BRC
GFSI-benchmarked standard for food safety management
FSSC 22000
GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme for food safety management.
Quick Verdict
BRC offers prescriptive food safety standards for manufacturers seeking retailer access, while FSSC 22000 provides flexible ISO-based FSMS across food chains. Companies adopt BRC for retail compliance, FSSC for global GFSI benchmarking and integration.
BRC
BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety Issue 9
Key Features
- GFSI-recognized certification enabling global retailer supply chains
- Fundamental clauses ensuring non-negotiable safety controls
- HACCP-based plan integrating fraud and defence risks
- Expanded environmental monitoring for pathogen control
- Unannounced audits rewarding continuous operational readiness
FSSC 22000
Food Safety System Certification 22000 (FSSC 22000)
Key Features
- Combines ISO 22000, PRPs, and Additional Requirements
- GFSI-benchmarked for global supply chain recognition
- Food defense and fraud vulnerability assessments
- Sector-specific PRPs for food chain categories
- Mandatory food safety culture objectives
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
BRC Details
What It Is
The BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety (Issue 9) is a GFSI-benchmarked certification framework for food manufacturers, processors, and packers. It ensures product safety, legality, authenticity, and quality via senior management commitment, a Codex HACCP-based food safety plan, and prerequisite programs like GMP/GHP.
Key Components
Structured into **seven core clausesSenior Management Commitment, Food Safety Plan, FSQMS, Site Standards, Product Control, Process Control, Personnel. Features fundamental requirements (e.g., traceability, allergen management, internal audits) with graded certification (AA/A/B/C/D grades) and unannounced audit options.
Why Organizations Use It
Drives retailer market access, reduces customer audits, evidences due diligence, mitigates recalls from allergens/pathogens/labelling, enhances resilience via root cause analysis and culture plans.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, documentation/training, internal audits, certification by accredited bodies. Typically 6-12 months for mid-sized sites; suits global food manufacturers with annual surveillance.
FSSC 22000 Details
What It Is
FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification 22000) is a GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme for Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS). It applies across food chain categories from farming to packaging, using a risk-based PDCA approach integrating ISO 22000:2018 requirements.
Key Components
- **Three pillarsISO 22000:2018 (clauses 4-10), sector-specific PRPs (e.g., ISO/TS 22002 series), FSSC Additional Requirements (e.g., food defense, fraud, allergens, culture).
- Over 100 requirements across management, operations, and verification.
- Built on HACCP principles within a full management system.
- Third-party certification by licensed bodies per ISO 22003-1:2022.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets retailer and global trade demands via GFSI recognition.
- Reduces recalls, enhances supply chain trust.
- Manages risks like fraud, defense, allergens.
- Boosts reputation, market access, efficiency.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, FSMS build, PRPs/HACCP, audits.
- For food manufacturers, caterers, logistics; all sizes.
- Global applicability; requires Stage 1/2 audits, surveillance.
Key Differences
| Aspect | BRC | FSSC 22000 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Food manufacturing, packaging, storage, trading; 9 prescriptive clauses | Full food chain categories B-K; ISO 22000 + PRPs + additional requirements |
| Industry | Food manufacturers, retailers' suppliers worldwide | Food chain: manufacturing, packaging, logistics, catering globally |
| Nature | Prescriptive GFSI-benchmarked certification standard | ISO-based GFSI scheme with sector PRPs and additions |
| Testing | Annual announced/unannounced audits; grading AA/A/B | ISO 22003 audits: stage 1/2, surveillance, recertification |
| Penalties | Grade downgrade, certification loss, customer delisting | Non-conformities, certification suspension/withdrawal |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about BRC and FSSC 22000
BRC FAQ
FSSC 22000 FAQ
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