AIB as BRC certification body - why or why not?

I don't see why AIB would be any better or any worse than any other CB. They, like all others are graded as to their performance.

I've had AIB do GMP audits for 20 years. With the rare exception, their auditors are competent and very professional.

"Back in the day" the auditors were more forthcoming with training and suggestions when conducting GMP audits than they are now, but with GFSI, that's a moot point, since they are not allowed to train or suggest.

Yes, AIB has gotten some bad press over the last few years, but I would not let that sway you to reject them out of hand.

One of my auditors years ago was Stephanie Lopez. She took over as VP of Food Safety Education from Bill Pursley. Big shoes to fill, but she has done a great job. 

Marshall

Why not? AIB has a history and wealth of audit experience.

They also offer SQF certification, FSSC 22000 and ISO-22000 audits as well as BRC.

We have used AIB for GMP audits since the mid 90's and most recently used them for our BRC certification. Our experience has always been top notch. The auditors we have worked with are well trained, tough but fair, honest and personable. We have learned a lot along the way and credit AIB for a vast amount of knowledge and expertise.

The bad press they got over the past few years was just a reflection of our world today....."when something goes wrong, find someone to blame and try to ruin them." 

AIB does a great job!

We have used AIB for GMP/HACCP audits for a long time. We decided to use AIB based on their food safety training we have had in the past. We feel they do the best job (excellent trainers) and they have the best materials for training. Their auditors have always been tuff but also very good to work with and they know their stuff. I would also like to mention that signing up for the BRC was really easy with AIB. Very helpful people to deal with every step of the way. I would highly recommend AIB as your GFSI auditor. 

Considering using AIB. Wanted to get others thoughts.

Dear upstateny,

Did you have any particular aspects in mind or were you just looking for random comments ?

eg audit time, cost, friendliness,  etc

All accredited CB's are presumably competent.

Rgds / Charles.C

Hello Charles - just looking for peer feedback regarding reputation, perceived reputation by customers etc...... I understand all CB's should be similar thru the accrediation process but still there is that perceived image that could impact the customers view of the audit - your or anyone's thoughts?

Hello Charles - just looking for peer feedback regarding reputation, perceived reputation by customers etc...... I understand all CB's should be similar thru the accrediation process but still there is that perceived image that could impact the customers view of the audit - your or anyone's thoughts?

Dear upstateny,

It’s an understandable quest. :smile:

Unfortunately, some important parameters IMEX are rather unpredictable, eg some auditors will cheerfully offer corrective suggestions, others are permanently zipped. It’s the Name of the Game.

Reputation can be a very fickle characteristic.

Rgds / Charles.C

Hi upstateny,

I also am from upstate NY and we have used AIB for years for GMP audits and for the past 3 years for BRC. They were also the company we used to help us train and initiate our HACCP program. Everyone there has been very friendly and helpful. If I had any complaint it might be that they went a bit too easy on us. I'm hearing that BRC is cracking down more and that we should expect our auditors to be a bit more tough next time around.

Wow Hi SaltSafety and UpstateNY I'm from upstate (or western as we like to call it) NY as well.

I didn't realize we had a few new NY people around. :off_topic:

Back on topic:

Where I work we've had AIB audits for a long time.  I've never seen anyone have them as their CB but I don't see why they would be very different than any other CB.  Some allow you to choose your auditor some don't...  I would think AIB would have competent trained auditors.

In our company 3 months ago we hired the services of AIB for BRC certification, the truth is they are pretty good.

I'm still trying to understand the meaning of the (2013) Poll Question.

Apples and Oranges ?

I think that AIB's auditors have a distinct advantage if you are looking for a thorough floor-level audit ESPECIALLY if you are manufacturing baked goods.