minute issues. Proper preparation demonstrates your commitment to meeting high standards and increases your chances of passing the audit successfully.  
7. Undergo audit process: During the audit, an auditor will evaluate your operations against BRCGS requirements over two or more days, depending on your business size and complexity. They will assess areas such as food safety management systems, site standards, product control, and personnel practices. Be transparent during this process; auditors value honesty and willingness to improve over perfectionism. At this stage, compliance with all relevant clauses is critical for achieving certification.
8. Address non-conformities (if any): If the auditor identifies non-conformities during their assessment, take immediate action to address them within 28 days (or as specified). Non-conformities could range from minor issues like incomplete records to major concerns such as inadequate hygiene practices. Work with your team to implement corrective actions promptly and provide evidence of resolution to the certification body. Resolving these issues demonstrates your commitment to continuous improvement.

Implementing the BRC standard  

Using this BRC standard involves integrating its requirements into every aspect of your operations to ensure compliance consistently over time. This process begins with developing comprehensive policies and procedures that align with BRC standards. 

You should create a food safety management system, HACCP plan, and other prerequisite programs necessary for maintaining high-quality products. Ensure these documents are accessible to all employees and regularly reviewed for updates.

Implementing Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) is also crucial in maintaining clean facilities, proper equipment maintenance, and ensuring staff hygiene practices meet BRC standards. Regularly inspect facilities to identify areas needing improvement. For example, you might need to enhance cleaning schedules or improve waste disposal processes.

Conducting regular internal audits is another key step in implementing the BRC standard effectively. These audits help assess compliance with BRC requirements by identifying gaps or non-conformities early on, allowing you to address them before an external audit takes place. Use checklists based on the standard to guide your audits; this ensures that all critical areas are covered systematically.

Providing ongoing training for staff on new procedures or changes in policies related to food safety management systems is essential as well. Training ensures everyone understands their roles in maintaining compliance with the standard and also helps foster a culture of continuous improvement within your organization.

Finally, if you already have systems like ISO 9001 or HACCP in place, integrate them with BRC requirements by reviewing existing documentation for compliance gaps. This approach streamlines implementation by leveraging existing frameworks rather than starting from scratch entirely. By integrating these systems effectively, you can maintain efficiency while achieving certification goals more smoothly over time.

Who needs a BRC certification?

BRC certification is essential for businesses involved in the food and packaging supply chain that want to demonstrate their commitment to safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. Here’s who typically needs BRC certification:

• Food manufacturers: Companies producing food products need BRC certification to ensure their processes meet international safety standards, which helps them gain access to global markets and maintain consumer trust.
• Packaging manufacturers: Businesses that produce packaging for food products require BRC certification to demonstrate that their materials do not compromise the safety or quality of the food they contain.
• Retailers and suppliers: Retailers often require their suppliers to have BRC certification as a condition for doing business. This ensures that all products meet consistent safety and quality standards.
• Food service providers: Companies involved in food preparation and service, such as catering businesses, may seek BRC certification to assure clients of their commitment to maintaining high safety standards.

Overall, BRC certification is valuable for any business in the food supply chain that wants to enhance its reputation, ensure compliance with regulations, and access new market opportunities.

Levels of BRC certification  

BRC certification is graded based on audit results, which reflect how well your business complies with the standard’s requirements. Understanding these levels helps you set clear goals for performance during audits:  

• Grade A: This is awarded when there are no major non-conformities identified during the audit process. Achieving grade A indicates that your business has demonstrated excellent compliance with all aspects of the standard. It reflects strong operational controls, effective food safety management systems, and adherence to best practices across your facility.
• Grade B: Grade B is assigned when there are minor non-conformities that do not significantly impact food safety or quality but still require corrective action within a specified timeframe. For example, this could involve minor lapses in recordkeeping or slight deviations from documented procedures.
• Grade C: This level applies when there are more significant non-conformities that need urgent attention but do not pose immediate risks to consumers or products’ safety/quality integrity directly impacting operations negatively yet manageable through action plans implemented post-audit stages accordingly .

Industry applications of the BRC standard

The BRC standard is instrumental in ensuring safety and quality across various sectors in the food supply chain. By adhering to this standard, businesses can enhance their operations and meet stringent safety protocols, which in turn boosts consumer trust and marketability. 

