4 replies to this topic

[wbanalyst]

I work for a winery who sells to retailers in the UK and I am interested in opinions on whether or not having ISO 9001:2000 Certificaiton, including HACCP rolled into ISO with our CCPs identified and controlled, is suitable for addressing the BRC standards without going through that certificaiton process?

Any thoughts?

Thanks

[MartLgn]

The BRC standard has clauses that require a documented QMS system which would almost certainly be addressed by a system certificated to ISO 9001: 2000, the standard also calls for a HACCP study, however these two systems would not IMO meet the full requirements of the BRC standard as they do not directly address areas such as building design and maintenance, hygiene training and personal hygiene/workwear which would normally be required as prerequisites for any credible HACCP study.

It sounds simplistic to say but the only way to address the BRC standard fully is to get hold of a copy of the standard and prepare a manual which states your company policy on how you will comply with each of the clauses and then implement such systems as are necessary to ensure this compliance, although Im not sure why you would want to do all the work to meet the standard and then not seek certification ?

[Simon]

It depends if you supply retailer 'own brand' products or not. If you do then in theory you must achieve BRC Global Standard - Food at some point (when and if they enforce their own rule). If you do not then you may not have to achieve Certification, but as Martin says ISO 9001:2000 and HACCP virtually take you there in terms of a food safety system. Why not prepare your system based on the requirements of BRC and then if required you can get the badge without too much hassle.

Welcome to the forums wbanalyst.

Regards,
Simon

[okido]

Hi Wbanalist,

Every standard has its own characteristics and there is certainly overlap between them.
As Simon already suggested, get copies of ISO 9001:2000, ISO 22K, BRC, HACCP and take the elements out of these standards that fit to your organisation.
Certification against a standard has advantages but you need to implement all elements, exceptions prove to be difficult.
The big question is if your organistion is mature enough to implement these elements in a natural way or will it be the battle from a few people who believe in these standards.
Another more generic problem with ISO standards is the level of abstractness, these standards are simply to difficult to read and understand. I can give them to an operator but only very few do understand what it is all about.
BRC standards are more specific and almost every body can read and understand them, a big advantage if you need commitment.

Have a nice day, Okido

[Simon]

BRC standards are more specific and almost every body can read and understand them, a big advantage if you need commitment.

We often knock standards so let's congratulate the BRC on the excellent layout and simple language of their Standards.

Simon