Hello Paul,
To make you feel comfortable, we were half-way through developing BRC in mid-2005 and decided to move into ISO 22000 after it was comfirmed that it would be released in Sept. So we built our system based on a BRC (issue 4) foodsafety framework. In my opinion, it is very close to ISO 22K in many ways particularly in the prerequisite areas. The fact that we followed the draft ISO 220K for the last two years really made a whole lot of difference.
The major difference is really in the development of the FSM Quality Manual (see attached). I have attached a coloured version of ISO 22K to the one posted by James in another thread but its the same (although I am not in favor of it but its an official document) & the
FSMS Pyramid (important)
IMO, the issue of interpretation and application of PRP and OPRP is really a matter that does not deserve a worrisome level of concern at all. What is of concern really shd be to determine whether the system is or has been shaped to function in a manner that it should in order to achieve intended FSM objectives....albeit continuous improvement and revalidation of the system
BRC framework is prescriptive (which makes auditors' work easy) while ISO 22000 is a silent
FSMS that rely on self-assessment to determine what is best for your own FS boundary (this makes auditors pretty uncomfortable) - its a case of de javu where they now may become the victim of their own audit checklist and methodology.
Its pretty difficult to just summarise in a couple of statements on this subject and the above comments should lead you there. All the best in your assignment!
