What is BRC and why does it matter?

BRC stands for the British Retail Consortium, a trade association for UK retail businesses. 

Their mission is to make a positive difference to the retail industry – which is why they created BRCGS (Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standard) to standardise food safety standards around the world.

What’s the difference between BRC and BRCGS?

BRC first set up its Global Standard for Food Safety back in 1998, to help companies comply with UK and EU food safety laws. But over time, it evolved into an international benchmark for food safety and quality practices. BRCGS came about as part of this evolution and was soon recognised worldwide. 

In a nutshell, BRC keeps crucial food safety, hygiene and facility standards as they should be, and BRCGS makes sure those standards are consistent across the globe.

What do you need for BRC Certification?

To get your BRC Certification, you’ll need to pass a third-party audit. Here’s what they’ll be looking at:

Senior Management Commitment: Make sure you’re championing food safety.

HACCP (Food Safety Plan): HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) will help you spot and manage your food safety risks.

Prerequisite Programmes: These are the basics—like handwashing, cleaning, and pest control. They’re the foundation of food safety.

Document Control and Records: Make sure all your food safety information is accurate and up to date

Internal Audits: Keep checking in with how you’re doing. Are you following your own rules?

Supplier Approval: Choose your partners wisely. They should all meet the high standards needed.

Corrective Actions: If things go awry, fix them quickly.

Traceability: If there’s a food safety issue, find out where it started.

Complaint Handling: Always listen to your customer feedback.

Management of Incidents: When there’s a crisis, have a plan.

Why’s BRC Certification needed?

BRC certification isn’t just key to making sure you’re 100% safe, it’s also great for your brand reputation and revenue – all the major retailers and manufacturers look for BRC-certified companies to work with. So it’s win-win.