BRC
Global standard for food safety in manufacturing
ISO 30301
International standard for records management systems
Quick Verdict
BRC ensures food safety certification for manufacturers via HACCP and audits, enabling retailer access. ISO 30301 builds records management systems for evidential governance across organizations, supporting compliance and accountability.
BRC
BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety
Key Features
- Senior management commitment with culture action plan
- Codex HACCP-based food safety plan integration
- Nine core clauses plus fundamental requirements
- GFSI-benchmarked third-party certification scheme
- Risk-based environmental monitoring and zoning
ISO 30301
ISO 30301:2019 Management systems for records
Key Features
- High-Level Structure for MSS integration
- Normative Annex A operational controls
- Explicit records requirements (Clause 4.1.2)
- Risk-based planning and objectives
- Flexible conformity pathways including certification
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 management commitment and a Codex HACCP-based food safety plan supported by prerequisite programs.
Key Components
- Nine core clauses: senior management, HACCP plan, FSQMS, site standards, product/process control, personnel, high-risk zones, traded products.
- Fundamental requirements (e.g., internal audits, traceability, allergen management) critical for certification.
- Built on risk-based hazard analysis including fraud and food defense.
- Annual third-party audits with grading (AA/A/B/C/D).
Why Organizations Use It
Provides market access to global retailers, reduces duplicative audits, demonstrates due diligence, mitigates recall risks from allergens/pathogens/labelling. Enhances operational resilience and consumer trust.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: gap analysis, documentation, training, internal audits, certification audit. Applies to food manufacturers worldwide; 6-12 months typical for mid-sized sites with CAPEX for site upgrades.
ISO 30301 Details
What It Is
ISO 30301:2019 (Information and documentation — Management systems for records — Requirements) is a certifiable international standard establishing requirements for a Management System for Records (MSR). It applies to any organization, using a risk-based management system approach aligned with the High-Level Structure (HLS) for integration with other ISO standards.
Key Components
- Clauses 4–10 cover context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, and improvement.
- Annex A (normative) details operational controls for records processes and systems.
- Built on ISO 15489 principles: authenticity, reliability, integrity, usability.
- Flexible conformity: self-declaration, external confirmation, or third-party certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Ensures reliable evidence for governance, compliance, and business continuity.
- Mitigates risks like legal sanctions, data loss, and retrieval inefficiencies.
- Enhances stakeholder trust, auditability, and efficiency in regulated sectors.
- Provides competitive edge via certifiable transparency.
Implementation Overview
- Phased approach: gap analysis, policy design, operational controls, audits.
- Scalable for any size/industry; 12-18 months typical.
- Involves training, system integration; certification optional via accredited bodies.
Key Differences
| Aspect | BRC | ISO 30301 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Food safety manufacturing, processing, packing | Records management systems across all organizations |
| Industry | Food, packaging, storage, global manufacturers | Any organization, all sectors worldwide |
| Nature | Voluntary GFSI-benchmarked certification | Voluntary management system standard |
| Testing | Annual site audits, announced/unannounced | Internal audits, management review, certification optional |
| Penalties | Certification loss, market access denial | No legal penalties, self-declaration or certification failure |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about BRC and ISO 30301
BRC FAQ
ISO 30301 FAQ
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