Core HACCP Assessment Checklist and HACCP Training

The HACCP Assessment checklist on the following pages represents a compilation of commonly used questions. It does not represent a comprehensive checklist or a checklist, which is currently in use. It intends to show how a list may look and the sort of questions and activities, which may lead to an effective assessment.

HACCP Preparation
What evidence is there of management commitment to HACCP use?

HACCP Team

• Who was on the team?
• Are all appropriate disciplines represented?
• What is the likely knowledge level of the individuals? (Evidence of training, qualifications, experience etc.)
• Has external expertise been sought where necessary?
• What is the decision making leverage of the HACCP team leader?

ISO 22000 training – HACCP Checklist

• How does the system fit with the overall food safety control programme?
• Does the company have a food safety policy?
• Has the scope been clearly defined?
• How is the system structured?

Principle 1 : “Conduct a hazard analysis”

* Has the product been properly described?

• Are intrinsic control measures identified?

* Is the process flow diagrammed (PFD) comprehensive?

• How was the PFD verified for accuracy and by whom?
• Are all raw materials and process/storage activities included in the flow diagrammed? (Rework can be included as an ingredient.)
• Have all activities been included?
• Is the PFD correct?
• Have changes been made since the PFD was drawn up?
• How does the HACCP Team get notified of changes to the process or product parameters?
• How were the changes recorded and approved?
• Were any changes discussed with HACCP Team before implementation?
• Are there rework opportunities and have they been included?

* How was the hazard analysis conducted?

• Were only significant hazards identified?
• Have all raw materials (including rework) been included?
• Have all process steps been considered?
• Have the hazards been specifically identified by type/source or have they been generalized?
• How did the team assess the likelihood of occurrence?
• What information sources were utilized?

* Have appropriate control measures (CMs) been identified for each hazard?

• Will the CMs control the hazards and how was this validated?
• Are all the CMs in place at the plant level?

Principle 2 : “Determine the Critical Control Points (CCPs)”

* How were the CCPs identified?

• By expert judgement?
• By the use of a decision tree? (Has the decision tree been used correctly?)
• By the use of consultants?
• Have all necessary CCPs been identified?
• Did each identified hazard undergo a systematic consideration?
• How are the hazards, which are not controlled by CCPs addressed?

Principle 3 :  “Establish critical limits”

• How were the critical limits established?
• Is there evidence (experimental data, literature references etc.)?
• What validation exists to confirm that the critical limits control the identified hazards?
• Have critical limits been established for each CCP?
• How do they differ from operational limits?

Principle 4 :  “Establish a system to monitor the control of the CCP”

* Have realistic monitoring schedules been established?

• Do they cover all CCPs?
• Has the reliability of monitoring procedures been assessed where appropriate?
• What is the status of monitoring equipment?
• Is it evidenced as being in place and calibrated appropriately?
• Are the CCP log sheets being used at all CCPs?
• Have CCP log sheets been filled out correctly?
• Is there any evidence that procedures are not being followed consistently?
• Does the frequency of monitoring adequately confirm control?
• Are the sampling plans statistically valid?
• Are statistical process control records being used to demonstrate that the process is in control on a day-to-day basis?
• Check that records agree with stated activities.

*  Are monitoring personnel and their deputies properly identified and haccp trained?

• How was the HACCP training undertaken?
• Are the monitoring records being reviewed by designated appropriate reviewers?

Principle 5 :  “Establish the corrective action to be taken when monitoring indicates that a particular CCP is not under control”

• Have the corrective actions been properly defined such that control is regained?
• What evidence is there to demonstrate that this is being done in the event of a CCP deviation?
• Has corrective action been recorded and how is the effectiveness being verified?
• How has the authority for corrective action been assigned?
• How is non-conforming product controlled and is this clearly recorded?
• Are there clear disposition actions listed?

