ISO 31000
International guidelines for enterprise-wide risk management
BRC
Global standard for food safety management in manufacturing.
Quick Verdict
ISO 31000 offers voluntary risk management guidelines for all organizations, embedding risk into governance. BRC mandates certifiable food safety controls for manufacturers, ensuring retailer compliance. Companies adopt ISO 31000 for strategic resilience; BRC for supply chain access.
ISO 31000
ISO 31000:2018, Risk management — Guidelines
Key Features
- Defines risk as effect of uncertainty on objectives
- Eight principles guide integrated risk management
- Framework embeds leadership and governance integration
- Iterative six-step risk process for assessment
- Non-certifiable guidelines applicable to any organization
BRC
BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety Issue 9
Key Features
- Senior management commitment and food safety culture plan
- Codex HACCP-based food safety plan with fundamentals
- Strict site standards and risk zone segregation
- Environmental monitoring and food defence requirements
- Annual unannounced audits with performance grading
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
ISO 31000 Details
What It Is
ISO 31000:2018, Risk management — Guidelines is an international standard providing non-certifiable guidance for systematic risk management. Its primary purpose is to help organizations of any size or sector manage uncertainty affecting objectives through a principles-based approach focused on creating and protecting value.
Key Components
- **Three pillarsEight principles (e.g., integrated, customized, dynamic), framework (leadership, integration, design, implementation, evaluation, improvement), and iterative process (communication, scope/context/criteria, assessment, treatment, monitoring/review, recording/reporting).
- Built on PDCA cycle; no fixed controls.
- Guidelines only, no certification model.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances decision-making, resilience, and value creation.
- Supports governance, strategy, and operations.
- Builds stakeholder trust; aligns with regulations indirectly.
- Competitive edge via risk-informed strategies.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: leadership alignment, gap analysis, pilot, rollout, monitoring.
- Tailored to context; involves policy, training, tools like GRC platforms.
- Universal applicability; focuses on integration and culture change.
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, auditable management system combining senior commitment, Codex HACCP, and prerequisite programs (GMP/GHP).
Key Components
- Nine core clauses: senior management, HACCP plan, FSQMS, site standards, product/process controls, personnel, risk zones, traded products.
- Fundamental requirements (e.g., traceability, allergen management, internal audits) critical for certification.
- Risk-based hazard analysis including fraud, defence; environmental monitoring.
- Annual audits (announced/unannounced) with grading (AA/A/B/C/D).
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandated by retailers for supply chain access.
- Reduces recalls, audits; evidences due diligence.
- Enhances resilience against allergens, pathogens; builds trust.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, documentation, training, mock audits. Applies to manufacturers globally; 6-12 months typical for certification via accredited bodies.
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 31000 | BRC |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Enterprise-wide risk management guidelines | Food safety manufacturing and processing controls |
| Industry | All industries, any organization worldwide | Food manufacturing, packaging, supply chain |
| Nature | Non-certifiable voluntary guidelines | Certifiable GFSI-benchmarked standard |
| Testing | Internal audits, management reviews | Annual third-party site audits |
| Penalties | No formal penalties, internal consequences | Certification loss, market access denial |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 31000 and BRC
ISO 31000 FAQ
BRC FAQ
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