BRCGS launches Global Standard Food Safety version 9

The Standard, which was originally developed and published in 1998, has evolved to become the leading global food safety programme with over 22,000 certificated sites across more than 130 countries. It provides a framework for food manufacturers to assist them in the production of safe, authentic, legal food and to manage quality to meet customer requirements. 

Certification against the Standard is already recognised globally by many different types of stakeholders in the food industry, including retailers and specifiers.  BRCGS said it works hard to demonstrate the value of this certification to the global supply chain, including the end consumer. Audits to the latest version of the standard will begin from 1 February 2023. 

Updated

The Standard has been updated at regular intervals to reflect the latest thinking in food safety and to encourage the adoption of the Standard worldwide. The development of Issue 9 involved global industry experts representing all aspects of the industry and a wide consultation, BRCGS said.  The requirements in the final version represents an evolution from previous issues and builds on the requirements for product safety culture and core competencies.  

John Kukoly, Director of BRCGS, said: “Today we have hit a huge milestone in the launch of Issue 9. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone at BRCGS who has worked to make this happen. I would also like to thank those who were involved in the standard development through our global working groups as, without their contribution, we wouldn’t be where we are today.” ​

He added: “BRCGS has a long history of not only being the leading standard in the food industry, but also providing an effective guide for your business to implement best practice. As supply chains evolve in this dynamic business environment, BRCGS is here to support your food safety needs through certification”.​

Robust food safety systems

Richa Bedi-Navik, Senior Global Standards Manager at BRCGS said: “Whilst some previous issues of the standard have led the way in terms of new content development, more often, it can be making small changes to help certificated sites develop robust food safety systems, which is a key principle of continual improvement. This is the case with Issue 9 and the launch is an event that deserves recognition”.​

BRCGS will be hosting a series of launch webinars and roadshows to ensure the food safety industry is up-to-date on the new issue.