British Retail Consortium Global Standard
BRCGS, formerly known as the British Retail Consortium Global Standards, is a suite of food safety and quality management standards developed by the BRCGS, a leading global brand and consumer protection organization. The standards are designed to ensure that food and non-food products meet strict safety, quality, and operational criteria throughout the supply chain.
The BRCGS standards cover various industries and product categories, and they are widely recognized and adopted by suppliers, manufacturers, and retailers around the world. Each standard is developed to address specific industry needs and requirements.
Key Elements and Requirements of BRCGS include:
- BRCGS Food Safety: Originally known as the BRC Global Standard for Food Safety, this standard sets out requirements for food manufacturers, covering areas such as senior management commitment, hazard and risk management, product safety and quality management, and the factory environment.
- BRCGS Packaging and Packaging Materials: This standard is applicable to manufacturers and suppliers of packaging used in the food industry. It covers areas like senior management commitment, hazard and risk management, and product safety and quality management.
- BRCGS Consumer Products: This standard is designed for manufacturers of non-food consumer products. It covers various categories such as personal care products, household products, and other non-food items.
- BRCGS Storage and Distribution: This standard is for companies involved in the storage and distribution of products. It addresses areas like senior management commitment, hazard and risk management, and product safety and quality management in the storage and distribution processes.
- BRCGS Agents and Brokers: Aimed at companies that purchase, import, and/or distribute products but do not manufacture them, this standard focuses on the management of product safety and quality in the supply chain.
- BRCGS Gluten-Free: This standard is specific to the production of gluten-free products, providing requirements for the manufacture of safe and authentic gluten-free products.
Organizations that comply with BRCGS standards often seek certification through third-party audits. Certification indicates that a company’s products and processes meet the rigorous standards set by BRCGS, providing assurance to customers and consumers about the safety, legality, and quality of the products. The BRCGS standards are regularly updated to reflect industry best practices and regulatory changes.