British Retail Consortium Global Standard (BRC)
Ensuring Food Safety, Quality, and Compliance with BRC Certification
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) Global Standard is a globally recognized framework for ensuring food safety, product quality, and regulatory compliance in the food and consumer product industries.
The BRC Global Standard was developed by the British Retail Consortium, a trade association representing UK retail businesses. It sets strict guidelines for food manufacturing, processing, packaging, and distribution, ensuring that products meet international safety and quality standards.
At SQC Consultancy, we provide expert guidance and tailored solutions to help businesses achieve BRC certification efficiently. Our team of specialists supports organizations in developing compliant food safety systems, conducting internal audits, and preparing for third-party certification assessments.
7 Key Components of BRC Certification for Malaysian Businesses
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) Global Standard for Food Safety is structured into seven key sections, each designed to ensure comprehensive food safety, quality management, and operational control.
- Senior Management Commitment: Senior management must actively support, implement, and continuously improve the organization’s food safety standards. Leadership plays a critical role in establishing a strong food safety culture, allocating resources, and ensuring compliance with BRC requirements.
- Food Safety Plan (HACCP): A Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan identifies and manages potential food safety hazards. This systematic approach analyzes each step of the production process to indentify where hazards might occur and establish controls to prevent them.
- Food safety and quality management system: This encompasses the overall framework of policies, procedures, and documentation that define how the organization manages food safety and quality.
- Site standards: BRC certification requires strict controls over site cleanliness, facility maintenance, and pest control to prevent contamination. Proper facility management, hygiene protocols, and environmental monitoring help maintain a safe and compliant production environment.
- Product control: Effective product control ensures that the final product meets the required standards and customer expectations. This ensures products are safe, legal, and of the quality specified.
- Process Control: This involves monitoring and controlling manufacturing processes to maintain product consistency, safety, and quality.
- Personnel: Employees must follow strict hygiene policies, wear protective clothing, and undergo regular training to maintain compliance with BRC requirements. Staff awareness and engagement play a key role in building a strong food safety culture.
Benefits of Implementing BRCGS
Achieving BRC certification offers significant advantages to your organization:
Demonstrate regulatory compliance
BRC certification ensures that organizations comply with relevant food safety legislation and regulations, helping to reduce legal risks and avoid regulatory penalties.
Enhanced reputation
As a globally recognized certification, BRC reinforces your organization’s commitment to high food safety and quality standards. It builds trust with consumers, retailers, and supply chain partners, demonstrating that your business meets stringent safety and quality requirements.
Competitive advantage
BRC certification differentiates your organization from competitors by showcasing strong food safety measures and consistent compliance. Many leading retailers and food service providers require BRC certification from their suppliers, giving certified businesses a distinct market advantage.
Cost savings
Implementing the BRC standard and proactively managing risks significantly reduces the likelihood of product recalls, rework and waste. It also enhances quality control and improves production efficiency.
Enhance customer confidence
BRC certification reassures consumers that your products are safe, high-quality, and produced in compliance with international food safety standards, strengthening customer loyalty and brand trust.
Improved operational efficiency
By optimizing resource utilization, reducing inefficiencies, and ensuring compliance with structured safety protocols, businesses can streamline production workflows, minimize downtime, and maintain consistent product quality.
Professional BRCGS Consultant in Malaysia
At SQC, our comprehensive BRC Global Standard consulting services guide your business through each step of certification, ensuring compliance with the BRC standard and setting your organization up for long-term success. Our process includes:
Initial Consultation and Assessment
We conduct a thorough analysis to understand your organization’s goals, current practices, and desired outcomes with BRC standards. This helps us identify your unique needs and expectations.
Planning and Customization
We assist in developing a tailored plan for BRC implementation. This includes defining the implementation scope across relevant departments, setting timelines, and collaborating with your team to establish an effective schedule.
Gap Analysis and Policy Development
Our consultants conduct a thorough gap analysis, comparing existing processes with BRC requirements. We then assist in creating a customized documentation framework, revising policies, and aligning procedures to bridge identified gaps.
Training and Implementation
Working alongside your team, we support the rollout of new processes identified in the gap analysis. We provide targeted training to ensure employees understand BRC standards, the importance of compliance, and their role in maintaining a food safety management system. We also establish an internal audit program to monitor progress.
Pre-Certification and Audit Support
Before the certification audit, we conduct a pre-certification audit to evaluate your organization’s BRC readiness. Our team helps implement corrective actions if needed and supports your selection of a reputable certification body. We guide you through the final certification audit process to ensure success.
Continuous Support and Improvement
After achieving BRC certification, we work with your organization to foster a culture of continuous improvement, conducting periodic reviews to maintain compliance. Our ongoing support ensures your food safety management system adapts effectively to evolving industry standards and regulatory requirements.
FAQs on British Retail Consortium Global Standard
What is BRC Global Standard?
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) Global Standard is an internationally recognized certification that ensures food safety, product quality, and regulatory compliance in the supply chain. It is widely used by retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers to meet global safety and quality requirements.
Why is BRC important for my business?
BRC certification can lead to improved reputation, increased market access, reduced risks, cost savings, and continuous improvement, ultimately contributing to the long-term success and sustainability of your business.
How long does it take to achieve BRC?
The time required to achieve BRC certification depends on the size and complexity of the organization, as well as your organization’s current level of compliance with BRC standards. Get in touch with our consultants to find out more.
What is the cost of BRC certification?
The cost of BRC certification in Malaysia varies based on factors like company size, scope, and certification body fees. Consulting fees may also vary depending on the level of support needed. Contact us to find out more.
Can I apply for BRC certification without a consultant?
While it is possible to obtain BRC certification without a consultant, many organizations find that working with a consultant can streamline the process. Consultants provide expertise and resources, helping companies save time and ensure smooth implementation and certification.
What support does SQC provide throughout the certification process?
SQC offers comprehensive consultancy services in Malaysia, providing expert guidance and support throughout your BRC certification journey. We ensure a seamless process, helping your company enhance its environmental management system and achieve certification.
Who needs to be certified?
BRC certification is essential for food manufacturers, processors, packagers, distributors, and retailers who want to demonstrate compliance with international food safety and quality standards.
How often does BRC certification need to be renewed?
BRC certification is valid for one year, and businesses must undergo an annual audit to maintain certification.
Build Trust with BRC Certification
Achieve BRC certification with SQC’s expert consultancy. Ensure your business meets international food safety and quality standards, builds consumer confidence, and gains a competitive edge in the industry.
Ready to start your BRC certification journey? Contact us today!