BRCGS Consultancy refers to professional services offered by individuals or firms specializing in assisting organizations in the development, implementation, and maintenance of the BRCGS Global Standards for food safety and quality. These standards are widely recognized and used by organizations throughout the food supply chain, including:

• Manufacturers
• Processors
• Distributors
• Storage and distribution facilities
• Retailers

Benefits of using BRCGS consultancy:

• Expertise and guidance: Consultants possess in-depth knowledge of the specific BRCGS standards and best practices, providing valuable guidance throughout the process of implementation and maintenance.
• Efficiency and effectiveness: They can help streamline implementation, minimizing disruptions and ensuring the Food Safety and Quality Management System (FSQMS) established under BRCGS is effective.
• Increased chance of successful certification: By addressing potential gaps beforehand, consultants can improve an organization’s chances of successfully obtaining BRCGS certification.
• Enhanced market access: In many markets, BRCGS certification is a requirement or a strong preference for doing business and gaining access to new customers.

What BRCGS consultants do:

• Gap analysis: They assess an organization’s current practices and identify areas where they need to improve to meet the specific BRCGS standard requirements.
• Selection and implementation guidance: Consultants help organizations choose the most appropriate BRCGS standard based on their needs and guide them through the implementation process, including:
  • Developing food safety and quality policies and procedures.
  • Implementing HACCP plans.
  • Establishing monitoring and verification procedures.
  • Developing documentation and record-keeping systems.
• Training and awareness: They provide training for employees at all levels on the chosen BRCGS standard and its specific requirements.
• Internal auditing: Consultants assist with conducting internal audits to identify areas for improvement and ensure ongoing compliance with the standard.
• Preparation for certification audit: They help the organization prepare for the external audit conducted by an accredited certification body to assess their compliance with the chosen BRCGS standard.

It’s important to note that:

• BRCGS certification is voluntary, but many organizations pursue it to demonstrate their commitment to food safety and quality, meeting customer requirements, and potentially gaining a competitive edge.
• BRCGS consultancy is not mandatory, but it can be highly beneficial for organizations seeking to efficiently implement and maintain a robust FSQMS under the BRCGS framework.

Overall, BRCGS consultancy plays a crucial role in helping organizations in the food industry achieve and maintain high food safety and quality standards. With the guidance of experienced consultants, organizations can navigate the complexities of the BRCGS standards, successfully achieve certification, and build trust with consumers and within the food supply chain.