Principle 6 :  “Establish procedures for verification to confirm that the iso 22000 HACCP system is working effectively”

• Have verification procedures been clearly and appropriately established?
• How are these procedures communicated through the business?
• Have responsibilities for verification procedures been allocated?
• Are they being carried out effectively?
• Are all CCPs covered by the verification programme?
• Is the information on the HACCP Control Chart up to date?
• Is there a formal system to trigger amendments?
• Are control parameters being achieved?
• Have process capability studies been carried out?
• How is the data from HACCP being used to improve the system?
• How is consumer complaint data being used within the verification system?
• Is there a regular review of CCP failure and product dispositions?
• Are prerequisite support systems included within the verification programme?

Principle 7 :  “Establish documentation concerning all procedures and records appropriate to these Principles and their application”

• What format is being used to document the system?
• Does the iso documentation cover all of the HACCP system operation?
• How is the documentation controlled with regard to update and issue etc.?
• Are the records accessible?
• Are the HACCP records clearly identified by unique reference numbers?
• Are all documents accurate and current?
• Are verification procedures documented?
• How is change control managed?

Read about global brc standards and its benefits.

Defining OHSAS 18001 Responsibilities

Here it is not required to evolve steps of methodology for defining OHSAS 18001 responsibilities, as the responsibilities are functions of so many parameters like organisation structure, culture and operations. However, it is always possible to provide broad guidelines and responsibilities of key personnel. But the key personnel’s responsibility may not be exactly the same as prescribed hereunder. So little exercise would be required by the management to define the responsibilities. Here follows the Guidelines and sample responsibilities.

An effective organisation for OHSAS management is vital to the success of the OHSAS Policy and action plan. The enterprise should be designed to maximize the contribution of individuals and groups through participation at all levels of the enterprise. Organizational arrangements, structures and relationships need to be defined to identify the persons with the responsibilities and authority to ensure that the programme works. These include.

• Provision of resources
• Carrying out set procedures and work task
• Initiating action to prevent non-compliance with legal or policy requirements
• Identifying potential hazards
• Recommending solutions to hazards and verifying their implementation
• Controlling activities unit required changes are carried our; and
• Acting in emergencies.

Thus, responsibilities need to be clearly identified and communicated throughout the enterprise so that everyone knows whose job it is to do what. Without clear responsibilities, the following hazards might hinder the enterprise’s OHSAS performance:

• Everyone assumes that someone else is carrying out the necessary action, but in fact no-one is, hence gaps arise in system
• Employees feel that a particular issue “is not my job:
• Duplication of effort may be aimed at the same goal, or in different directions
• Resources are not adequately provided or properly targeted
• No one knows what actions are required at certain times, especially during emergencies.

At the same time that responsibilities are clearly defined, authority needs to be given to individuals with designated responsibilities. This authority will allow them to draw upon the enterprise’s resources, to request actions and support from others and, ultimately, to carry out their responsibilities.

Authority and responsibility:

To be effective the OHSAS management system requires an enterprise that clearly defines “who does what” and how control is delegated. The Organisation structure consists of four main elements:

• The organisational chart
• Job descriptions
• Clear reporting lines and procedures
• Performance targets.

It should be clear that although authority and actions can be delegated, appointed responsibility couldn’t be delegated. Thus, if the deputy director is responsible for the definition of the action plan or the achievement of its targets, this overall responsibility cannot be delegated to lower levels in the enterprise. An organisation chart is essential to define the structure. The aim should not be to create new arrangements and organisational tiers and lines of communication, but to build upon what already exists. In this way the OHSAS activities are immediately built into the business, rather than being seen as an “extra” activity.

The leading OHSAS Consultant provides ohsas 18001 certification consultancy in USA, UAE, SA, India etc. Highly experienced consultant also offers ready to use ohsas 18001 training presentation kit as well as ohsas safety manual, safety procedures, ohsas 18001 audit checklist preared as per occupational health and safety requirements.

