What is a BRCGS Audit?
A BRCGS (Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standards) audit is a third-party assessment of your food safety, quality, and operational systems against the BRCGS Global Standard. Passing a BRCGS audit is required to achieve certification, which is recognized by major retailers worldwide including Tesco, Walmart, and Marks & Spencer.
BRCGS Audit Types
- Announced audit: You know the date in advance. Gives you time to prepare thoroughly.
- Unannounced audit: The auditor arrives without prior notice. Required for Grade AA certification.
- Part 1 / Part 2: Some standards split the audit into a document review and a site inspection.
Complete BRCGS Audit Preparation Checklist
1. Senior Management Commitment
- Food safety and quality policy signed by senior management
- Management review meetings documented and up to date
- Food safety culture program in place
- HACCP team established with defined roles
2. HACCP System
- Hazard analysis completed for all products and processes
- Critical Control Points (CCPs) identified and validated
- Critical limits established and scientifically justified
- Monitoring records complete and up to date
- Corrective action records available for all deviations
- HACCP verification and validation documented
3. Food Safety Management System Documentation
- Quality manual or food safety manual in place
- All SOPs current and approved
- Document control procedure implemented
- Internal audit program completed on schedule
- Non-conformance and CAPA records maintained
4. Site Standards
- Pest control program active with up-to-date records
- Cleaning and disinfection schedules followed and documented
- Maintenance and calibration records complete
- Foreign body control measures in place
- Allergen management program documented and implemented
5. Product Control
- Product specifications for all raw materials and finished products
- Shelf life and product testing records available
- Labelling compliance verified
- Traceability system tested and documented
6. Personnel
- Food safety training records for all staff
- Personal hygiene policy implemented and enforced
- Visitor and contractor control procedures in place
Common Reasons for BRCGS Audit Failures
- Incomplete or outdated HACCP documentation
- Missing corrective action records
- Pest control records not maintained
- Allergen management gaps
- Traceability system not tested
- Staff training records missing
Get Audit-Ready Faster
Our BRCGS document packs include fully editable, audit-ready templates covering all BRCGS requirements. Download and customize in hours, not weeks.