BRCGS Certification

INTRO:

ENSURING FOOD SAFETY WORLDWIDE: BRCGS GLOBAL FOOD CERTIFICATION

BRCGS (BRC) Global Food certification is carried out against the BRCGS Food Safety Standard, a leading global brand recognised by thousands of customers worldwide. It has certificated over 18,000 suppliers in over 100 countries around the globe. It was also the first Food Safety Standard to be benchmarked by the GFSI. The BRCGS food certification standard is designed to protect the consumer, ensuring that manufacturers and suppliers involved in the food chain meet their obligations.

BRCGS Global Food certification can be used by any food processing operation where open food is handled, processed or packed. This could be from primary products such as fresh produce pack houses and slaughterhouses through to processed foods, canneries and ready to eat products.

WHAT IS BRCGS CERTIFICATION?

BRCGS certification is a globally recognized certification program that sets out standards for food safety, quality, and operational criteria across various industries. It provides a framework for companies to establish and maintain robust systems ensuring the safety, quality, and legality of their products.

The certification covers multiple sectors such as food manufacturing, packaging, storage, distribution, and consumer products. It assists organizations in implementing best practices related to hygiene, manufacturing processes, risk management (like Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points - HACCP), and quality management systems.

THE ASI DIFFERENCE

Food safety isn't just a box to check; it's a core value. At ASI, we understand that. We go beyond simply providing BRCGS certification services. We become your trusted partner, working alongside you to achieve operational excellence.

Our comprehensive approach equips you with the tools and expertise needed to not only meet BRCGS standards but to surpass them. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, ASI empowers you to consistently deliver the safest, highest-quality food products possible.

Choose ASI, and choose more than just certification. Choose a partnership dedicated to your success. Together, let's build a food industry where safety and quality are not just met, but exceeded.

COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH OBTAINING BRCGS CERTIFICATION:

The costs associated with obtaining BRCGS certification can vary significantly based on several factors, including the size of the organization, the complexity of its operations, the sector it operates in, the chosen BRCGS standard, and the certification body conducting the audit. Here's a breakdown of potential costs involved:

Certification Body Fees: Organizations seeking BRCGS certification must engage an accredited certification body to conduct audits and grant certification. The fees charged by these certification bodies can vary based on the size and complexity of the operation, the number of employees, locations, and the chosen BRCGS standard (e.g., BRCGS Food Safety, Packaging, Storage, etc.).
Consultancy Costs: Some organizations may opt to hire consultants to help them navigate the BRCGS certification process. Consultants can assist in ensuring compliance, preparing documentation, and streamlining processes to meet BRCGS standards. The cost of consultancy services will depend on the extent of assistance required.
Training Expenses: Training employees to understand and implement BRCGS standards might involve costs. This could include courses, workshops, or educational materials to familiarize staff with BRCGS requirements and practices.
Internal Costs: These include the resources, time, and effort expended by the organization's personnel in preparing for the certification. It involves tasks such as developing and implementing processes, documentation, and any necessary improvements to meet BRCGS standards.
Recertification Costs: BRCGS certification is not a one-time expense. Organizations need to undergo regular audits (typically annually) to maintain certification. Recertification costs are incurred for subsequent audits and assessments.
Infrastructure and Equipment Upgrades: In some cases, organizations might need to invest in infrastructure upgrades, technology, or equipment to meet the standards set by BRCGS.

The actual costs can vary significantly based on these factors. Small organizations might spend a few thousand dollars, while larger or more complex operations could incur significantly higher costs. It's advisable for businesses to obtain quotes from certification bodies, factor in potential consultancy and training expenses, and allocate resources accordingly to achieve and maintain BRCGS certification.

HOW LONG DOES THE BRCGS TAKE?

The timeline for obtaining BRCGS certification can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the organization's operations, its readiness for certification, the chosen BRCGS standard, the certification body's schedule, and the speed at which the organization implements necessary changes to comply with BRCGS requirements. Here is a general overview of the BRCGS certification process timeline:

Pre-Assessment (Optional): Before the formal certification process, some organizations opt for a pre-assessment to gauge their readiness. This step is not mandatory but can help identify gaps and prepare for the actual audit.
Documentation and Preparation: Organizations need to review BRCGS standards, establish or update their food safety management systems, and document procedures and policies to meet the requirements. This stage duration can vary based on the organization's existing processes and level of compliance.
Engaging a Certification Body: Contacting and selecting an accredited certification body is crucial. Scheduling the audit and agreeing on terms, including fees, is part of this phase.
On-Site Audit: The certification body conducts an on-site audit to assess the organization's compliance with BRCGS standards. The duration of the audit can vary based on the organization's size and complexity.
Audit Report and Corrective Actions: After the audit, the certification body provides a report highlighting areas of compliance and non-compliance. The organization needs to address any identified non-conformities (corrective actions).
Certification Decision: The certification body evaluates the corrective actions taken. If the organization meets the necessary requirements, the certification body grants BRCGS certification.

The entire process typically takes several months from the initial preparation phase to certification. Smaller organizations with simpler operations might complete the process in a shorter timeframe, while larger or more complex organizations may take longer due to the intricacies of their operations and the time needed to implement necessary changes.

It's essential to note that maintaining certification involves regular audits (usually annually) to ensure ongoing compliance. Therefore, the certification process is not a one-time event but an ongoing commitment to meeting and maintaining BRCGS standards.