FOOD SECTOR
Related links: ABM Abattoir, Cutting, Packing | Beef Labelling | BRC Packaging | BRC Scheme | Ethical Auditing | Organic Certification | Soil Association | PDO/PGI Scheme | Food Chain Security | Assured UK Malt

Background to the BRC Packaging Scheme

In 2001, The British Retail Consortium and the Institute of Packaging launched the Technical Standard and Protocol for Companies Manufacturing and supplying Food Packaging Materials for Retailer Branded Products.

The scheme, currently in its 2nd issue, was prepared with wide (UK) industry consultation to assist both retailers and food manufacturers fulfil their legal requirements to provide an adequate due diligence defence and to help improve the standards found in the food packaging industry.

PAI offers certification of companies to the BPC/IoP Packaging Standard throughout the world. Our fully qualified Assessors have worked in the food/food packaging industry and have been selected and trained to provide a practical and logical style of assessment.

PAI combines a high standard of service and Assessor capability with a reasonable fee structure. Please contact Janette Parker on 01423 878 878 to obtain a quotation for your BRC/IoP Packaging Scheme certification.

Major Changes for the BRC / IoP Global Standard for Packaging and Packaging Materials Issue 3

The new edition of the Standard, the Global Standard for Packaging and Packaging Materials, was published on 4th January 2008. Incorporating a thorough review of all clauses to provide greater guidance for packaging businesses and clarity to auditors, the Standard has been extensively revised from issue 2.

The new version of the standard becomes operational on the 1st July 2008, giving a period of training and implementation before compliance is required.

All of the changes within the revised edition have been based on wide and extensive consultation with international stakeholders. Changes include:

Scope
The scope of the Standard has been extended to encompass packaging for food and non food use. Three categories of packaging with regard to the standards of hygiene under which packaging is produced, have been identified. A decision tree has been produced to aid in identifying the packaging category and specific examples are also given.

Audit frequency
The audit frequency has been reviewed and now all audits will be carried out at 12 month frequencies unless three or more major non-conformities are found, where the next audit shall be due in six months.

Requirements Clauses
The format of the Requirements has been updated to be consistent with other BRC Global Standards and therefore does not include Best Practice Guidelines. The Requirements have been reviewed and expanded and several new sections have been incorporated in light of industry requirements. The clauses now total a maximum of 242 (from 178) and include more detailed guidance and clarity to facilitate interpretation for certification bodies and companies. Particular reference is made to the following:

Management Commitment and Continual Improvement (clause 1)
Management Commitment and Continual Improvement has been extensively revised to ensure that a high priority is placed on clear evidence of senior management commitment in the provision of resources and communication. Continual improvement shall be effected through comprehensive management reviews.

Additional requirements specific to the audit process include having the current issue of the Standard and ensuring effective corrective action for non-conformities is undertaken.

Hazard and Risk Management (clause 2)
Hazard and risk management has been comprehensively reviewed and contains guidance to companies to ensure a thorough hazard and risk analysis is undertaken. Now split into three subsections, it contains requirements for a trained, multidisciplinary team and annual review.

Customer Focus and Contract Review (clause 3.3)
Customer Focus and Contract Review is now included which specifies the requirement to identify and review customer requirements and those individuals who communicate with customers.

Site Security (clause 4.2)
In response to current issues, Site Security has been pulled together as a stand-alone section, requiring controlled access, training of staff, and secure storage of materials.

Product Design and Development (clause 5.1)
A new section of Product Design and Development has been incorporated which requires customer design requirements to be defined and agreed and used to develop procedures and specifications.

In-line Testing Equipment (clause 5.2)
The control of In-line Testing Equipment is now covered, where the need shall be based on hazard and risk analysis and controlled by documented procedures.

The BRC will be working more closely with certification bodies and accreditation bodies to improve the infrastructure through training and the development of performance monitors.

For further information, please contact Janette Parker on 01423 878 878.