BRC
GFSI-benchmarked global standard for food safety certification
FedRAMP
U.S. program standardizing federal cloud security assessment and authorization.
Quick Verdict
BRC ensures food safety certification for global supply chains via audits, while FedRAMP authorizes secure cloud services for US federal agencies through NIST controls and continuous monitoring. Food firms adopt BRC for retailer access; cloud providers pursue FedRAMP for government contracts.
BRC
BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety Issue 9
Key Features
- GFSI-benchmarked certification for food safety manufacturing
- Senior management commitment with culture action plan
- Codex HACCP plan integrating prerequisite programs
- Fundamental requirements targeting recall drivers
- Graded audits including unannounced options
FedRAMP
Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program
Key Features
- Reusable authorizations across federal agencies
- NIST SP 800-53 baselines at Low/Moderate/High levels
- Independent 3PAO security assessments required
- Continuous monitoring with monthly vulnerability reports
- Program Authorizations for multi-agency use
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
BRC Details
What It Is
BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety (Issue 9) is a GFSI-benchmarked certification framework for food manufacturers, processors, and packers. It assures product safety, legality, authenticity, and quality via a risk-based management system combining leadership commitment, Codex HACCP plans, and robust prerequisite programs (GMP/GHP).
Key Components
- Structured into 7-9 clauses: senior management, HACCP/food safety plan, FSQMS, site standards, product/process controls, personnel, high-risk zones.
- Fundamental requirements (e.g., traceability, allergens, CAPA) are non-negotiable for certification.
- Built on HACCP principles with expansions for environmental monitoring, food defence, fraud.
- Graded certification (AA/A/B/C/D) via annual announced/unannounced audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandated by retailers for supply chain access and reduced audits.
- Mitigates recalls from allergens, pathogens, labelling errors.
- Demonstrates due diligence, supports FSMA compliance.
- Builds trust, operational resilience, market differentiation.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, documentation/training, internal audits, certification by accredited bodies.
- Targets manufacturers globally; 6-12 months typical for mid-size sites.
- Requires site upgrades, multidisciplinary teams, ongoing surveillance/management reviews. (178 words)
FedRAMP Details
What It Is
FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) is a U.S. government framework standardizing security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud services used by federal agencies. Its primary purpose is to enable secure, reusable cloud adoption via NIST SP 800-53-based controls tailored to FIPS 199 impact levels (Low, Moderate, High).
Key Components
- Baselines with ~156/323/410 controls for Low/Moderate/High levels, plus LI-SaaS for low-risk SaaS.
- Core artifacts: SSP, SAR, POA&M; independent 3PAO assessments.
- Built on NIST standards; emphasizes continuous monitoring and automation via OSCAL.
- Agency/Program authorizations for reusability.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for federal cloud procurement access.
- Reduces duplication, enhances security posture.
- Builds trust, enables multi-agency contracts.
- Competitive edge in government sales.
Implementation Overview
- Gap analysis, documentation, 3PAO assessment, remediation.
- Applies to CSPs targeting U.S. federal market.
- Timelines 10-19 months; costs $150k-$2M+; requires audits.
Key Differences
| Aspect | BRC | FedRAMP |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Food safety, quality, supply chain manufacturing | Cloud security assessment, authorization, monitoring |
| Industry | Food manufacturing, packaging, global retailers | US federal agencies, cloud service providers |
| Nature | Voluntary GFSI-benchmarked certification standard | Mandatory US government authorization program |
| Testing | Third-party site audits, announced/unannounced | 3PAO independent assessments, continuous monitoring |
| Penalties | Certification loss, market access denial | Authorization revocation, contract ineligibility |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about BRC and FedRAMP
BRC FAQ
FedRAMP FAQ
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