BRC
Global standard for food safety in manufacturing
ISO 27018
International code for PII protection in public clouds.
Quick Verdict
BRC ensures food safety certification for manufacturers via HACCP and audits, securing retailer access. ISO 27018 extends ISO 27001 for cloud providers protecting PII with privacy controls, building customer trust in data handling.
BRC
BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety
ISO 27018
ISO/IEC 27018:2025 PII protection in public clouds
Key Features
- Privacy controls for PII in public cloud processors
- Transparent subprocessor and location disclosure
- Mandatory breach notification to customers
- Prohibits PII use for marketing without consent
- Supports data subject rights fulfillment
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 ensures product safety, legality, authenticity, and quality through a structured management system combining senior leadership commitment and a Codex HACCP-based food safety plan supported by prerequisite programs.
Key Components
- Nine core clauses: senior management, HACCP, FSQMS, site standards, product/process control, personnel, risk zones, traded products.
- Fundamental requirements (e.g., traceability, allergen management, CAPA) are non-negotiable for certification.
- Built on HACCP principles with risk assessments for hazards including fraud and malicious contamination.
- Grading (AA/A/B/C/D) via announced/unannounced audits.
Why Organizations Use It
Provides market access to global retailers mandating GFSI certification, reduces duplicative audits, demonstrates due diligence, mitigates recall risks from allergens/pathogens/labelling. Builds trust, supports FSMA compliance, drives continuous improvement.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: gap analysis, documentation, training, internal audits, certification audit. Applies to manufacturers worldwide; requires 6-12 months, CAPEX for site upgrades, annual audits. Suited for all sizes targeting retail supply chains.
ISO 27018 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27018 is a code of practice extending ISO/IEC 27001/27002 for protecting PII in public clouds where CSPs act as processors. Revised in 2025, it employs a risk-based approach with cloud-specific privacy controls addressing multi-tenancy, subprocessors, and data flows.
Key Components
- ~25-30 privacy controls on consent, minimization, transparency, retention.
- Built on **8 principlesconsent, purpose limitation, accuracy, safeguards, accountability.
- Integrated into ISO 27001 ISMS; audited as extension, no standalone cert.
Why Organizations Use It
- Builds trust, speeds procurement via SoA.
- Aligns with GDPR Art. 28, HIPAA processor duties.
- Reduces risks, aids insurance, differentiates CSPs.
Implementation Overview
- Gap analysis on ISMS, update SoA/contracts/policies.
- Training, technical measures like encryption/logging.
- All CSP sizes; third-party audit within 27001 cycle. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | BRC | ISO 27018 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Food safety manufacturing, processing, packing | PII protection in public cloud services |
| Industry | Food, packaging, storage, global manufacturers | Cloud service providers, all sectors processing PII |
| Nature | Voluntary GFSI-benchmarked certification standard | Code of practice extending ISO 27001 voluntarily |
| Testing | Annual announced/unannounced third-party audits | Integrated into ISO 27001 audits, annual surveillance |
| Penalties | Certification loss, market access denial, no fines | No direct penalties, potential contract/regulatory issues |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about BRC and ISO 27018
BRC FAQ
ISO 27018 FAQ
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