Understanding BRCGS Food Certification: Definition And Importance

Consumer health safety has become the centre of attention today in the global food market. Standards that emphasise the quality of the production process have increased. Thus, the responsibility has become greater on the owners of nutrition companies to ensure that health standards are met. Hence, the importance of obtaining the BRCGS food certificate opens doors to entering new markets and exploiting investment opportunities. This blog will define this certificate, its benefits, and how to obtain it.

What Is the BRCGS Food Certificate?

BRCGS stands for Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standard. It was created in 1996 as a division of BRC to standardize the safety of food among retailers. Since then, they have established several global standards, including the BRCGS Global Food Safety Standard.

BRCGS (formerly known as BRC) initially released its Global Standard for Food Safety in 1998. Developed to assist the food sector in complying with UK and EU food safety rules, it has now become an internationally recognized benchmark for best practices in food safety, quality, and responsibility, with over 17,000 BRC-certified facilities worldwide.

What Is BRC?

The British Retail Consortium, or BRC, is a trade group for UK retail enterprises dedicated to positively impacting the retail industry. BRCGS Global standards were created as a subsidiary of BRC. LGC Group bought BRCGS (formerly known as BRC Global Standards) in 2016.

What Are The Benefits Of BRCGS?

• Market Access: It is a highly trusted mark, generally acknowledged by specifiers, brands, and retailers throughout the world, and is frequently used as part of supplier approval processes.
• Compliance with GFSI: The BRCGS Food Safety standard complies with the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) 2020 standards and is covered by accepted IAF accreditation.
• Customer Assurance: It meets customer assurance expectations while also demonstrating industry best practices by supporting the establishment of a product safety culture.
• Rigorous Audits: Audits done by qualified certifying organizations under BRCGS criteria assure complete compliance and operational excellence.
• Economic Impact: Independent research has shown that organizations operating to BRCGS standards improve food safety, operational efficiency, commercial growth, improved profitability, and broad-based innovation.
  

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How To Get BRCGS Certification?

Let us discover how to obtain BRC Certification and the systematic method that assures your company satisfies BRCGS's strict standards. Here's a step-by-step process for gaining BRC certification:

1. Understand the Requirements: Get acquainted with the BRC standards by obtaining the necessary documentation and instructions from the BRCGS website.
2. Pre-Assessment and Training: Conduct pre-assessment activities and internal audits, and make sure your employees are taught to understand the BRC criteria.
3. Documentation: Create and assemble all relevant policies, procedures, and documents that meet BRC requirements.
4. Self-Assessment: Use the self-assessment tool supplied by BRCGS to compare your operation to the standard's specifications.
5. Audit: Conduct a formal audit by the selected Certification Body to determine conformity with BRC requirements.
6. Certification: Following the successful completion of the audit, your business will be recognized as BRCGS Certified.

How Much Does BRCGS Certification Cost?

There are different costs associated with obtaining BRCGS certification. To begin, you must get the most recent BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety, which costs around $175. Another critical part is training, with important staff such as team leaders and internal auditors having a thorough understanding of the standards. Training fees generally range between $200 and $350 per hour. The most major price is certification body fees, which vary depending on the size and complexity of your company and can range from a few thousand dollars to more than $10,000.

What Does BRCGS Require?

BRCGS certification necessitates a complete approach to food safety management in your firm. Check the following requirements to comply with the Global Standard:

• Senior Management Commitment: It is critical for corporate managers to actively support and continuously enhance the food safety program, making it a key component of the business plan.
• HACCP Plan: A Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan is required to lead the food safety program and ensure that all possible hazards are recognized and managed.
• Food Safety and Quality Management Systems: This includes thorough documentation and processes for training workers.
• Site Standards: Production sites must adhere to stringent safety standards.
• Product Controls: Organizations must have strong controls in place for crucial areas.
• Process Controls: These are required to ensure that the organization regularly follows the HACCP plan and other safety standards.
• Personnel: Personnel must be well trained, and practice excellent hygiene.
  

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Who Needs A BRCGS Certification?

Essentially, any food firm in the food sector that appreciates and prioritizes high food safety standards may apply for BRCGS certification. Businesses that often seek BRCGS certification include the following:

Food manufacturers: Companies involved in food manufacturing and processing, notably those dealing with perishable items, drinks, and other consumables.

Packaging manufacturers: Businesses that manufacture packaging materials for food and other sectors seek BRCGS certification to assure product safety and quality.

Storage and Distribution Centers: Warehouses, logistics, and distribution facilities that handle food, consumer products, and even non-food items may seek certification to ensure the commodities' safe handling and storage.

Retailers and Suppliers: Retailers and suppliers frequently need their vendors and partners to be BRCGS certified as a condition of doing business. A supplier clearance procedure protects the safety and quality of the items sold or distributed.