BRCGS / BRC Standard

The BRCGS Standard (Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standards), formerly known as BRC, is a world-leading food safety and quality framework. Originally developed by the British Retail Consortium, it is now an independent certification body. Its flagship standard, BRCGS Food Safety, is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and is a mandatory requirement for suppliers delivering to major retailers and global food corporations.

For manufacturers exporting to the UK market or working with global blue-chip companies, BRCGS certification is a "license to operate." Following Brexit, BRCGS remains the dominant standard in British retail, making it particularly relevant for export-oriented producers.

Structure of the BRCGS Food Safety Standard

The current Version 9 (published in 2022, mandatory since 2023) focuses heavily on Food Safety Culture, Food Fraud prevention, and environmental monitoring.

The standard is organized into eight core sections:

1. Senior Management Commitment: Requires leadership to demonstrate a clear commitment to food safety culture and continuous improvement.
2. The Food Safety Plan (HACCP): Mandatory adherence to Codex Alimentarius principles, including hazard analysis, CCPs, and validation.
3. Food Safety and Quality Management System: Covers internal audits, supplier management, and traceability.
4. Site Standards: Focuses on building maintenance, hygiene zones, pest control, and foreign body detection.
5. Product Control: Includes product development, allergen management, and Product Authenticity.
6. Process Control: Inspects daily operations, from weight control to labeling and release processes.
7. Personnel: Evaluates hygiene training, PPE, and staff health.
8. High-Risk, High-Care, and Ambient High-Care Zones: Specific requirements for facilities producing sensitive products like Ready-to-Eat (RTE) meals.

The Rating System: Grades AA to D

Unlike IFS Food, which uses percentages, BRCGS issues rating grades that signal a supplier’s quality level to customers:

• Grade AA: The highest rating, achieved through an unannounced audit with excellent results.
• Grade A: Excellent result from a planned audit.
• Grade B: Good result (planned audit) with a few minor non-conformities.
• Grade C: Sufficient result; certification is granted, but with clear improvement requirements.
• Grade D: Insufficient; no certificate is issued.
• Critical Non-Conformity: Any critical failure (e.g., failed traceability test) leads to immediate non-certification.

Unannounced Audits: What BRCGS AA Means

Many retailers now explicitly demand Grade AA. This rating proves that a facility is "audit-ready" 365 days a year, not just on the day of a planned visit. A digital production system offers a structural advantage here: timestamps are automatic, batch links are instant, and cleaning logs are securely stored in the system, eliminating the stress of manual record-keeping during a surprise visit.

Mass Balance: A Key Requirement in Version 9

Traceability at BRCGS goes beyond simply linking batches. Version 9 requires a Mass Balance Test: For a selected batch, the auditor will compare the quantity of raw materials used against the quantity of finished products and waste produced. This serves as a verification of traceability accuracy and a defense against Food Fraud.

Food Fraud (VACCP) and Food Defense (TACCP)

BRCGS Version 9 strengthens protections against intentional threats:

• Food Fraud (VACCP): Vulnerability Assessment for Critical Control Points. This identifies risks of economic-motivated adulteration (e.g., mislabeling origin or diluting expensive oils).
• Food Defense (TACCP): Threat Assessment for Critical Control Points. This addresses intentional contamination by criminal or terrorist actors through physical security and access control.

FAQ

How long is a BRCGS certificate valid? It is valid for twelve months. The renewal audit must take place before the expiry date to maintain continuous certification.

What is the cost of BRCGS certification? External audit fees typically range from €2,000 to €6,000, depending on site size and product complexity. This does not include internal preparation or registration fees in the BRCGS database.

Which BRCGS standards exist besides Food Safety? Other standards include BRCGS Packaging Materials, Storage and Distribution, Consumer Products, and Agents and Brokers. Combined audits are often possible for companies covering multiple areas.

How does BRCGS differ from IFS Food? While both are GFSI-recognized, BRCGS is more prevalent in the UK, USA, and Commonwealth markets, while IFS dominates Continental Europe. BRCGS puts a slightly stronger emphasis on Mass Balance and Food Safety Culture.