6 replies to this topic

[ads78]

I have reviewed several standards and all have their own benefits and disadvantages. The conventional standards all seem to be competing to become the “Global” standard. The initial concept in the UK in the early 1990’s was of a unified standard. Now we have BRC, ISO, EFSIS, IFS, and several more for organic food too. It is a good thing that the industry is developing and becoming more aware of the need for quality management systems. The downside seems to be that with some companies not recognizing standards, it is restricting trade in some ways and also adding extra cost to the supply of goods. Is this a good thing or should we be striving for a truly global standard?

[Simon]

I have reviewed several standards and all have their own benefits and disadvantages. The conventional standards all seem to be competing to become the “Global” standard. The initial concept in the UK in the early 1990’s was of a unified standard. Now we have BRC, ISO, EFSIS, IFS, and several more for organic food too. It is a good thing that the industry is developing and becoming more aware of the need for quality management systems. The downside seems to be that with some companies not recognizing standards, it is restricting trade in some ways and also adding extra cost to the supply of goods. Is this a good thing or should we be striving for a truly global standard?

Interesting question; in short yes it would be great to have one global food safety standard. ISO 22000 was supposed to be the unifying standard, but somehow I don’t see it. BRC / IFS / SQF / AIB et al. are too well established and importantly trusted within their respective markets. You know the saying “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” – well I think it applies here. I don’t ever see a single global food safety standard. Just my opinion.

Regards,
Simon

[Charles.C]

Dear ads78,

I think one significant hindrance to a global standard will be that different geographical areas do not have the same opinion as to the "best" way of controlling food safety / quality whatever. for example I believe BRC, IFS is not commonly found in US where, regulatory-wise, the FDA and affiliates seem to dominate everything (like the UK / FSA but much more so ?). Not sure if the US also utilise the "due diligence" concept ?

Rgds / Charles.C

[vassilis]

My opinion is since that the market is globalizing as a whole, the same thing is going to happen to the market of food safety / quality. I think this is a global trend. Maybe is going to be a little biti difficult but in some years from today it will be a reality.

[Simon]

My opinion is since that the market is globalizing as a whole, the same thing is going to happen to the market of food safety / quality. I think this is a global trend. Maybe is going to be a little biti difficult but in some years from today it will be a reality.

Yes maybe Vassilis, after all never is a very, very long time.

Simon

[okido]

G’day ads78,

Naturally is one unified standard possible but it is not realistic to expect one soon.
Beside the hindrance CC mentioned I also believe that enterprises will feel the need to distinct themselves from others.
One way of doing so is to create or use a typical standard for food safety management systems.
This force to be different is freedom in the very pure form, doing things differently because you believe in it and satisfying customers is what keeps us going.

Remember to share good fortune with your friends, Okido

[Simon]

I don’t believe the British Retailers would ever willingly change to another standard for the sake of ‘going global’. After all they were the driving force behind the BRC Global Standards, they played a large part in developing their content and they have their representative industry body the British Retail Consortium administering the standards. They have their own bespoke standard and it is all very nice and neat; more importantly they are good standards and are doing their job in protecting consumers and assisting retailers with their due diligence requirements.

I believe they would change their position only if forced to by EU law. The exact same could be said about the German and French retailers position with regard to IFS.

Regards,
Simon