The BRCGS standard was developed by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) in 1998, a leading association of retailers in the United Kingdom representing all retailers from small, independent private shops to large retail chains and department stores.

The standard was created as a tool for retailers to evaluate suppliers of food products sold under their own brands and to assist in regulatory compliance.

BRC recognized the need to change the name of the standard in January 2003, highlighting a shift in its application. Thus, the BRC Technical Standard for Food became the BRC Global Standard for Food Safety.

 

Today, this standard is accepted worldwide by many companies, even those not in the food industry, as the basis for supplier assessment and goods sold under private labels.

The standard requires the adoption and implementation of HACCP principles, the establishment of a documented quality management system, and the application of standards for controlling factory environment, products, procedures, and personnel.

Due to the success and global acceptance of the BRC Food Safety Standard, there are now BRCGS standards for the following four areas:

1. Food Safety
2. Consumer Products
3. Packaging and Packaging Materials
4. Storage and Distribution

Advantages of the BRC Global Standard:

• Comprehensive and focused on safety, legality, and quality
• Requirements are clear, detailed, and based on HACCP principles supported by a documentation system
• Conclusion of all non-conformities identified during the audit together with evidence is included in the report
• Complementary to other quality management systems, e.g., ISO and HACCP, meeting the requirements of these standards

Objectives of the standard:

• Assisting retailers in complying with legal requirements
• Protecting consumers by controlling significant health hazards associated with food
• Increasing product safety and reducing product liability risks
• Motivating employees
• Increasing customer satisfaction
• Ensuring competitiveness

Principles of the BRCGS standard include:

• Reducing the possibility of dual assessment
• Working and collaborating with accreditation bodies to ensure that the accreditation process results in effective control and maintenance of standards
• Encouraging internal assessment
• Ensuring openness, transparency, and compliance with regulations
• Promoting direct involvement of retail owners in the development and maintenance of the system by participating in the technical oversight committee
• Continuously reviewing and improving standards and support processes

For more details, you can visit the official BRC Global Standards page.