BRC/IOP Standard
Manufacturers and suppliers of packaging used for retailer own branded products have an obligation to implement appropriate systems and controls to ensure the suitability of their packaging for safe food use.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) and The Institute of Packaging (IOP) have jointly developed this Technical Standard to assist retailers and food manufacturers in meeting their legal obligations.
How can certification to the BRC/IOP Standard benefit my organisation?
Packaging manufacturers and suppliers have for many years commissioned hygiene audits to both satisfy the ‘due diligence’ defence and to improve premises and practices. In addition, they may also have been subject to second party audits from customers.
A key aim of this standard when first developed in 2001 was to provide a single common standard and protocol that would enable external assessment by an independent third party certification body accredited to EN45011. This has significant benefits in helping reduce or eliminate multiple assessments with the additional benefits of reduction in disruption to the business, associated paperwork and costs. Additional benefits include:
- single verification programme enabling regular reporting to food retailers and other parties as agreed
- a comprehensive scope covering quality, hygiene and product safety
- addresses part of the ‘due diligence’ requirements of packaging manufacturer/ supplier; packer/filler and retailer
- regular surveillance visits help ensure continual improvement of the quality, hygiene and product safety system
How can we gain certification to the BRC/IOP 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 hazard and risk management system, technical management system to include quality and hygiene systems and factory standards, products, processes and personnel. The visit includes preparation of the Evaluation Report, which will be sent to you following approval, at which point you can issue to your customers to demonstrate your ability to meet the requirements of the Standard.
The scheme requires the certification process to be undertaken by a third party organisation that is competent and independent of both the food manufacturer and of the packaging manufacturer/supplier. 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/IOP Standard
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) and The Institute of Packaging (IoP) developed the Technical Standard and Protocol for Companies Manufacturing and Supplying Food Packaging Materials for Retailer Branded Products. A key aim of this standard was to help in protecting the consumer by providing a common basis for the evaluation of companies supplying packaging for food products to retailers.
Since its inception in 2001, the standard has become widely accepted by the industry.
For further information on the BRC IOP standard visit:
- www.brcglobalstandards.com The British Retail Consortium
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