WCAG
Global standard for web accessibility to people with disabilities
BRC
Global standard for food safety in manufacturing.
Quick Verdict
WCAG provides testable web accessibility guidelines for global digital inclusivity, while BRC enforces food safety certification for manufacturers. Companies adopt WCAG to mitigate ADA lawsuits and enhance UX; BRC secures retailer contracts and prevents recalls.
WCAG
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2
Key Features
- POUR principles organize accessibility into Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust
- Testable success criteria at A, AA, AAA conformance levels
- Backward-compatible additive versioning preserves policy continuity
- Technology-agnostic applies to all web content and platforms
- Conformance requires full pages, complete processes, non-interference
BRC
BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety Issue 9
Key Features
- HACCP-based food safety plan with fundamentals
- Senior management commitment and culture plan
- Site standards and risk zoning requirements
- Environmental monitoring and food defence
- GFSI-benchmarked grading with unannounced audits
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
WCAG Details
What It Is
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 is the W3C's technology-agnostic standard for web content accessibility. It provides testable success criteria under four POUR principles (Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust) to ensure content works for people with disabilities.
Key Components
- 13 guidelines under POUR, with ~90 success criteria at A/AA/AAA levels.
- Informative techniques, failures, and understanding docs separate stable requirements from evolving guidance.
- Conformance model requires full pages, complete processes, accessibility-supported tech, non-interference.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets legal benchmarks (ADA, Section 508, EN 301 549, EAA).
- Reduces litigation risk amid rising lawsuits.
- Improves UX, conversion, SEO, market reach for 1B+ disabled users.
- Builds trust, enables procurement, cuts support costs.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: policy, assessment, remediation, training, CI/CD integration, audits.
- Applies to all orgs with web content; AA baseline recommended.
- No formal certification; VPAT/ACR for claims, continuous testing essential.
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 commitment, Codex HACCP, and prerequisite programs.
Key Components
- Nine core clauses: senior management, HACCP plan, FSQMS, site standards, product/process control, personnel, risk zones, traded products.
- Fundamental requirements (e.g., traceability, allergen management) are non-negotiable.
- Built on HACCP principles with grading (AA/A/B/C/D).
- Annual audits, announced/unannounced.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandated by retailers for supply chain access.
- Reduces recalls, ensures compliance (e.g., FSMA).
- Builds trust, operational resilience, market differentiation.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, documentation, training, mock audits.
- Applies to food manufacturers globally; 6-12 months typical.
- Requires certification body audits for ongoing compliance. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | WCAG | BRC |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Web content accessibility for disabilities | Food safety, quality in manufacturing/packing |
| Industry | All web/digital content worldwide | Food manufacturing, packaging, global retailers |
| Nature | Voluntary W3C technical guidelines | GFSI-benchmarked certification standard |
| Testing | Automated/manual, user testing, no certification | Annual third-party site audits, grading |
| Penalties | Litigation risk, no certification penalties | Certification loss, supply chain exclusion |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about WCAG and BRC
WCAG FAQ
BRC FAQ
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