BRC Consultant | Certify Consulting | BRCGS Food Safety Certification

GFSI-Recognized Standard

What is BRC/BRCGS?

The BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety (formerly known as BRC) is one of the world's most widely recognized food safety certification schemes. Recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), it provides a framework for managing product safety, integrity, legality, and quality across the food supply chain.

Originally developed by the British Retail Consortium in 1998, BRCGS is now required by retailers and food companies across the UK, Europe, and increasingly worldwide. The standard covers seven key areas:

Food Safety Management

Senior management commitment, food safety culture, and continuous improvement.

HACCP Plan

Codex Alimentarius-based hazard analysis and critical control point system.

Quality Management

Document control, supplier management, corrective actions, and internal audits.

Facility Standards

Site layout, utilities, equipment, cleaning, and pest management requirements.

Product Control

Product labeling, allergen management, traceability, and product testing.

Process & Personnel

Process control, training, personnel hygiene, and competency requirements.

Industries We Serve

Who Needs BRC?

BRCGS certification is essential for food companies targeting UK, European, and international retail markets.

Food Manufacturers Exporting to UK/Europe

Companies manufacturing food products for export to the United Kingdom and European markets where BRCGS is the dominant food safety standard required by retailers.

Companies Supplying UK Retailers

Suppliers to major UK retail chains including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Marks & Spencer, ASDA, and Waitrose, which require BRCGS certification as a condition of supply.

Private Label Manufacturers

Companies producing private label or own-brand food products for retail customers. Private label suppliers are frequently required to hold BRCGS certification to demonstrate product safety and quality management.

Food Processors Seeking International Recognition

Food processing companies looking to gain internationally recognized GFSI-benchmarked certification to open new markets and demonstrate world-class food safety management.

Our Proven Process

Our BRC Process

A structured, proven methodology that gets you BRCGS certified — from initial assessment through successful certification audit.

1

Gap Assessment

Comprehensive evaluation of your current systems against BRCGS requirements. We identify every gap and build a detailed action plan with clear priorities.

2

HACCP Plan Development

Development of your Codex Alimentarius-based HACCP plan including hazard analysis, critical control points, monitoring, corrective actions, and verification procedures.

3

Prerequisite Programs

Establishing prerequisite programs including cleaning and sanitation, pest management, allergen control, supplier approval, and environmental monitoring.

4

Document & Record Management

Complete documentation system including policies, procedures, work instructions, forms, and records — all aligned with BRCGS requirements and your operations.

5

Facility Standards Assessment

Evaluation of your facility against BRCGS site standards including layout, product flow, building fabric, utilities, equipment, and environmental controls.

6

Implementation & Training

Hands-on implementation support and comprehensive training for your team on BRCGS requirements, HACCP principles, food safety culture, and audit readiness.

7

Internal Audits

Complete internal audit program and a full mock BRCGS audit to identify and resolve any remaining gaps. You'll go into your certification audit with confidence.

8

BRCGS Audit Support

On-site support during your BRCGS certification audit. We coordinate with your chosen certification body and ensure a smooth, successful audit experience.

Understanding Your Score

BRC Grades Explained

BRCGS uses a grading system from AA to D based on the number and severity of nonconformities found during your audit. Here's what each grade means.

AA Highest Grade

Grade AA

No critical or major nonconformities. 5 or fewer minor nonconformities. Available through unannounced audit only. Signals exceptional food safety performance and is a powerful competitive differentiator.

A Strong Compliance

Grade A

No critical or major nonconformities. 10 or fewer minor nonconformities. Available through both announced and unannounced audits. The standard most retailers expect from their suppliers.

B Acceptable

Grade B

No critical nonconformities. 1 major and/or more than 10 minor nonconformities. Certification is granted, but indicates significant areas for improvement before your next audit.

C Marginal

Grade C

No critical nonconformities. 2 or more major nonconformities. Certification is granted but with a shorter recertification cycle. Immediate improvement is needed.

D Not Certified

Grade D

Critical nonconformity found or excessive major nonconformities. Certification is not granted. A follow-up audit is required after corrective actions are implemented and verified.

Unannounced vs. Announced

Opting for an unannounced audit shows confidence in your food safety systems and qualifies you for the coveted AA grade. Announced audits have a scheduled date, while unannounced audits happen within a window. We help you prepare for either option.

Our goal is to get you an A grade or above on your first BRCGS certification audit.

Common Questions

BRC Certification FAQ

What is the difference between BRC and SQF?

Both BRC (BRCGS) and SQF are GFSI-recognized food safety certification schemes, but they differ in origin and market focus. BRC originated in the UK and is widely required by UK and European retailers, while SQF is more commonly required by North American retailers like Walmart and Costco. BRC uses a grading system (AA to D) while SQF uses levels (1-3). Both cover food safety management, HACCP, and quality systems, but their specific requirements and audit protocols differ. The right choice depends on your target markets and customer requirements.

Is BRC required for exporting to the UK?

BRC certification is not legally required for exporting to the UK, but it is a practical necessity for many food companies. Most major UK retailers — including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Marks & Spencer, and ASDA — require their food suppliers to hold BRCGS certification or another GFSI-recognized standard. If you plan to supply UK or European retail chains, BRC certification will likely be a commercial requirement from your customers.

How long does BRC certification take?

BRC certification typically takes 3 to 8 months depending on your company's size, complexity, and existing food safety systems. Companies with established HACCP plans and quality management systems can often achieve certification faster. The timeline includes gap assessment, documentation development, implementation, training, internal audits, and the certification audit itself. Our structured process is designed to minimize delays and get you audit-ready efficiently.

What BRC grade should I aim for?

You should aim for an AA or A grade, which demonstrates strong compliance with the BRCGS standard. Grade AA is the highest achievable grade and is only available through unannounced audits — it signals exceptional food safety performance to your customers. Grade A indicates full compliance with minor nonconformities at most. Many retailers prefer suppliers with A grade or above, and an AA grade from an unannounced audit is a powerful differentiator. Contact us to discuss your grading strategy.

Explore more food safety certifications:

Food Safety Hub | SQF Consultant | Food Safety Consultant

Ready to Get BRC Certified?

Schedule a free 30-minute consultation. We'll assess your current food safety systems, discuss your target markets and grading goals, and outline a clear path to BRCGS certification — no obligation.

Schedule Free Consultation Call 858-240-4353

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