British Retail Consortium Standart
What is BRC Global Standard - Food?

In 1998 the British Retail Consortium (BRC) developed and introduced the BRC Technical
Standard and Protocol for companies supplying retailer branded food products. The standard
was developed to assist retailers in their fulfilment of legal obligations and protection of the
consumer, by providing a common basis for the audit of companies supplying retailer branded
food products.

The Benefits of Implementing BRC Global Standard - Food?

There are a number of benefits arising from the implementation of the BRC Global Standard -
Food:
• It could reduce the number of food safety audits by each retailer and allow
technologists to concentrate on other areas, such as product development, or specific
quality issues.
• It provides a single standard and protocol, allowing evaluation to be carried out by
certification bodies who are accredited against the European standard EN45011
(ISO/IEC Guide 65).
• A single verification, commissioned by the suppler in line with an agreed evaluation
frequency, will allow suppliers to report upon their status to those customers
recognising the standard.

Why Seek Certification to BRC Global Standard - Food

The benefits to a company can be identified by the following points:
• Within the evaluation protocol, there is a requirement for ongoing surveillance and
confirmation of follow up of corrective actions on non-conformity.
• The standard addresses part of the due diligence requirements of both the supplier and
the retailer.
• As certification bodies are accredited against a European standard, there can be
recognition of accredited certification bodies in countries where products are sourced.

How do you start to implement BRC Global Standard - Food? What is involved?

The steps to be taken to achieve certification to BRC are:
• Obtain a copy of the standard.
• Put processes in place to conform to the requirements of the standard.
• Document the processes.
• Prepare for the evaluation and appoint an accredited certification body to carry it out.
• Undergo the site evaluation.
• If applicable, carry out a corrective action programme for any non-conformances that
may have been raised during the evaluation.