Every company in the food and beverage industry must be vigilant about controlling food safety risks. And one of the most widely accepted food safety certifications that prove an organization is safety conscious is the BRC (British Retail Consortium) certification, now known as Brand Recognition through Compliance of Global Standards (BRCGS) certification.
This article will describe what BCR (BRCGS) certification is, as well as provide essential tips for passing a BRCGS audit. It will also explore how implementing a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) can help your food and beverage organization pass a BRCGS audit and maintain compliance.
Understanding BRC (BRCGS) Certification
BRCGS is an internationally-recognized food safety certification initially developed by the British Retail Consortium (BRC). The BRCGS is meant to verify food safety, product quality, and operational standards are met by a food or beverage manufacturing, processing, packaging, or distribution company.
To obtain BRCGS certification, an organization must undergo an on-site audit by a third party that will verify that the facility meets BRCGS standards for product safety, quality, and continuous improvement efforts. In particular, a BRCGS audit ensures that:
- Leadership is committed to continuous improvement of food safety processes.
- Personnel are well trained, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), and following proper hygiene.
- Purchasers or sellers of food products have processes in place to avoid contamination.
- A Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) food safety plan is minimizing risks and maintaining product quality.
- Proper documentation of processes is maintained to help manage production and keep staff informed.
- Food production sites are maintained at or above acceptable standards.
- Controls are in place for processes such as product testing, allergen management, and pathogen contamination.
Achieving BRCGS certification not only boosts consumer confidence in your organization’s products, but it can also open the door for new business opportunities.
Tips for Passing a BRC (BRCGS) Audit
1. Familiarize Yourself with the Standard
Thoroughly understand the requirements outlined in the BRCGS Standard. Review the guidelines, checklists, and supporting materials provided by BRCGS to ensure compliance.
2. Develop an Effective Documentation System
Establish a comprehensive documentation system that includes tracking procedures, policies, and records. Effective documentation management is vital for BRCGS compliance, so ensure all documentation is accurate, up-to-date, easily accessible, and properly organized. A robust computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) such as eMaint can make this task much easier, especially come audit time.
3. Train and Educate Employees
Provide adequate training to all employees involved in the BRCGS certification process. Make sure they understand their roles and responsibilities, how to access the information they need, and that they are aware of the standard requirements.
4. Implement Corrective and Preventive Actions
Develop a structured system to address issues that will lead to non-conformance and take necessary actions to prevent their recurrence. Thoroughly document all issues and continuously monitor the effectiveness of your efforts toward improvement.
5. Supplier Management
Establish a strong supplier approval and monitoring process. Conduct regular documented assessments of your suppliers’ operations to ensure they meet BRCGS standards and maintain traceability of ingredients and materials.
6. Maintain Good Hygiene Practices
Implement strict hygiene practices, including regular cleaning and sanitation procedures, personal hygiene protocols, and pest control measures.
7. Conduct Internal Audits
Regularly conduct internal audits to identify any gaps or non-conformities. This will allow you to address and rectify issues before the real BRCGS audit.
8. Embrace Continuous Improvement
Embrace a culture of continuous improvement to enhance your food safety practices. Encourage feedback from employees, customers, and suppliers to identify areas for enhancement. Regularly review and update your processes and procedures to reflect emerging trends and best practices.
The Role of CMMS in Achieving BRCGS Certification
A Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) can greatly assist organizations in achieving BRCGS certification. Here are just a few ways how:
Preventive Maintenance Planning
A powerful CMMS enables the easy implementation of specifically tailored preventive maintenance schedules, helping ensure your maintenance team regularly inspects, calibrates, and services all vital equipment and facilities. This helps minimize the risk of breakdowns or quality issues during a BRCGS audit.
Document Control
A CMMS also provides a centralized repository for storing and managing documentation related to maintenance, including work instructions, maintenance logs, and equipment records. This helps demonstrate compliance and provides easy access to required information during audits.
Workflow Management
CMMS software makes creating, assigning, and tracking work orders for maintenance tasks as easy as possible, helping ensure your maintenance team completes necessary maintenance activities on time. This includes tasks related to hygiene, calibration, equipment inspections, and much more.
Auditing and Reporting
The right CMMS simplifies the management of compliance documentation by storing maintenance records, equipment logs, and inspection reports in a centralized digital repository. During BRC (BRCGS) audits, this documentation can be easily accessed and presented to auditors as evidence of compliance. CMMS software like eMaint also allows you to generate comprehensive reports, helping your organization monitor maintenance activities and identify trends or recurring issues. These insights are vital to driving continuous improvement efforts and demonstrating you’re taking a proactive approach to maintenance and compliance during BRCGS audits.
Achieving BRC (BRCGS) certification is a crucial milestone for any organization in the food industry, demonstrating a strong commitment to best practices related to both quality and safety. By following the tips above and leveraging the right CMMS software, you can make passing a BRCGS audit a breeze.