The BRCGS Food Safety certification is part of the BRCGS ceritifications and is one of the most popular standards in the food safety sector, recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). Designed to ensure the quality, safety, and legality of food products, it offers a coherent framework to meet the requirements of both businesses and consumers. 

This standard, along with other related BRCGS standards, targets the entire food supply chain, from production to distribution of processed foods (both private label and third-party), raw materials for food service companies, catering businesses, or food producers, primary products such as fruits and vegetables, pet foods and animal feed, and products from primary animal conversion. It helps reduce risks and enhance customer confidence. 

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What is the BRCGS Food Safety Standard? 

The BRCGS Food Safety Standard is designed to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and the needs of the food industry, while also supporting businesses in implementing management systems that ensure: 

  • Food Safety: Reducing contamination risks and maintaining high hygiene standards. 
  • Product Legality: Compliance with local and international regulatory requirements, including proper product labeling. 
  • Process Transparency: Documentation and traceability at all stages of the process, including receiving, production, and distribution of the final product. 

The purpose of BRCGS certification is to help food sector businesses fully understand regulatory, contractual, and consumer requirements for the products they produce or distribute, by implementing management systems to identify and control risks that significantly impact the safety, authenticity, legality, and quality of products before they reach the market. 

Why Do You Need BRCGS Food Safety Certification? 

BRCGS Food Safety certification offers multiple benefits for businesses: 

  • Access to International Markets: The standard is globally recognized by retailers and major chains. 
  • Increased Customer Confidence: It ensures product reliability and quality. 
  • Regulatory Compliance: It ensures compliance with strict legislative requirements. 
  • Risk Reduction: It minimizes risks related to food safety. 
  • Competitive Advantage: It enhances the company’s reputation in local and international markets. 

Benefits of BRCGS Food Safety Certification 

  • Effective Food Safety Management

The BRCGS Food focuses on implementing strict procedures to ensure product safety and quality, reducing the risk of non-compliance or contamination. 

  • Increased Customer and Partner Trust

Certification guarantees customers and partners that the business adheres to high safety standards. 

  • Access to New Markets

Certified businesses gain a competitive edge and access to international markets where certification is a prerequisite. 

  • Legislative and Regulatory Compliance

Certification ensures that production processes comply with national and international legal requirements for food safety. 

Additional Certification Modules 

Module 11 – Meat Supply Chain Assurance (Non-Accredited)

Applied and verified along with BRCGS Food, designed for meat processing companies to demonstrate increased transparency in their supply chains and verify authenticity through in-depth traceability and contamination prevention procedures. 

Module 13 – FSMA Requirements Coverage (Non-Accredited)

Applied and verified along with BRCGS Food, specifically designed to help companies understand, meet, and provide verification to customers that the elements within the FSMA Preventive Controls part are detailed in the audit and report. This readiness assessment is essential for any company interested in working with U.S.-based customers. 

Certification Process 

  • Client Application

Review of the application, production plan documentation review, determination of technical requirements and inspection duration, and scheduling of the inspection. 

  • On-Site Audit

Identification of potential deficiencies and documentation of findings (site report). 

  • Audit Report

Submission of corrective and preventive actions by the client, acceptance by the certification body, and creation of the inspection report. 

  • Certificate Issuance

Valid for one year and posted on the BRCGS Portal. 

Target Audience for BRCGS Food Safety 

The certification is directly aimed at: 

  • Food Producers: From small local businesses to multinational companies operating globally. 
  • Companies Involved in Food Production, Processing, Packaging: Businesses that wish to demonstrate their commitment to product safety and quality. 
  • Supply Chain Service Providers: Companies offering storage, distribution, or food transportation services. 
  • Retailers and Wholesalers: Companies importing, distributing, or selling food that requires certification from suppliers. 

Frequently Asked Questions about BRCGS Food Safety Certification 

What is the BRCGS Food standard? 

The BRCGS Food is an internationally recognized standard that sets requirements for the safety, quality, and legality of food products at all stages of the production process. 

What are the key benefits of certification? 

  • Ensures product safety and quality. 
  • Enhances customer and partner confidence. 
  • Provides access to international markets and major retailers. 

Is BRCGS Food certification mandatory?

No, but it is necessary for collaborations with clients who require it and for participation in international markets.

The certification body Q-CERT, accredited by ACCREDIA, provides comprehensive services for BRCGS Food Safety certification, supporting businesses in maintaining high food quality and safety standards.  

For more information or inquiries, contact Q-CERT or visit the official BRCGS website. 

Audit Information & ExpectationsApplication Form
QMSCERT F-2119QMSCER F-2528