Know about ISO 22000 Certification and best consulting practices

The overall procedure of to becoming an ISO 22000 food safety management system certified can be daunting. ISO 22000 standards for food safety management system and certification is the buzzword for any organization to establish system oriented work culture. The manual are written in a way that most of us can just realize what they are saying and in ISO 22000 manual, it should document micro level how the activity is done in the company. Nowadays, some ISO consultants are available to assist in the ISO and other safety standards procedure. These specialists are experts in providing ISO 22000 consulting and ISO training.

Consultant role in ISO 22000 implementation:

ISO 22000 is consist of few strategic objectives which are valuable because it cut across areas like regulatory (reference to product design, production and development), technology-wise (the acquisition and use of state of the art technologies) and Food management system and food safety services. Other objectives of ISO 22000 is consistent development in food management to all areas of business of the food organization, excellent business ethic with suitable business accomplish, appropriate treatment of food safety and effective as well as efficient safety requirements.

Today, International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification had been playing vital roles and publishing the standard as well as revising the standard. At present the latest standard is ISO 22000-2005 standards for food management system health and safety management system. So many manufacturing organizations are affianced to spring up from time to time and this requires need to get their activities sanctioned and monitored.

ISO consultants help out you to know as well as to manage new & existing standards in effective manner. Joining of qualified ISO professional can be assured you that you are properly executing the processes. ISO consultant helps you to utilize your ISO 22000 audit software programs to ISO 22000 document and execute your new program. Some ISO 22000 consulting firms also provide ISO 22000 awareness training; documentation training, internal auditor training and lead auditor training. Also good consultant follow best practices in establishing the system and Quantifiable objectives to create vibrant work culture. These in turn reduces your all cost as well as make meaningful system.

ISO 22000 consultants helps not only for gaining new one ISO 22000 certification but also helps the organization which has been already ISO 22000 certified for many years by keeping it abreast the new issues as well as standards. An ISO 22000 consultant helps your business to attain reduce risk of food safety in organization and most performance and reimbursement from your quality control standards.

Several ISO 22000 consulting firms provide individual as well as inclusive packages. The comprehensive packages consist of training for internal ISO 22000 audit, training for the implementation of ISO 22000 standards, training for ohsas documentation and training for lead auditors as well as training on goal setting and Key result areas. While you are intended to implement all these ISO standards then you must know that your management team is on board along with the changes and fully understand of the implications and importance.

ISO 22000 consultants also provide training for individual areas. Today, there are many online sources which provide ISO 22000 certification, iso 22000 pdf, food certification consulting, ISO slides for six sigma, six sigma training and more. These online source offer ISO certification for ISO 22000, ISO 9001-2008, OHSAS 18001, ISO 14001, ISO 17025, hse integrated standard, ISO 27001, BRC food safety, ISO 50001, ISO USA and more.

Advantages of ISO 22000 Certification and consulting

• Assists your business to build customers trust as well as confidence in the company and its food products.
• ISO certified company is more able to control the organization resources like input, transforming and output resources.
• It provides approach of ‘input-transforming-output’ process that will enhance organization’s monitoring as well as control strategy in reference to quality and other matters.
• Helps your business to reduce loss which may consequence as a result of producing goods that could not meet customers’ specification or below industrial or international standard(s).
• It helps for ensuring as well as keeping the organization focus in provisions of standard & quality.
• It underlines on proper documentation and product design which is requirement to build a strong company in terms of policy as well as strategies.
• It refines your processes as well as makes target oriented work culture.

Organizations which considering enchanting the ISO 22000 plunge, for them an overview class on standards, certifications and regulations are tremendous place to start. By attending the ISO training courses, you can get enormous amount of knowledge as well as idea of what the process entails.
You have to choose an ISO consulting firm as per your company’s particular needs. The good consulting firms provide readymade document packages including ISO 22000 manual, procedures, forms, standard operating procedures, templates and audit checklist. Some ISO consulting firms are dedicated to create individual training programs that specific to your company. These ISO consulting firms develop a comprehensive plan that meets goals of your business. Few ISO consulting firms are engaged in to offer only generic or per-packaged training and advice.

