The British Retail Consortium’s Food Safety and Packaging and Packaging Materials Global Standards have been substantially redrafted following an extensive review.
Currently 9,000 factories in over 80 countries are audited to the standards, which help suppliers gain and maintain business with retailers by enabling them to demonstrate they are achieving the levels of quality and safety required by retailers and meeting the legal requirements of their markets.
The new issues of both standards include more detailed requirements to provide increased guidance to users and certification bodies, enabling more consistent auditing. They also place greater emphasis on companies demonstrating senior management commitment and competence in the application of hazard analysis, which underpins effective product safety and quality management. In addition, there is a review of the process for certification to produce greater integrity in the implementation of the standard.
The Packaging and Packaging Materials standard has also been upgraded to cover packaging for non food products; and, at the request of customers of packaging producers, more detailed coverage is provided on the design and development process, customer review and site security
BRC director of global standards and technical services Dr Geoff Spriegel comments: “The standards provide greater assurance for retailers and open up new markets for suppliers who can promote themselves to retailers looking for independent endorsement of suppliers’ operations. We will continue to strengthen and update the standards to keep them ahead of changing technology and customer demands.”
| Contact |
| British Retail Consortium |
