What is BRC?
BRC is an international Food Safety Management Systems standard and is one of the GFSI recognized certification schemes. It contains requirements for food processors to follow to build an effective food safety management system. There are also editions of the standard for food packaging manufacturers, storage and distribution, and now agents and brokers. The requirements of the standard address the key elements that must be in place for your organization to ensure the production of safe products. BRC Certification is recognized by GFSI, an important consideration when choosing a certification scheme because many major manufacturers and retailers require a GFSI recognized certification. Other recognized certification schemes include FSSC 22000 and SQF.
Benefits of BRC Certification
Cuts investigation time to a minimum
The management system helps you to reduce food safety breach investigation time.
Customer satisfaction
Deliver products that consistently meet customer requirements and a service that is dependable and can be relied on.
Global recognition as a reputable supplier
Independent verification against a globally recognized industry standard speaks volumes.
Legal compliance
Understand how statutory and regulatory requirements impact your organization and its customers.
Ability to win more business
Procurement specifications often require certification as a condition to supply, so certification opens doors.
Increase market opportunities
Ideal for responding to situations that can compromise the food safety of both products and production processes.
Check out the Who can be certified BRC Certification Video
Who can be certified BRC Certification?
Agent and Brokers
Storage and Distribution
Consumer Products
Food Retailers
Ethical Trade and Responsible
Packaging Materials
Plant-Based Global Standard
Food Safety
Document required for BRC Certification
- System Manual
- System Procedure
- Policy
- Objectives
- Mission & Vision
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
- Checklist
- Forms
- Formats
- Records
The extent of Documented Information differs as per:
- Organization’s size
- Activities performed by the organization
- Processes undertaken by the Organization
- Products and services offered by the organization
- The complexity of processes undertaken
- Competence of persons involved
Role of Shamkris and Process of BRC Certification
Shamkris adopts a results-oriented approach to effective system implementation in the organization. A simple and practical method of system implementation helps organizations increase business efficiency and sustainability. Shamkris supports 100% documentation to obtain an accreditation body of success in addition to enhanced performance.
The implementation process is described below:
Day 1
GAP Analysis, Certification Body, Selection, Cost Estimates
• Finding the GAP between existing system related to ISO requirements
• Selecting the appropriate certification body
• Based on the scope of your business & certification body you choose
Week 1
Developing Documents
• Management System Manual, Management System Procedures, Policy, Objectives, Forms etc.
• Review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Week 4
Implementing Management System
• ISO Awareness training for the top management and staff
• Implementing a well-documented management system throughout the organization
Week 8
Internal Audit
MRM
CAPA
• Internal audits identifying nonconformities related to ISO requirements
• Management Review Meetings
• Corrective and Preventive Action plan for nonconformities
Week 10
Certification Body
Audit
N-C Closing
• Shamkris acts on your behalf and assists you in the third-party audit
• Closing of any nonconformities identified by the certification body
Week 12
Certification Body
• BRC certificates issued for 3 years
• Surveillance Audits yearly
Year on Year
Yearly Compliance
• Support of Yearly documentation for audit
FAQ
The BRC standard has a focus on quality, food safety and legality. The FSSC 22000 targets its focus on food safety and legal compliance.
AA is 5 or less minors. A is between 6 and 10 minors. B is between 11 and 16 minors or 1 major and up to 10 minors. C is between 17 and 24 minors, or 1 major and up to 16 minors, or 2 majors and up to 10 minors.
We are proud to announce that Decacer achieved “AA” grade certification, the highest possible score, at the last programmed audit.
SQF provides extremely useful, free, guides except that occasionally the content is disregarded for audit purposes. BRC tends to adhere more to the classic HACCP references. BRC offers 2 levels for packaging.