New global food standard revealed

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) is publishing a new version of the globally recognised BRC Food Standard, which will come into force mid-2005: it is used by certification bodies world-wide

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) is publishing a new version of the globally recognised BRC Food Standard on 31 December 2004.

This will come into force on 1 June 2005.

The BRC Global Food Standard is used by certification bodies operating in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the Far East, Australasia and North and South America, to enable food suppliers to achieve certification against a globally recognised standard.

The Standard sets the benchmark for food safety management systems, laying down criteria against which companies can be assessed and so allowing purchasers to buy with confidence.

Changes to the Standard reflect changes in legislation including traceability, product segregation and the process by which product integrity is managed through the supply chain.

Interpretations of requirements are more concise and the protocol more extended and detailed.

The revisions are based on extensive consultation between the BRC and key stakeholders across the industry.

BRC Head of Technical Services, Kevin Swoffer, said: "Most large UK retailers will require their supplier to have gained certification to the appropriate BRC Global Standard and so we are pleased to now offer the revised Food Standard that reflects the changing industry, and clearly focuses on the need to establish the highest standards across the food chain.

"The BRC Global Food Standard is used by certification bodies in 23 countries across 4 continents.

Its success since it was introduced and the engagement of stakeholders from the food industry has meant that best practice is established, achieved and maintained.".

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