BRC Global Standard

Over half of all foods sold in the UK are retailer own branded products. Under the Food Safety Act 1990, these retailers must be able to demonstrate ‘due diligence’ and ensure food products are produced safely for the consumer.

Under the auspices of the British Retail Consortium (BRC), many of the UK’s major retailers joined forces and combined the basic principles of their own individual schemes to develop this technical standard first issued in 1998. It was developed to assist retailers in fulfilling their legal obligations.

How can certification to the BRC Global Standard benefit my organisation?

Food manufacturers who supply retailers endorsing the scheme now have an obligation to bring their systems in line with this standard.

A key aim of this standard when first developed in 1998 was to provide a single common standard to avoid the confusion and duplication of data which previously existed with the various individual retailer schemes. Additional benefits are that it:

• enables suppliers to report on their status to customers recognising the Standard
• covers all areas of product safety and legality
• addresses part of the due diligence requirements of both the supplier and the retailer
• requires ongoing surveillance and confirmation of follow up of corrective actions on non-conformity
• can be combined with your ISO 9001 and/or HACCP visit.

How can we gain certification to the BRC Global Standard?

LRQA provide a range of assessment services to this standard. For further information please call one of our business advisors on 0800 783 2179 or complete the enquiry form.

The certification visit includes inspection of your HACCP and management systems, in addition to a Factory Environmental Inspection. The visit includes preparation of the Evaluation Report which will be sent to you following approval. In agreement with you, we will also forward to your customers to demonstrate your ability to meet the requirements of the Standard.

The scheme requires the certification process to be undertaken by third party organisations that are both independent and competent. LRQA holds accreditation to the European standard EN 45011 from UKAS and is therefore ideally placed to provide a comprehensive service for those needing to comply with the Standard.

Background to the BRC Global Standard

The BRC Global Standard has been developed to assist retailers in fulfilling legal obligations and to ensure the highest level of customer protection. It includes the fundamental principles of the retailers own standards and has been reviewed regularly – with Issue 5 the latest.

The Standard contains requirements for a HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) system in accordance with the requirements of Codex Alimentarius, a documented quality management system and control of the factory environment standards, products, process and personnel.

For further information on the BRC Global Standard - Food visit:

• www.brcglobalstandards.com The British Retail Consortium

A member of the Lloyd's Register Group ©LRQA 2010 Page last modified on 20 August 2008