Global Manager Group stands with mission and purpose to assist food organizations for achieving business excellence with help of the ISO 22000 standard implementation as well as improvement of the business system. Also provides iso 22000 certification training and iso 22000 manual, iso 22000 templates as well as other ISO standards documents and training presentation.

What is Calibration and Requirements of Instruments Calibration

What is Calibration

The process of measurements needs control. In fact calibration itself can be regarded as a process to establish control on instruments and get confidence.

The set of operations which establish, under specified conditions, the relationships between values indicated by a measuring instrument or system or values represented by a material measure or reference material; & the corresponding values of a quantity realised by a reference standard is called calibration.

Calibration involves checking the operational integrity of a test or measuring equipment or of a measurement standard of unverified accuracy in order to detect, correlate, report or eliminate (by adjustment) any deviation in accuracy, capability or from any other required performance. Calibration can be carried out for three possible purposes.

1. Determining whether or not a particular instrument or standard is within some established tolerance in respect of its deviation from a reference standard.
2. Reporting of deviations in measurements from nominal values.
3. Repairing / adjusting the instrument or standard to bring it back within tolerance.

For a majority of equipment, the instrument calibration result is then compared with process / product requirements; if found beyond specification, corrective repair and / or adjustment and re calibration is performed. If not found beyond specification, compensation or adjustment is optional.

The instruments calibration for fixed value type instruments like reference standards, the attribute value and calibration system measurement uncertainty is determined and reported in a calibration certificate. In all cases, a calibration report is given which states the present position of the instrument with reference to its required performance specifications. In cases where it is not possible to correct the instrument by adjustment, the reading as given in the calibration report should be used and necessary corrections to the readings obtained during a measurement should be made so as to get the correct value of the quantity being measured.

For example, the calibration of a digital voltmeter may be examined. The digital voltmeter is connected to a calibrator whose accuracy is higher than the accuracy of the voltmeter. This calibrator would have been calibrated against a reference standard and the calibration would be valid at the time of calibration of the voltmeter. A voltage is fed to voltmeter from the calibrator. If the voltmeter reads correctly, it is in calibration and does not require any adjustment. If the reading of the voltmeter is outside the calibration specifications or tolerance limits, the voltmeter requires to be adjusted to indicate the correct value. Where the voltmeter does not read correctly but is within the specification limits, the voltmeter may be optionally adjusted. The calibration report giving the readings of the voltmeter.

Requirement of Instruments Calibration

“Measurement is the first step that leads to control and eventually for improvement – If you can’t measure something, you can’t understand it. If you can’t understand it, you can’t control it. If you can’t control it, you can’t improve it.”

Process converts Inputs to Output:

Inputs:

• Invested Capital
• Raw Material
• Human Resources
• Energy

Output is a product

Why Calibration is required

• Controlling the process, relation between inputs & output can be controlled
• To control the process, we need to know the status of the process
• Measurement gives information regarding status
• Control of a process can never be better than the measurements made in the process
• The more accurate the data obtained from the process, with more accuracy the process can be controlled

National Center for Quality Calibration – NCQC is a leading name in field of instrument calibration services in India. NCQC offers services for themal instrument calibration, ph meter calibration, conductivity meter calibration, mass, weights and balance calibration. NCQC is iso/iec 17025 NABL approved calibration services india providing NABL certificate for thermal, mechanical and electro-thechnical instruments.

