What It Is

EPA standards are a family of legally binding regulatory standards implementing major U.S. environmental statutes like CAA, CWA, and RCRA. Codified in Title 40 CFR, their primary purpose is protecting human health and the environment through enforceable performance limits across air, water, and waste media. They employ a systems architecture blending technology-based controls, health-based criteria, and risk management.

Key Components

• Statutory foundations defining mandates.
• Numeric limits, thresholds, design standards in 40 CFR.
• Permitting (NPDES, Title V), monitoring, recordkeeping, enforcement.
• Core principles: uniform national baselines with site-specific tailoring; no single certification, but permit compliance and audits.

Why Organizations Use It

Mandatory for regulated entities to avoid civil/criminal penalties, operational shutdowns, and liabilities. Provides risk reduction, defensible data governance, enforcement predictability. Enhances ESG reputation, efficiency via BMPs, and adaptability to rulemakings.

Implementation Overview

Phased approach: gap analysis, regulatory mapping, controls deployment, training, digital monitoring. Applies to U.S. industrial facilities; involves audits, state coordination, no formal certification but ongoing compliance verification.

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, Codex HACCP-based food safety plans, and prerequisite programs (GMP/GHP).

Key Components

• **Seven core sectionsSenior Management, Food Safety Plan, FSQMS, Site Standards, Product Control, Process Control, Personnel.
• Over 300 auditable requirements with fundamental clauses (e.g., HACCP, internal audits, traceability).
• Built on risk-based hazard analysis including fraud, allergens, and food defence.
• Grading model (AA/A/B/C/D) via announced/unannounced audits.

Why Organizations Use It

• Retailer mandates for supply chain access.
• Risk reduction against recalls from allergens, pathogens, labelling errors.
• Regulatory alignment (e.g., FSMA) and due diligence.
• Builds trust, efficiency, and competitive edge.

Implementation Overview

Phased approach: gap analysis, documentation, training, internal audits, certification audit. Suited for food manufacturers globally; 6-12 months typical for mid-sized sites.