BRITISH RETAIL CONSORTIUM
What is BRC ?
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) is a global food safety standard that was created in January 1992. It is used by retailers and manufacturers all over the world to ensure that their products are safe for consumption.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) is the leading trade association for the UK retail sector, representing over 170 retailers and 80% of retail sales.
The BRC works to promote the interests of its members, influence policy and regulation, and provide insights and guidance on the latest trends and challenges facing the industry. the BRC requires documented approval to ensure food quality and safety.
These food quality and safety standards are published by retail trade groups. Any company wishing to supply its food products to those retailers must meet the required standards. The retailers request that an independent third party approves the quality and food safety system of the supplier.
Demand for food safety is growing. Consumers and authorities increasingly demand that the food we eat should offer high levels of quality and security. If a problem occurs, the source of error needs to be found quickly and the problem rectified. Demands are typically directed to the retail trade first, but responsibility spreads through the entire food chain to include food producers, primary producers and transporters.
How to obtain BRC certification?
- The BRC certification is given to businesses that meet certain standards in food security and quality. The process of obtaining the certification begins with an application to the certification body.
- Once the application is approved, a team of auditors will come to the facility to analyze processes and procedures.
- If the business meets the standards set by the BRC and passes the certification audit, it will be awarded the certification. The certification must be renewed every year, and businesses must go through periodic audits to ensure that they are still meeting the standards.
- Obtaining BRC certification can be a time-consuming and costly process, but it is essential for businesses that want to show their commitment to food safety and quality.
Benefits of BRITISH RETAIL CONSORTIUM include:
- Access markets like UK, Germany, France & other markets where BRC is a requirement
- Strengthened relationships with retail distributors
- Increased transparency
- Reinforced customer confidence
- Streamlined production
- Minimization of significant food risks
- Effective control of internal processes and minimizing risk of failure
- Signal sent about a proactive approach to food safety
- Focus kept on your essential challenges