Advantages of ISO 9001 14001 Integrated Management System

ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 Quality Environment Integrated Management Standard consist of Integrated ISO 9001-2008 and ISO 14001-2004. The ISO 9001 14001 integrated management system is central to strategy for developing a quality, environmentally sustainable business. Implementing integrated management system (IMS) on quality and environment the performance of the employees can be improved which helps in reducing cost of production and maintain quality of products. Also with iso 9001 14001 – quality and environment management system, companies maintain their quality environmental issues. It is essential that environment, quality and environmental safety issues are involved within an organization’s day-to-day activities and that they are an integral part of their overall management system.

Implementation of proper ISO integrated system as per requirement of iso 9001-2008 and iso 14001-2004 standard improves business, often having a positive effect on investment, market share, sales growth, sales margins, competitive advantage and avoidance of litigation. ISO 9000 guidelines provide a comprehensive model for quality management systems that can make any company competitive. ISO 9001 14001 standard certification includes documents of all procedures and processes, including operational and documentation control, the establishment of emergency procedures and responses, and the communication with employees, to ensure they can competently implement the necessary processes and record results. ISO 9001 14001 quality environmental management can be a very effective ISO QMS EMS certification tool to identify these cost savings opportunities for some organizations. Some other organizations can falter in its planning, lack of senior management commitment and poor understanding of how it should be implemented and find themselves managing an ineffective iso 14001 EMS Certification. Among the wide advantages of the ISO Quality System standard to make vibrant culture some are as follows:

Key Advantages of ISO 9001 14001 Integrated Management System
• Creates a more efficient, effective operation.
• Increases customer satisfaction and retention.
• Reduces third party ISO 9001 14001 audit .
• Improved quality (reduction in waste, rework, scrap, less complaints, etc.).
• Reduction of waste and consumption of resources.
• Reduce operating costs.
• Increase long term viability of businesses.
• Enhance market share and increase growth in sales.
• Identification of possible areas which can save costs such as recycling, landfill costs, utilities.
• Positive response from investors, lenders,& insurers.
• Improves employee motivation, awareness, and morale with the help of ISO 9001.
• Promotes international trade.
• Increases profit by implementing ISO Quality System.
• Greater control of processes and activities throughout organization.
• An onward journey of improvement is possible on an on-going basis.
• Minimizing the risk of regulatory and environmental liability fines.
• Improving an organization’s efficiency Increases customer satisfaction and retention.
• Provides competitive advantage against companies that do not adopt the standard.

Global Manager Group is a leading name for iso 9001, iso 14001, ohsas 18001 consultancy services. They also offers readymade iso 9001 14001 ready to use documents as well as hse manual and hse audit checklist for integrated management system implementation.

BRC Food Safety Standards issue-6 – overview

The BRC Global standard for food safety was developed by the British Retail Consortium (BRC), UK trade organization that represents the interests of retailer. The BRC’s Global Standard for Food Safety was created to establish a standard for due diligence and supplier approval. All requirements of brc food safetyare generic and are intended to be applicable to all organizations of any type and size provided. By implementing brc food standard food safety management system, any organization get iso certification or registration for its food safety management system by an external certifying body for conformity to BRC global standard for food safety.

BRC Global Standard For Food issue-6

BRC global standard for food safety issue 6 specifies requirements for a food safety management system where an organization in the food chain needs to demonstrate its ability to control food safety hazards in order to ensure that food is safe at the time of human consumption. The updated version of food standard brc issue 6 specifies to enable the organization to plan, implement, operate, maintain and update a food safety management system aimed at providing products that, according to their intended use, and safe for the consumer.

BRC food standard can be used by any organization directly or indirectly involved in the food industries. It applies to all organizations in the food chain. It doesn’t matter how complex the organization is or what size it is, brc food safety can help ensure the safety of its food products. In most cases brc food safety certification is a per-condition for supplying to UK retailers. It has been adopted by organizations throughout the world. Third-party certification to the standard helps manufacturers, brand owners and retailers fulfill their legal obligations and safeguard consumers.

