A.Tosh & Sons: BRC Issue 8, Grade A Certified

A.Tosh & Sons: BRC Issue 8, Grade A Certified
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) – generally regarded as the ‘Gold Standard’ for Food Safety & Defense – first published its Global Standard for Food Safety in 1998.

This process certificate is developed using BRCGS Standard and HACCP Plan based on physical, chemical, biological, vulnerability, & radiology hazards to prevent and protect the authenticity of the product by implementing Process Flow, Standard Operating Procedure, and checkpoints in place. BRC standard aids the retailers, manufacturers, importers, caterers, ingredient suppliers with a framework for managing the safety, integrity and quality of their products and services.

Developed to help the food industry comply with the stringent UK and EU food safety laws, this certification today has become an internationally recognised benchmark for best practice in food safety, quality, and responsibility. Certification under this standard assures the products produced are safe to consume as per the intended use declared.

What does the standard cover?

This standard has set out seven fundamental requirements on how processed foods, other products, and ingredients related to food must be prepared in order to be audited and certified by BRC.

1. Senior management’s commitment towards continual improvement: The senior management needs to demonstrate commitment to meeting the requirements of the BRC standard, making provisions for resources, necessary actions and reviews in order to ensure continual improvement of the food safety processes. By doing this, they can take necessary actions required to correct non-conformities, effectively understand and be prepared to take actions.

2. A Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan in place: A multidisciplinary team, with an Analysis and Critical Control Point plan, helps to identify and manage biological, chemical as well as physical hazards that could potentially make the food product unsafe for consumption.

3. Internal Audit: An effective internal audit system helps verify that the food safety and quality management system and the relevant procedures comply with the requirements of the standard.

4. Facility Standard and Layout: The facility, equipment, and amenities are well-planned, constructed, and maintained, both from the functional as well as hygiene standpoint, in compliance with the relevant standards and prevent product contamination.

5. Product Control: Effective procedures to control specific materials like allergens. In addition to this, demonstration of proper handling and managing of provenance and product testing.

6. Control of Operations: Procedures to verify that the processes comply with HACCP plan day to day to provide assurance of product quality, safety and legality.

7. Training of personnel: A system in place to demonstrate the competence of staff based on their qualification, training on aspects like hygiene, protective covering, etc., and their work experience.

On August 1, 2018, BRC published the BRC Global Standard for Food Safety Issue 8 and certification to this Issue commenced on February 1, 2019. This Issue introduced significant changes to its predecessor related to improving food safety culture, manufacturing pet food, cybersecurity, demarcating risk zones, whistle-blower reporting systems, traded goods, and environment monitoring.

Benefits of doing business with a BRC-Certified Company

– Allows you to do business with trusted suppliers, manufacturers, importers and retailer, across borders.

– Adherence to stringent measures and ability to meet demands, with lesser complaints and rejections.

– Ensures safety and consistent quality by incorporating food safety management systems and internationally accepted best practices.

– Strengthens your confidence since audits of these companies are carried out by trained experts, assuring you nothing but the best.

A.Tosh & Sons – A promise of Excellence and Trust

Throughout our 123-year history, we have always upheld the trust of our customers, with zero complaints and uncompromised quality. Our certifications are testaments to our commitment to the highest quality standards and our passionate efforts.

Conforming to all requirements and standards, we upgraded from ISO 22000:2005 to BRC Issue 7 in 2019, followed by yet another A Grade certification for BRC Issue 8 this year.

Read more about Uncompromised Food Safety & Hygiene at A.Tosh & Sons