BRCGS Food Safety Certification: what it is, requirements and benefits 

The BRCGS Food Safety standard is the international benchmark for food safety , the first to be recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and currently required by the world's leading retail chains. Developed by British retailers, it establishes requirements for managing food safety, quality, legality, and authenticity throughout the supply chain. 

For manufacturers working with large distribution chains or wishing to access international markets , certification against the BRCGS Food Safety standard has become a strategic and, in many cases, essential requirement. 

In this article we explain in detail what BRCGS Food is, what its fundamental requirements are, how the certification process works and what benefits it brings to your company. 

What is BRCGS Food Safety? 

The standard was developed by BRCGS , an organization created in 1996 by British retailers with the aim of harmonizing food safety criteria in the supply chain. 

Over time, the scheme evolved into a global standard recognized by major international distribution chains . The BRCGS Food Safety Global Standard establishes a comprehensive framework for managing: 

1. Food security 

2. Product quality 

3. Legality 

4. Authenticity 

5. Operational control 

Furthermore, it integrates the principles of the HACCP system defined by the Codex Alimentarius and has recognition from the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), which gives it international acceptance. 

In practice, obtaining BRCGS Food Safety certification means demonstrating that the organization applies a robust food safety management system aligned with the highest market standards.    

Fundamental requirements of the BRCGS Food Safety standard 

The standard is structured in different chapters that cover everything from management leadership to detailed control of production processes . It is not limited to minimum legal compliance, but demands operational excellence and continuous improvement. 

 1. Commitment from senior management 

One of the pillars of the standard is the genuine involvement of the management team. The BRCGS Food Safety standard requires: 

• Documented food safety policy. 
• Measurable objectives. 
• Periodic system review. 
• Adequate resources (human and technical). 

Without visible leadership, the system is not considered effective. 

2. Food safety culture 

The standard incorporates specific requirements regarding organizational culture. Having written procedures is not enough: it is necessary to demonstrate that staff understand and apply food safety principles in their daily work. 

This implies: 

• Continuing education programs. 

• Competency assessment. 

• Effective internal communication. 

• Cross-cutting involvement. 

3. Documented management system 

Traceability is a critical element . The standard requires: 

• Documented procedures. 

• Verifiable records. 

• Change control. 

• Management of non-conforming products. 

This approach allows for rapid action in response to incidents and reduces the impact of potential food crises. 

4. Hazard analysis and risk management 

The technical basis of the system is supported by a comprehensive hazard analysis: 

• Identification of biological, chemical and physical risks. 

• Determination of critical control points (CCP). 

• Establishing critical limits. 

• Periodic validation and verification. 

This preventative approach is key to reducing incidents and protecting the consumer. 

5. Control of external suppliers and services 

Food safety depends on the entire supply chain . Therefore, the BRCGS Food Safety standard requires: 

• Supplier evaluation and approval. 

• Documented audits or evaluations. 

• Performance monitoring. 

The goal is to ensure that raw materials and services meet the same standards as the certified organization. 

BRCGS Food Safety certification process: stages and deadlines

The certification process is structured to assess both the documentary conformity and the operational effectiveness of the implemented system. 

Phase 1: Diagnosis and preparation 

Before requesting the audit, the company must: 

• Implement all the requirements of the standard. 

• Conduct internal audit. 

• Conduct management review. 

• Maintain evidence of effective operation. 

Many organizations first conduct a " gap analysis " to identify deviations from the standard. 

Phase 2: Certification Audit 

A qualified auditor conducts the on-site assessment . The audit includes: 

• Document review. 

• Facility inspection. 

• Observation of production processes. 

• Interviews with staff. 

It can be announced or unannounced.. 

Phase 3: Qualification 

The BRCGS Food Safety Standard uses a grading system based on the number and severity of non-conformities: 

• AA: less than 5 minor non-conformities 

• A: less than 10 minor non-conformities 

• B: 11 to 16 minor nonconformities or 1 major nonconformity and 10 or fewer minor nonconformities 

• C: 17 to 24 minor nonconformities or 1 major nonconformity and 11 to 16 minor nonconformities or 2 major nonconformities and 10 or fewer minor nonconformities 

• D: 25 to 30 minor nonconformities or 1 major nonconformity and 17 to 24 minor nonconformities or 2 major nonconformities and 11 to 16 minor nonconformities  

The rating influences commercial perception and the frequency of subsequent audits. 

Phase 4: Issuance of the certificate 

If the audit is satisfactory: 

• A certificate is issued with a validity of 12 months for grades AA, A and B and 6 months for grades C or D.   

• An annual renewal audit is mandatory. 

• An unannounced audit is required every three years. 

BRCGS Food Safety version 9: the current version of the standard 

The currently valid version of the standard is BRCGS Food Safety Issue 9 , published in August 2022 and applicable to audits from February 2023. This update introduces relevant changes to strengthen risk management, food safety culture and transparency in the supply chain. 

Among the highlights of version 9 are: 

• Strengthening the food safety culture: the standard expands the requirements related to organizational culture, requiring companies to demonstrate how they promote food safety-oriented behaviors, training and internal communication. 

• Greater focus on risk analysis: requirements related to hazard analysis, vulnerability assessment and food fraud management are strengthened, with the aim of improving the preventive capacity of organizations. 

• Stricter control of suppliers and raw materials: Version 9 introduces greater requirements in the evaluation and monitoring of suppliers, especially in relation to higher risk raw materials. 

• Clarification of operational requirements and auditing: some requirements have also been reviewed and reorganized to facilitate their interpretation and application during audits. 

For organizations that are certified or wish to become certified, understanding the requirements of version 9 is key to ensuring compliance with the standard and maintaining the trust of international customers and distributors. 

Benefits of obtaining BRCGS Food and BRC Global Standard certification 

Obtaining BRCGS Food Safety certification not only improves regulatory compliance, but also provides clear and measurable competitive advantages for your company. 

Access to large distribution chains 

Many international retailers require the BRCGS Food Safety standard as a contractual requirement. Without this certification, access to certain markets may be limited or even denied. 

Improved reputation and trust 

The BRCGS seal inspires confidence in customers, distributors, and end consumers. It is a visible differentiator that communicates a commitment to excellence. 

Reduction of operational risks 

A robust preventative system significantly reduces: 

• Product recalls. 

• Customer complaints. 

• Food safety incidents. 

• Legal and reputational costs. 

Internal optimization 

Implementing the standard improves document organization, operational discipline, and efficiency in key production and quality control processes . 

Which companies need the BRCGS Food Safety standard? 

The standard is primarily aimed at manufacturers of processed foods and companies that package food products. 

Likewise, there are others specific schemes within the global BRCGS brand for packaging, storage and distribution materials. 

In general, any company that wants to sell to large international chains should consider BRCGS certification as part of its growth strategy. 

Certification to the BRCGS Food Safety Global Standard is much more than a certificate: it is a comprehensive management system that strengthens food safety, improves internal efficiency and opens doors to demanding international markets. 

For companies in the agri-food sector seeking to position themselves as reliable and competitive suppliers, the BRCGS Food Safety standard certified by ACERTA represents a strategic investment with a tangible return in reputation and market access.