BRC food system covers a comprehensive scope of product safety areas, as well as the legal and due diligence responsibilities of both the supplier and the retailer. The key requirements of the BRC food standard are adoption and implementation of a HACCP system, effective quality management system and factory environmental standards, processes and products and establishing process monitoring and verification system to control food hazards by scientific approach.

The Industries ranging from primary producers, processors, manufacturers, food service providers and other service providers apart from product suppliers can be covered under this brc training and food safety certification. These include organizations that produce feed for animals that produce food for animals that will be used as food. It also encompasses organizations that produce materials that will eventually come into contact with food or food components. It is a scientific approach to identify hazards and establish controls based on HACCP plan to control hazards and critical control points and it is a food safety with focus on prevention.

Source: Globalmanagergroup.com
View documentation and training presentation on brc food standard here.

ISO 14001 – Environment Management System

ISO 14001 is the conformance standard within the ISO 14000 series. The environmental management system family of standards ‘ISO 14000’, was formally published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) on September 2, 1996. After extensive groundwork, the revised version of ISO 14001 was released on 15th of November 2004. ISO 14001:2004 replaced ISO 14001:1996 after a transition period of 18 months, ended on 14th May 2006, and became the basis for the certification procedure for environmental management.

Since 1996, the ISO 14001 has formed the basis for structuring, implementation, review and further development of environmental management systems. It lays down the applicable demands for all kinds of organizations depending upon sizes as well as diverse geographical, cultural and social conditions. The objective of this certificate is to promote environmental protection and the prevention of environmental stress in harmony with economic, social and political requirements.

ISO 14001 - EMS Certification

 

Integration With ISO 9000

An ISO 14001 system can easily be integrated with an existing quality management system, which is based on the ISO 9000 standard. There are a number of common elements within both the ISO 9000 and ISO 14001 management system standards including: Document Control, Training, Corrective Action, Records Management, Calibration, Internal Audits and Management Review. Companies can either develop completely separate EMS components, or choose to integrate an ISO 14001-driven EMS with an ISO 9000 quality management system.

ISO 14000 Standard

The elements of ISO 14001 provide a framework to varied organization for managing and continually improving their environmental programs. The structure of ISO 14001 is very similar to ISO 9001 and it is utilized to merge environmental programs into one coherent system to efficiently manage all environmental activities. The standard is divided in to two categories:

Organization Evaluation – It includes Environmental Management System (EMS), Environmental Audits and Environmental Performance Evaluation (EPE).

Product Evaluation – It includes Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Environmental Labeling and Environmental Aspects in Product Standards (EAPS).

Major Elements of ISO 14000 Standard

•  General Requirements – It defines the system layout.
•  Environmental Policy.
•  Planning – It includes environmental aspects, legal and other requirements, objectives and targets and environmental management programs.
•  Implementation and Operation – It includes structure and responsibility, training, awareness and competence, communication, environmental management system documentation, document control, operation control, and emergency preparedness and response systems.
• Checking and Corrective Action – It includes monitoring and measurement of non-conformance and corrective and preventive action, records and environmental system audit.
• Management Review – The standard is viewed in Europe as meeting a major component of Eco- Management and Audit Regulation (EMAR), a European directive for continuous environmental performance improvement by industrial organizations.

Steps to ISO 14001

•     Obtain management commitment
•     Develop steering committee
•     Gather environmental aspect – impact data
•     Develop environmental policy/goals
•     Evaluate applicability of legal requirements, its compliance and existing programs against ISO 14001
•     Develop action plan
•     Analyze and undertake changes addressing 14001
•     Perform internal audits against 14001
•     Evaluate system performance through management review and correct management system deficiencies
•     Achieve accredited third party ISO 14001 certification

Advantages of ISO 14000

Customer, employees, stockholders and competitors will develop a new level of respect for you, as you demonstrate your commitment to the environment.

