BRC Certification – Requirements, Standards, and Food Safety Norms
Every company involved in the production, processing, packaging, or sale of food is required to maintain the highest standards of food safety. One such standard is BRC. What is BRC certification and who may need it?
What is the BRC system?
The BRC (British Retail Consortium) standard is an international food safety standard. The BRC quality system was developed in 1998 by the British Retail Consortium, an industry association representing both small and large retailers in the UK. The BRC system is a set of guidelines, recommendations, and directives for companies operating in the food sector.
Implementing BRC within a food company confirms that the company meets stringent hygiene and legal requirements. Any activity related to food production or processing can be certified for BRC compliance. The standard covers the entire supply chain—from raw materials to the final product, from storage to distribution, including packaging and labeling.
Who is required to comply with the BRC system?
Regardless of whether a company produces basic goods or processed food products, it can apply for BRC Food certification. A company that meets BRC standards is viewed positively by customers, which helps in creating a strong brand image. BRC Global Standards were developed based on the BRC Food Technical Standard. This document contains guidelines aimed at supporting manufacturers wishing to produce food products under their own brand.
Adapting to unified norms has enabled food manufacturers to produce safe, high-quality products, and as a result, the BRC standard quickly spread beyond manufacturers to include the international retail market and catering companies. Since BRC standards were introduced beyond the UK, the BRC Food Standard has become a global standard.
BRC Global Standard
In 2002, the British Retail Consortium, in collaboration with the Institute of Packaging (IP), created the BRC/IoP Global Standard for Packaging and Packaging Materials. This standard sets general requirements for packaging manufacturers intended for food. The BRC IoP standard has been adopted by leading packaging companies worldwide, becoming an international standard. The BRC IoP certificate places particular emphasis on the quality and functionality of packaging and packaging materials, as well as sanitary and hygiene requirements for their production.
Notably, the BRC IoP standard also includes requirements for materials used in the production of non-food packaging. The BRC Global Standard (also known as BRC Food Standard) has been recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), a respected industry network of retailers and buyers around the world.
The mission of GFSI is to support the food industry in delivering products that are safe for consumer health. Currently, the BRC standard is widely recognized in Europe, Asia, and the United States.
Recommended products compliant with the BRC standard:
- Waterproof clothing
- Central Foam Cleaning System
- Water-based cleaning systems
- Hose reels and turntables
BRC Food Standard Requirements
BRC system certification confirms a company’s commitment to maintaining the highest food safety standards. Implementing BRC requirements not only earns recognition from customers and contractors but also minimizes the number of complaints related to food products. Using BRC standards in food production can also increase efficiency and productivity by quickly identifying (and eliminating) potential hazards before they cause any disruptions.
Fundamental BRC requirements include:
- Management commitment and continuous improvement
- Implementation of a food safety plan
- Monitoring allergens, labeling, and packaging control
- A culture of food safety
- Maintaining order in work and operational areas
To meet BRC standards, a company must provide employees with appropriate sanitary facilities, changing rooms, and social rooms according to the number of employees. To implement BRC guidelines, companies often use centralized cleaning systems, color-coding zones, shadow boards, detectable products, and emphasize protective clothing and personal hygiene for workers.
How to Obtain BRC Certification
It is important to note that having BRC certification is not required for companies operating solely in Poland. However, it is necessary to establish business relationships with clients in the UK market. This is particularly relevant for companies producing and processing poultry, beef, or pork, which account for about one-third of the food exports to the UK. However, BRC standards apply to the entire supply chain and all groups of agricultural and food products.
Implementing BRC certification increases food safety, thus facilitating access to new markets.
To obtain BRC certification, a company must meet several hygiene requirements, such as implementing a HACCP system. This system is designed to identify, assess, and control hazards critical to food safety. Another requirement is to establish an effective quality management system and maintain proper documentation. Regular and systematic internal audits are also essential. The supervision should cover both products and processes, as well as personnel.
To check food safety in accordance with BRC guidelines, a certification process is carried out by assigned experts following these procedural steps:
- Pre-audit: Auditors conduct an initial assessment to determine to what extent processes meet BRC requirements.
- Certification audit: This involves reviewing the collected documentation for compliance with the BRC Food Safety Standard.
- Issuing a verdict: The auditors confirm the compliance and functionality of the processes.
- Annual audits and re-verification: Ongoing improvement processes are supported by annual internal inspections.