Here are detailed examples of how the BRC standard is applied in different industries:

Food manufacturing

In the food manufacturing sector, companies such as dairy producers rely heavily on the BRC standard to maintain high safety standards. This involves implementing strict protocols from the collection of raw milk to the final stages of cheese production. Regular audits are conducted to ensure compliance with hygiene and safety regulations, which helps prevent contamination. 

By adhering to these standards, manufacturers can improve product quality and consistency, essential for entering international markets. The BRC certification also reassures consumers about the safety of their products, fostering trust and loyalty. Overall, the BRC standard helps manufacturers streamline operations and reduce the risk of costly recalls.

Packaging industry

Companies in the packaging industry, like those producing containers for dairy products, utilize the BRC standard to ensure their packaging materials are safe and hygienic. This involves rigorous testing and quality checks to prevent contamination and ensure that packaging does not compromise the product’s integrity. By following BRC guidelines, packaging companies can guarantee that their materials meet both safety and quality benchmarks. 

This compliance not only protects the food products but also enhances the company’s reputation for reliability. Additionally, the BRC certification can help packaging companies secure contracts with major food manufacturers who prioritize safety. This standard is crucial for maintaining a seamless supply chain from production to consumer.

Retail and distribution

Supermarket chains apply the BRC standard to ensure that their supply chain, particularly for fresh produce, adheres to high safety and quality standards. This includes conducting thorough checks on suppliers to verify that they follow proper handling and storage practices. By implementing the BRC standard, retailers can reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses and product recalls, which can be costly and damaging to their reputation. 

The certification also assures consumers that the products they purchase are safe and of high quality. Moreover, adhering to these standards can enhance the retailer’s brand image, fostering customer loyalty. Compliance with the BRC standard also facilitates smoother operations and better supplier relationships.

Food service and catering

In the food service and catering industry, companies use the BRC standard to demonstrate their commitment to food safety. This involves implementing comprehensive hygiene practices in food preparation and service, ensuring that all meals are safe for consumption. By adhering to these standards, catering companies can minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses, which is critical for maintaining client trust and satisfaction. 

The BRC certification also helps caterers stand out in a competitive market by showcasing their dedication to quality and safety. Regular training and audits ensure that staff are knowledgeable about safety protocols, further enhancing operational efficiency. Ultimately, the BRC standard supports catering businesses in delivering safe, high-quality services to their clients.

By applying the BRC standard across these sectors, businesses can significantly enhance product safety, improve operational efficiency, and ensure compliance with international regulations, supporting consumer confidence and fostering business growth.

Best practices for maintaining BRC compliance

Maintaining BRC compliance requires ongoing commitment and strategic practices to ensure your operations consistently meet the standards. Here are some best practices to help you achieve this:

• Regular audits and self-assessments: Conduct internal audits and self-assessments regularly to identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance with BRC standards. This proactive approach helps you catch potential issues early and address them before they become significant problems.
• Continuous training and education: Provide ongoing training for your team on the latest BRC standards and food safety practices. Encourage a culture of learning by offering workshops and resources that keep everyone informed about changes in regulations and best practices.
• Effective documentation and record-keeping: Maintain thorough and up-to-date records of all processes, audits, and corrective actions. Accurate documentation supports transparency and accountability, making it easier to demonstrate compliance during external audits.
• Supplier management and collaboration: Work closely with your suppliers to ensure they meet BRC standards. Establish clear communication channels and collaborate on quality and safety initiatives to ensure that all materials and products meet the required specifications.
• Continuous improvement and feedback loops: Implement a system for continuous improvement by regularly reviewing processes and soliciting feedback from your team. Use this feedback to make informed adjustments to your operations, also ensuring that you remain compliant and efficient.

Ensure compliance and safety with the BRC standard

Like you now know, achieving and maintaining compliance with the BRC standard is important for businesses across the food supply chain. You need a system that ensures that your operations meet rigorous safety and quality protocols, while improving your product safety and consumer trust, and the standard is one. 

How can you manage and maintain this compliance with ease? Lumiform offers digital forms, role assignments, and real-time data collection features to simplify the audit process and improve documentation accuracy. We make everything easily accessible via our app and help you stay informed to optimize your compliance efforts.

Sign up to get started.