BRCGS has been accepted to join the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) as an Association Member. The IAF is a global association of accreditation bodies and other organisations involved in the fields of management systems, products, processes, services, personnel, validation and verification. Representing organisations from over 100 economies, IAF works to promote the acceptance of certification throughout the world by ensuring that they deliver results that consumers can trust.
Food certification has emerged as a requirement to gain consumer confidence and ensure food safety across various stages in the supply chain. BRCGS’s food safety standard, now in its 8th edition with the 9th edition to be published in 2022, has evolved to meet the needs of industry and to protect the consumer. BRGCS applies a rigourous compliance programme to ensure consistent audit outcomes and results that brands can rely on.
BRCGS standards are used by 30,000 sites in 130 countries, and accepted by 70% of the top 10 global retailers, 60% of the top 10 quick-service restaurants, and 50% of the top 25 manufacturers. BRCGS certified food manufacturers account for 36% of post-farm gate sales, and impact on US$800 billion of product sales.
Emanuele Riva, IAF Chair said: “Accreditation is a service that makes the world better. The global food certification market is growing due to its applicability in a wide range of food products, increased health and ethical consciousness among consumers, and more complex supply chains. As a result, food manufacturers and suppliers are actively seeking food safety, ‘free-from’ and ethical certifications. We are delighted to welcome BRCGS as an IAF member and to work together to support cross-border trade with confidence, while protecting people’s health and safety.”
Karen Betts, BRCGS Head of Compliance said: “BRCGS operates the most rigorous third-party certification scheme of its type. We have the highest trained auditors and invest heavily in an oversight compliance programme in order to deliver results that brands and consumers can trust. Approval to join the IAF membership is further credibility that helps us deliver our vision of using science for a safer world.”
