Outsourced Service
BRCGS Food Safety Issue 9
GFSI-benchmarked certification for food manufacturing. Required by Tesco, Walmart, Carrefour, ALDI, and most major retailers globally. Executed through accredited BRCGS certification partners.
GFSI Benchmarked
BRCGS Food Safety Issue 9
BRCGS Food Safety Issue 9
BRCGS
What is BRCGS Food Safety?
BRCGS Food Safety Issue 9 is the global standard for food safety and quality in manufacturing. It is GFSI-benchmarked, meaning it is recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative as meeting global food safety requirements. Issue 9 introduced unannounced audits, vulnerability assessments, and enhanced cultural requirements.
Who Is This For?
Food and drink manufacturers supplying major supermarkets and retailers in the UK, Europe, Middle East, North America, and beyond. Required for suppliers of Tesco, Walmart, Sainsbury's, Carrefour, ALDI, Lidl, M&S, and many others.
Key Benefits
- GFSI benchmarked — accepted by all major food retailers globally
- Graded certification: AA, A, B, C — higher grade = more buyer confidence
- Unannounced audit option available (buyers increasingly require this)
- Combined with ISO 22000 for comprehensive food safety coverage
- Listed on BRCGS Directory — visible to all potential buyers
- Issue 9 includes food safety culture, vulnerability, and threat assessments
Certification Process
1
Application & Review
Submit your application. CAS reviews your organisation's scope, personnel, sites, and activities to prepare a detailed audit time calculation and formal commercial proposal.
2
Stage 1 — Document Review
On-site or remote review of your management system documentation, readiness assessment, and confirmation of Stage 2 audit scope and plan.
3
Stage 2 — On-site Audit
Full on-site audit of the implemented management system against the standard's requirements. Findings are reported; nonconformities must be closed before certification.
4
Certification Decision
CAS's independent certification committee reviews the audit findings and issues the certificate. The certificate is valid for 3 years.
5
Surveillance & Recertification
Annual surveillance audits (~1/3 of initial audit time) maintain certification. Recertification audit (~2/3 of initial time) is conducted before certificate expiry to renew for a further 3 years.
BRCGS Food Safety certification is delivered through accredited BRCGS certification bodies. CAS facilitates and supports clients through the process via established accredited partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
BRC rebranded to BRCGS (Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standards) in 2019. BRCGS Food Safety Issue 9 is the current version of what was previously known as BRC Food.
Both are GFSI-benchmarked. BRCGS is product/sector specific with grades (AA–C). FSSC 22000 is built on ISO 22000 with additional requirements. Buyer requirements determine which is needed.
An unannounced audit occurs without prior notice within a defined window. Issue 9 introduced a mandatory unannounced element for higher grade certificates.
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