BRC
GFSI-benchmarked standard for food safety manufacturing
ISO 27017
International standard for cloud-specific security controls.
Quick Verdict
BRC ensures food safety for manufacturers via HACCP and audits, securing retailer access. ISO 27017 provides cloud security guidance within ISO 27001, clarifying shared responsibilities for providers and customers to mitigate multi-tenancy risks.
BRC
BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety
Key Features
- GFSI-benchmarked certification recognized by retailers
- Fundamental non-negotiable safety requirements
- Codex HACCP integrated with PRPs
- Graded audits AA/A/B/C/D-plus
- Risk-based environmental monitoring expansion
ISO 27017
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 Code of practice for cloud security
Key Features
- Clarifies shared responsibilities between CSPs and CSCs
- Adds seven cloud-specific CLD controls to ISO 27002
- Provides guidance for 37 ISO 27002 controls in cloud
- Addresses multi-tenancy segregation and VM hardening
- Enables customer monitoring of cloud service activities
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 third-party certification framework for food manufacturers, processors, and packers. It ensures product safety, legality, authenticity, and quality across supply chains. Built on a risk-based approach combining Codex HACCP with robust prerequisite programs (PRPs) like GMP/GHP.
Key Components
- Seven core sections: senior management, HACCP plan, FSQMS, site standards, product/process control, personnel.
- Fundamental requirements (non-negotiable, e.g., HACCP, traceability, allergens).
- Graded certification (AA/A/B/C/D) via annual audits, including unannounced options.
- Strict scope rules with physical segregation for exclusions.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandated by retailers for market access.
- Reduces recalls via controls on allergens, pathogens, labelling.
- Builds trust, evidences due diligence, GFSI recognition.
- Drives efficiency, continuous improvement through CAPA, internal audits.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, documentation, training, mock audits, certification.
- Applies to manufacturers globally, scalable for SMEs via START.
- Requires accredited certification body audits, root cause analysis.
ISO 27017 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 is a code of practice extending ISO/IEC 27002 with cloud-specific information security controls. It provides guidance for applying 37 existing controls and adds seven new ones in cloud environments, using a risk-based approach within an ISO 27001 ISMS.
Key Components
- Guidance on 37 ISO 27002 controls adapted for cloud.
- Seven CLD cloud-specific controls (e.g., shared responsibilities, VM segregation).
- Domains mirror **ISO 27002access, operations, supplier relationships.
- Integrated into ISO 27001 certification; no standalone cert.
Why Organizations Use It
- Clarifies shared responsibilities between CSPs and CSCs.
- Meets procurement, regulatory demands (e.g., GDPR alignment).
- Reduces cloud risks like multi-tenancy breaches.
- Builds trust, differentiates CSPs in competitive markets.
Implementation Overview
- Extend existing ISO 27001 ISMS via risk assessment.
- Map controls, implement segregation/monitoring, update SoA.
- Suits CSPs, CSCs across sizes/industries; global applicability.
- Audited as ISO 27001 extension; joint audits 9-12 months.
Key Differences
| Aspect | BRC | ISO 27017 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Food safety manufacturing, processing, packing | Cloud-specific information security controls |
| Industry | Food, packaging, storage, global manufacturers | Cloud providers, customers, all cloud-using sectors |
| Nature | Voluntary GFSI-benchmarked certification standard | Guidance code of practice extending ISO 27001 |
| Testing | Annual on-site audits, grading AA/A/B/C/D | Integrated into ISO 27001 audits, no standalone cert |
| Penalties | Certification loss, market access denial | No direct penalties, impacts ISO 27001 certification |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about BRC and ISO 27017
BRC FAQ
ISO 27017 FAQ
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