•     Risk Reduction: Environmental legal liability; accidents and environmental damage.
•     Cost Reduction: Insurance premiums; waste handling and disposal costs; reduction in air and water permitting fees.
•     Competitive Advantage: Improved corporate image; strategic investment; improved regulatory relations.

 

Source:  Globalmanagergroup.com

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Information About BRC/IOP Packaging Standard

The standard was developed in conjunction with the Institute of Packaging (IOP), the professional body for the packaging industry and is seen as a logical extension of the BRC Food Standard. In a short space of time, this Standard became invaluable to other organisations across the sector. It was and still is regarded as the benchmark for best practice in the food industry. This and its use outside the UK has seen it evolve into a Global Standard used not just to assess retailer suppliers, but as a framework upon which many companies have based their supplier assessment programmes and manufacture of some branded products.

It is recognised that the packaging industry is diverse in its materials, processes and technologies and various trade associations were consulted during the development of the standard. As the professional membership body for the packaging industry, the Institute of Packaging has satisfied itself that the requirements of this standard can be practically achieved.

What does the BRC/IOP packaging standard require?
” The adoption of a formal Hazard Analysis System.
” A documented technical management system
” Control of factory standards, product, process and personnel.

The format of this standard defines a packaging supplier as belonging to a category ‘A’ or ‘B’. There is a decision tree within the standard with category ‘B’ packaging defined as one which is used for direct food contact or enters an environment where there are unprotected or open food products – these tend to be packaging such as microwave trays or cups in which the food is directly packed into. A category ‘A’ packaging can be viewed as low risk packaging (from a food manufacturer’s viewpoint) such as cardboard boxes where the food product is already sealed within its primary packaging. The standard should be referred to in order to decide which category is relevant.

The majority of UK, and many European and Global retailers, and brand owners will only consider business with suppliers who have gained certification to the appropriate BRC/IOP Packaging Standard.

 

For More information visit: Globalmanagergroup.com

Read other post about BRC Global Standard For Food Safety here.

BRC Global Standard For Food Safety

Reason To Choose BRC Certification

The Global Standard for Food Safety was first developed in 1998 by the food service industry to enable their suppliers to be audited by third party Certification Bodies against a single consistent standard, reducing duplication of effort and enabling the food service industry to focus activities on areas of competitive advantage. Built on the principles of clear risk based requirements, informative report format and auditor competence, the
Standard has continued to develop and evolve with input from a wider base of international stakeholders including retailers, caterers, food manufacturers and Certification Bodies.

The Standard is closely managed by the BRC who license the use of the Standard to BRC Certification Bodies who must be both accredited by their national Accreditation Body and abide by strict BRC requirements for auditor competency, reporting and performance.
In a short space of time, this Standard became invaluable to other organisations across the sector. It was and still is regarded as the benchmark for best practice in the food industry. This and its use outside the UK has seen it evolve into a Global Standard used not just to assess retailer suppliers, but as a framework upon which many companies have based their supplier assessment programmes and manufacture of some branded products.

The majority of UK, and many European and Global retailers, and brand owners will only consider business with suppliers who have gained BRC certification to the appropriate BRC Global Standard.

BRC Global Standard for Food

Reason To Choose BRC Certification

1. CONFIDENCE

Developed by retailers and driven by retailers, BRC Global Standards are a market leading global brand that helps build confidence in the food safety industry. Rigorous and detailed, yet easy to follow and understand, BRC Global Standards are tried and trusted by leading global retailers to deliver effective supply chain management, legal compliance and value for money. BRC Global Standards are widely recognized throughout the world, with over 12,000 certificated suppliers in 90 countries through a network of over 80 Accredited and BRC recognized Certification Bodies. The Global Standard for Food Safety-Issue 5 is the world’s most widely recognized BRC Global Standard and forms part of a suite of product safety standards that cover Packaging & Packaging Materials, Consumer Products, Product Recall and Storage & Distribution enabling certification of the supply chain.

