BRC Global Standards published its third issue of its internationally recognized BRC Global Standard for Storage and Distribution Aug. 1 2016, with audits against Issue 3 to begin Feb. 1, 2017.
Originally introduced in 2006, the BRC Global Standard for Storage and Distribution was developed by a multi-stakeholder group including industry representatives, certification bodies and retailers, to provide the essential certification link between the range of BRC manufacturing Standards and the end users; retailers and foodservice companies.
The Standard is designed to ensure best practice in handling, storage and distribution of products and promotes continuous improvement in operating practices to ensure product safety, quality and legality. It also enables certification of a range of contracted services commonly operated by storage companies on behalf of their customers to take into account the often diverse operations and networks making up the distribution chain.
Issue 3 of this Standard was also developed by a multi-stakeholder group including retailers, foodservice companies, industry trade associations, independent experts and certification bodies. It builds upon the experience from the previous issue.
In revising the Standard, the current requirements have been developed to ensure that they are robust enough to meet the industry needs. Where applicable, requirements have been aligned with those that feature in the other Global Standards to ensure consistency and confidence throughout the entire supply chain.
Issue 3 includes a review of emerging issues carried out in the logistics industry and the industries it serves. The information was developed and reviewed by a working group composed of different sectors of the logistics industry, retailers, brand owners, certification bodies and independent technical experts.
Issue 3 includes the following areas of focus:
• continuing to ensure consistency of the audit process
• grading system to increase recognition for better performing companies
• unannounced options—full and two-part to give even more confidence to customers that standards are constantly being applied
• greater consistency with the requirements of the other BRC Global Standards
• vehicle and load security
• more robust requirements for own-label wholesalers to reduce their exposure to fraud
• increased supplier approval requirements
• focus on companies providing contracted services in areas that have traditionally resulted in recalls and withdrawals (e.g. label and packing management)
BRC Global Standards provide safety and quality standards programs for food manufacture, packaging, storage, and distribution. BRC Global Standards are generated with the help of technical specialists, retailers, manufacturers and certification bodies from around the world, so everything is based on practicality, rigor and clarity.
