In today’s global food supply chain, customers expect safe, high-quality, and consistently reliable food products. Companies must prove that they meet strict safety standards — not just through internal checks, but through globally accepted certifications. One of the most recognized and respected certifications worldwide is BRCGS (Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standards).
Initially created by the British Retail Consortium, BRCGS has become a leading GFSI-recognized food safety standard used by manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers across more than 130 countries. This blog explains what BRCGS is, why it matters, how certification works, and why companies use it to gain customer trust and global market access.
What is BRCGS?
BRCGS (Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standards) is a set of international safety, quality, and operational standards. It is designed to ensure that manufacturers produce safe, legal, and high-quality food and non-food products.
The most popular standard under BRCGS is the:
BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety
This standard focuses on:
- Product safety
- Process control
- Quality management
- Hygiene
- Supplier management
Because it is GFSI-recognized, many top retailers and global brands accept only BRCGS-certified suppliers.
Industries That Use BRCGS
BRCGS certifications are used across many sectors:
- Food & beverage manufacturing
- Food packaging material production
- Storage & distribution
- Consumer products
- Retail
- Agents & brokers
- Gluten-free food producers
If your company supplies food to supermarkets, exports products, or works with global brands, BRCGS certification becomes highly important.
Why is BRCGS Important for Businesses?
✔ 1. Global Retail Acceptance
Major retailers like Tesco, Walmart, Sainsbury’s, Lidl, and Marks & Spencer accept BRCGS certification as mandatory for suppliers.
✔ 2. Proven Food Safety Management
BRCGS is built on HACCP principles and risk-based food safety controls.
✔ 3. Competitive Market Advantage
Certified companies stand out in both local and international markets.
✔ 4. Stronger Customer Trust
Certification signals that your processes, people, and products meet global requirements.
✔ 5. Reduced Product Recalls and Complaints
Because BRCGS focuses on preventive actions, companies see fewer incidents of contamination or failures.
✔ 6. Better Operational Efficiency
Documentation, audits, and monitoring help organizations work in a more structured and efficient manner.
Key Requirements of BRCGS Food Safety Standard
The BRCGS Standard is organized into several major sections. Each plays a role in ensuring food safety:
1. Senior Management Commitment
Top management must lead the food safety culture.
Actions include:
- Providing resources
- Setting objectives
- Reviewing performance
Without leadership involvement, certification is not possible.
2. Food Safety Plan – HACCP
A strong risk-based system based on Codex HACCP principles.
Companies must:
- Identify hazards
- Assess risks
- Establish preventive controls
- Monitor CCPs
- Validate procedures
This ensures safety from raw materials to final packaging.
3. Food Safety & Quality Management System
This includes:
- Documented procedures
- Internal audits
- Corrective actions
- Change management
- Traceability
The system keeps operations consistent and well controlled.
4. Site Standards
BRCGS requires strict hygiene and facility-related controls, such as:
- Layout and workflow
- Cleaning & sanitation
- Equipment maintenance
- Water quality
- Pest control
- Waste management
These prevent contamination risks inside the facility.
5. Product Control
Companies must ensure:
- Product formulation safety
- Allergen control
- Packaging checks
- Foreign body control
- Label accuracy
Mislabeling and allergen errors are common causes of recalls — BRCGS prevents this.
6. Process Control
Processes must run under controlled and validated conditions.
This includes:
- Process monitoring
- Temperature control
- Chemical control
- Calibration of equipment
7. Personnel
Employees must be trained and follow hygiene rules.
Examples:
- GMP training
- PPE usage
- Hand washing practices
- Medical screening
Personnel hygiene directly impacts food safety.
Benefits of BRCGS Certification
✔ Stronger Market Reach
BRCGS certification allows businesses to supply to supermarkets, exporters, and global buyers.
✔ Improved Brand Reputation
Because BRCGS focuses on transparency and compliance, it builds brand credibility.
✔ High Level of Customer Protection
BRCGS reduces the risk of unsafe food entering the market.
✔ Reduced Operational Costs
Fewer recalls, fewer rejections, and less waste mean more profitability.
✔ Audits by Qualified Certification Bodies
BRCGS audits are among the most trusted in the world.
How to Get BRCGS Certified (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Conduct a Gap Assessment
Check your facility’s current practices against BRCGS requirements.
Step 2: Implement Necessary Controls
Upgrade documentation, hygiene, training, and process controls.
Step 3: Staff Training & Awareness
Train teams on HACCP, GMP, SOPs, and allergen control.
Step 4: Internal Audit & Corrective Actions
Identify weak areas and fix them before the certification audit.
Step 5: Choose a Certification Body
Select an accredited BRCGS certification body.
Step 6: Certification Audit
Auditors check your facility based on the BRCGS checklist.
Step 7: Receive Your Certificate
If compliant, you receive your certification valid for 1 year.
Step 8: Annual Audits
BRCGS audits occur annually to maintain certification.
Comparison: BRCGS vs FSSC 22000 vs ISO 22000
| Standard | Recognition | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| BRCGS | GFSI-recognized | Detailed, retailer-driven requirements |
| FSSC 22000 | GFSI-recognized | ISO-based FSMS with PRPs |
| ISO 22000 | Not GFSI | Management system with HACCP |
BRCGS is highly detailed, making it excellent for companies supplying retail chains.
Conclusion
BRCGS certification is a powerful tool for food manufacturers and suppliers who want to demonstrate world-class food safety and quality. With strong global recognition, it opens doors to retail markets, improves operational performance, and builds trust with customers. For companies aiming for long-term success in the food industry, BRCGS provides a solid foundation for safety, transparency, and compliance.