2. CREDIBILITY

Now celebrating its tenth anniversary, the BRC Global Standard for Food Safety was the first Standard in the world to be approved by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GSFI) benchmarking committee. An established, highly experienced BRC Technical Services Team with many years experience in the product safety industry provides support and leadership at the highest level. An expanding customer support function based at the BRC’s London headquarters provides rapid assistance with technical questions.

3. COLLABORATION AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

Expert International Technical Committees are fully engaged to ensure the ongoing development of the Standards through a process of collaboration and continuous improvement. The BRC is currently developing a web-based, fully interactive database of information about BRC certificated suppliers. The Global Standards Directory will offer immediate access to audit reports, audit data, management reporting and notification of remedial actions. The Global Standards Directory puts the BRC right at the heart of effective supply chain management.

4. CONSISTENCY

A global training infrastructure ensures that suppliers are well informed about how to implement the Standard, prepare for their audit and achieve certification. Over 100 BRC Approved Training Providers throughout the world offer BRC accredited training courses in local languages. A highly skilled and multi-lingual Training Team who provide in-house training at your location is cost effective in both time and money, and also very flexible. Tried and tested BRC learning content is combined with the client’s own requirements to deliver tailored and customized training programs. Detailed and standardized audit reports create global consistency in audit reporting. The BRC Food Standard is currently available in ten languages with additional translations being developed to facilitate understanding and consistency throughout the world.

5. COMPETENCE

The BRC’s Compliance Team is developing robust performance monitoring assessment tools to help ensure that certification bodies carry out BRC audits to the highest possible standard. An established and transparent complaints procedure helps ensure that all customer referrals are investigated and vigorously followed up.

Rigorous requirements around the competence, qualifications and experience of auditors help ensure that audit standards are stringently maintained.

6. COST EFFECTIVE

The BRC’s straight forward certification process ensures that there are no hidden costs or added costly hurdles for sites wanting certification. For sites that are properly prepared and confident in their safety management systems the only cost is that of the audit.

 

For more information on BRC Standard for Food Packaging visit Globalmanagergroup.com

Benefits of ISO 14001 EMS

Environment Management System (EMS) refers to a system used by an Organisation to manage its activities, product or services in such a way to minimize or eliminate the adverse impacts on environment. More explicitly, the EMS is that part of the overall management system viz. organizational structure, planning activities, responsibilities, practices, procedures, processes and resources which are necessary for developing, implementing, reviewing and maintaining the organisation’s environmental policy.

ISO 14001 EMS

 

ISO 14000 series is voluntary and based on international consensus as 65 countries are participating in the standards development process. The standards are generic, i.e. applicable to both manufacturing and service organisation, in public and private sectors. They say what should be done by an organisation to manage the impact on the environment of its activities, but do not dictate how to do it.

The overall aim of this international standard ISO 14001 is to support environmental protection and prevention of pollution in balance with socio – economic needs. However, it is not intended to be used to create non-tariff trade barriers or to increase or change an organisation’s legal obligations.

This international standard does not incorporate occupational health and safety management system elements. Nevertheless, the certification / registration process will only be applicable to aspects of the environmental management system. The company has to make targets related to environment issues for long run and achievement for the same. Also provisions for emergency so that environment is no where affected by the company.

BENEFITS OF ISO: 14001

1.Increase the Acceptance from financial institutions, Bank, Public, Insurance etc.
2.Improve Industry – Government Relations.
3.Improve Environment Performance, which in turn increase productivity of man and machines.
4.Meet customer’s environment expectations and maintain good public relations.
5.Govt. benefits.
6.Ability to Meet;
* National/ International Legislation
* Regional Variation in Legislation
7.Health and Safety of Workers
8.Public Image.
* Consumer Opinion
* Inter-company/ international Trade
9.Increase Employee Confidence.

 

Source: ISOQualityKit.com

Visit my latest post about OHSAS Management System here.