BRC Food Safety Issue 8: Food Safety Culture Enters the Audit
Issue 8 of the BRC Global Standard for Food Safety was published in August 2018, with audits from February 2019. For the first time, sites must have a plan to develop their food safety and quality culture.
Key points
- Issue 8 was published in August 2018 and audits against it start on 1 February 2019.
- Senior management must define and maintain a plan for food safety and quality culture.
- Environmental monitoring and site security requirements were expanded.
Culture as a requirement
The standard now asks senior management for a clear plan to develop and continually improve the site’s food safety and quality culture. The plan must define activities that involve all sections of the site, how they will be carried out and measured, and when they will be reviewed.
Other changes
- A risk-based environmental monitoring programme for pathogens or spoilage organisms
- Expanded requirements for food defence and site security
- Clearer requirements for high-risk, high-care and ambient high-care zones
- A confidential reporting system for staff to raise concerns
- New requirements for pet food producers
Getting ready
Start with an honest assessment of the current culture, using a survey, interviews and observation. Choose a few actions that people on the line can see, such as leadership walks and feedback on reported concerns, and record how you measure progress.