In the food industry, ensuring the safety and quality of products is of utmost importance. Various standards and certifications have been developed to establish guidelines for maintaining high standards in food production.
One such certification is the British Retail Consortium (BRC), which offers different schemes to accommodate the specific needs of different sectors. Among these schemes, BRC High Risk and High Care play a vital role in guaranteeing the safety of food products. This blog aims to shed light on the key differences between BRC High Risk and High Care.
What is BRC High Risk?
BRC High-Risk certification is a scheme designed specifically for companies involved in the production of high-risk food products. Moreover, high-risk foods are those that are more susceptible to contamination and can pose significant health hazards if not handled properly. Examples of high-risk food products include ready-to-eat meals, cooked meats, dairy products, and other perishable goods.
The BRC High-Risk standard encompasses several critical aspects to ensure food safety. It focuses on the implementation of robust hygiene practices, appropriate control measures, and effective traceability systems. Additionally, the certification process involves a thorough assessment of the production facility, including the evaluation of equipment, storage conditions, staff training, and documentation. Similarly, companies can demonstrate their commitment to providing safe food products to consumers.
What is BRC High Care?
On the other hand, BRC High Care certification is aimed at companies that handle food products where there is a risk of product contamination, but the level of risk is relatively lower compared to high-risk food products. High Care certification is suitable for facilities involved in the production of packaged products, such as bakery items, canned goods, and other processed foods.
The BRC High Care standard focuses on maintaining strict hygiene practices and controls throughout the production process to minimize the risk of contamination. It emphasizes the implementation of effective cleaning and sanitation procedures, personal hygiene practices, pest control measures, and segregation of different production areas. Companies seeking BRC High Care certification must also ensure proper training and supervision of staff, efficient equipment maintenance, and comprehensive record-keeping.
Key Differences
Level of Risk
So, if you are wondering what is the difference between BRC high risk and high care, the level of risk is one of them. The primary distinction between BRC High Risk and High Care lies in the level of risk associated with the food products being produced. High-Risk certification applies to facilities handling high-risk food products, which are more susceptible to contamination and pose significant health risks if mishandled. High Care certification, on the other hand, is suitable for facilities dealing with products that have a lower risk of contamination.
Stringency of Requirements
Given the higher risk associated with high-risk food products, the BRC High-Risk standard typically imposes more stringent requirements compared to the High Care standard. High-risk facilities must meet strict hygiene practices, control measures, and traceability systems to ensure product safety. High Care facilities, although still subject to rigorous standards, have slightly more flexibility due to the lower inherent risk.
Scope of Controls
BRC High-Risk certification extends its controls and requirements to various aspects of production, including equipment, storage conditions, staff training, and documentation. The broader scope of controls reflects the heightened focus on minimizing risks associated with high-risk food products. In contrast, the controls for BRC High Care certification are more concentrated on maintaining hygiene practices, sanitation procedures, and other measures specifically tailored to the lower-risk product categories.
