BRCGS stands for Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standards (formerly just BRC). It’s a GFSI-recognized certification program originally developed in the UK by retailers and brand owners to ensure product safety, quality, and legality.
It’s used worldwide by:
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Food manufacturers
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Retailers
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Packaging suppliers
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Storage & distribution companies
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Consumer product manufacturers
Key BRCGS Standards
BRCGS covers several industry sectors, each with its own standard:
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Food Safety (most popular)
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Packaging Materials
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Storage and Distribution
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Consumer Products
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Agents and Brokers
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Gluten-Free Certification
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Ethical Trade and Responsible Sourcing (ETRS)
Main Features of the BRCGS Food Safety Standard
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Detailed and prescriptive: Offers clear guidance and a strong audit framework.
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Focus on product safety, legality, and quality
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HACCP-based approach (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)
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Strong management commitment and food safety culture requirements
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Emphasis on traceability, allergen control, supplier management, and site standards
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Includes unannounced audit options for added integrity
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Grading system: Sites are rated (A, B, C, D) depending on audit results.
Global Reach and Acceptance
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Originated in the UK but now used in over 130 countries
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Especially popular among UK and European retailers
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Many major retailers and food service companies require BRCGS certification as a supplier prerequisite
Benefits of BRCGS Certification
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Opens access to major retailers and brands
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Builds consumer trust by enhancing brand protection
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Drives improvements in food safety, hygiene, and quality systems
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Encourages a culture of continuous improvement
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Improves traceability and supply chain transparency
In Short:
BRCGS = Retailer-grade food safety + quality assurance + brand protection.
It’s great for companies looking for a clear, structured, and highly respected food safety certification—especially if you’re supplying retailers or entering UK/EU markets.
Preparing For A BRCGS Audit?
preparing for a BRCGS audit is all about being organized, consistent, and audit-ready every day, not just when the audit is coming up. Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide to help you prep like a pro:
Understand the Standard Inside Out
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Get the latest version of the BRCGS standard (e.g., BRCGS Food Safety Issue 9).
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Review all clauses and identify which ones apply to your operation.
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Pay special attention to:
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HACCP/food safety plan
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Allergen control
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Supplier approval
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Traceability
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Product integrity
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Food safety culture
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2. Conduct a Gap Analysis
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Compare your current systems and practices to the requirements.
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Document what’s in place and what’s missing.
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Prioritize high-risk areas or non-compliances.
3. Build or Refine Your Food Safety Management System
Make sure you have documented policies and procedures for:
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HACCP plan – validated, verified, and updated
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Prerequisite programs (PRPs) – cleaning, pest control, hygiene
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Supplier management – approvals, specifications, audits
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Training records – for food safety, allergens, hygiene
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Internal audits and corrective actions
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Product traceability and recall procedures
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Risk assessments for food fraud and food defense
4. Strengthen Food Safety Culture
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Train staff at all levels – not just management
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Encourage ownership of food safety on the production floor
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Communicate expectations regularly
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Track and promote staff engagement in safety initiatives
5. Conduct Mock Audits
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Perform internal audits as if it were the real thing
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Use the BRCGS grading system and format
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Check documentation, interview staff, walk the floor
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Identify gaps and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
6. Ensure Traceability and Product Recall Readiness
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Conduct traceability tests (backward and forward) to verify you can trace raw materials to finished goods—and vice versa
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Have a recall procedure ready and do a mock recall
7. Prepare Your Documentation
Have a central place for:
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Policies & procedures
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HACCP plan
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Site plans
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Cleaning schedules
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CCP monitoring records
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Training records
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Maintenance logs
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Calibration records
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Internal audits & corrective actions
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Supplier approvals
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Visitor records, etc.
Pro tip: Make it easy for the auditor to follow your system.
8. Be Audit-Ready Every Day
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BRCGS audits can be unannounced, especially if you’re in a high-risk category.
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Make “audit readiness” a mindset and part of daily operations.
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Keep documentation current and ensure staff can confidently explain procedures.
Bonus: Day Before & Day Of Audit Tips
Before the audit:
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Clean and organize the facility.
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Make sure key team members are available.
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Review your site presentation and opening meeting content.
On audit day:
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Be calm, transparent, and helpful.
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Don’t hide issues – show how you’ve resolved past problems.
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Assign a confident guide to walk the auditor through the site.
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