BRC Audit Checklist

Global Standard for Food Safety - Issue 9

BRC Audit Preparation Checklist

Achieving BRC certification reflects a strong dedication to the highest levels of food safety.

This detailed checklist follows the structure of the BRC Global Standard for Food Safety (Issue 9 or current version) and is designed to help you thoroughly prepare for your audit with confidence.

Proactive self-assessment and ongoing improvement are key to not only meeting but exceeding the standard and reinforcing your reputation for food safety excellence.

Audit Preparation Details

Audit Date:

Facility Name:

Facility Location:

Auditor Name:

Prepared By:

Review Date:

Clause 1: Senior Management Commitment

Statement	Yes/No/N/A	Comments / Evidence
Does senior leadership actively demonstrate visible support and commitment to food safety?	Yes No N/A
Is there a clearly documented food safety and quality policy that aligns with the BRC Standard?	Yes No N/A
Are specific, measurable food safety objectives set, regularly reviewed, and communicated?	Yes No N/A

Clause 2: Food Safety Plan – HACCP

Statement	Yes/No/N/A	Comments / Evidence
Is a complete, up-to-date HACCP plan in place covering the entire process and supply chain?	Yes No N/A
Have all potential biological, chemical, and physical hazards been identified and evaluated for risk?	Yes No N/A
Are Critical Control Points (CCPs) correctly identified and justified using a decision tree?	Yes No N/A
Are critical limits for each CCP scientifically validated and clearly defined?	Yes No N/A
Are monitoring procedures, corrective actions, and verification activities fully documented and followed?	Yes No N/A

Clause 3: Food Safety & Quality Management System

Statement	Yes/No/N/A	Comments / Evidence
Is a documented food safety and quality management system established and maintained?	Yes No N/A
Are procedures in place for risk assessment, traceability, complaint handling, and incident management?	Yes No N/A
Are regular internal audits performed, with findings acted upon and improvements tracked?	Yes No N/A

Clause 4: Site Standards

Statement	Yes/No/N/A	Comments / Evidence
Is the site layout, design, and maintenance suitable for safe and hygienic food production?	Yes No N/A
Is an effective, documented pest management program in operation with no signs of infestation?	Yes No N/A
Are water quality, waste management, and utilities controlled to prevent contamination?	Yes No N/A

Clause 5: Product Control

Statement	Yes/No/N/A	Comments / Evidence
Are raw materials and packaging sourced only from approved suppliers with verified specifications?	Yes No N/A
Are finished product specifications complete, accurate, and regularly reviewed?	Yes No N/A
Is a robust allergen management program in place to prevent cross-contact?	Yes No N/A
Are labeling, storage, and distribution of finished products fully compliant with requirements?	Yes No N/A

Clause 6: Process Control

Statement	Yes/No/N/A	Comments / Evidence
Are all production processes documented, controlled, and validated?	Yes No N/A
Are key process parameters monitored and recorded to ensure consistent safety and quality?	Yes No N/A
Is critical equipment regularly calibrated, verified, and properly maintained?	Yes No N/A
Are staff competent, adequately trained, and following hygiene and process procedures?	Yes No N/A

Clause 7: Personnel

Statement	Yes/No/N/A	Comments / Evidence
Do all employees receive appropriate food safety, HACCP, and role-specific training?	Yes No N/A
Is regular hygiene training provided (handwashing, PPE, illness reporting, etc.)?	Yes No N/A
Are protective clothing, jewelry, and personal practice rules strictly enforced?	Yes No N/A
Is there an effective system for staff to report food safety issues or concerns?	Yes No N/A

Clause 8: High-Risk, High-Care, and Ambient High-Care Zone Requirements

Statement	Yes/No/N/A	Comments / Evidence
Are appropriate controls (e.g., segregation, air flow, clothing change) in place for high-risk/high-care areas?	Yes No N/A
Is movement of people, materials, and equipment controlled to prevent cross-contamination?	Yes No N/A
Are environmental monitoring programs established and followed in risk zones?	Yes No N/A

Clause 9: Requirements for Traded Products (if applicable)

Statement	Yes/No/N/A	Comments / Evidence
Are purchasing, inspection, and storage procedures documented for traded goods?	Yes No N/A
Do traded products have verified specifications and undergo appropriate quality checks?	Yes No N/A
Are traded products fully compliant with food safety legislation and customer requirements?	Yes No N/A

Additional Observations & Overall Assessment

Strength of the food safety culture and employee awareness throughout the site:

Effectiveness of root-cause analysis, corrective actions, and prevention of recurrence:

Completeness, accuracy, and accessibility of records and documentation:

Regular use of this checklist will help you identify gaps early, drive continual improvement, and approach your BRC audit with confidence and evidence of compliance.

Proactive self-assessment and ongoing improvement are key to not only meeting but exceeding the standard and reinforcing your reputation for food safety excellence.

In the global food supply chain, trust isn’t optional—it’s essential. Consumers expect safe, high-quality products, retailers demand consistent standards, and manufacturers need a structured framework to ensure compliance. This is where the BRC Audit, part of the British Retail Consortium’s global standards, plays a central role. Whether you run a food manufacturing plant, packaging facility, storage and distribution center, or a retail operation, the BRC audit is one of the most respected certifications you can achieve in the industry.

This guide breaks down what a BRC audit is, why it matters, what the audit process looks like, and how your business can prepare effectively for certification.

What Is a BRC Audit?

A BRC Audit is a third-party assessment conducted to determine whether a business meets the requirements of the BRCGS (Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standards). Created initially by the British Retail Consortium, these standards are recognized internationally for ensuring food safety, quality management, product legality, and operational control.

The audit evaluates:

Food safety management systems
Hazard and risk analysis
Operational processes
Site standards
Personnel hygiene practices
Supplier management
Product quality and traceability

Upon successful completion, companies receive a BRC certification, which proves their commitment to delivering safe and consistently high-quality products.

Why Is a BRC Audit Important?

1. Ensures Product Safety and Quality

BRC standards are built on stringent food safety principles. Passing a BRC audit assures customers that your products meet global safety benchmarks.

2. Increases Market Access

Many leading retailers and buyers—especially in Europe, the UK, and North America—require BRC certification as a prerequisite for doing business.

3. Reduces Risks

A structured food safety system reduces contamination risks, product recalls, and non-compliance penalties. This creates operational stability and business continuity.

4. Improves Operational Efficiency

Implementing BRC standards drives improvements in:

Standard operating procedures
Documentation
Facility layout and maintenance
Employee training

This leads to fewer errors, improved productivity, and stronger supply chain resilience.

5. Enhances Brand Reputation

With increasing consumer awareness, businesses that follow credible standards gain trust and differentiate themselves from competitors.

Types of BRC Global Standards

BRCGS covers several categories depending on the type of business. The major versions include:

BRCGS Food Safety
BRCGS Packaging Materials
BRCGS Storage and Distribution
BRCGS Retail
BRCGS Agents and Brokers
BRCGS Consumer Products

Each standard has its own detailed requirements but follows the same audit structure and certification criteria.

How Does a BRC Audit Work?

A BRC audit is systematic, comprehensive, and evidence-based. Below is a breakdown of the typical audit process:

1. Pre-Audit Preparation

Before the audit, businesses must:

Understand the latest BRC standard (e.g., Issue 9 for Food Safety)
Implement required food safety management systems
Conduct internal audits
Correct non-conformities
Train employees
Ensure equipment, premises, and processes meet compliance requirements

Most companies conduct a gap analysis to identify areas needing improvement.

2. Opening Meeting

The auditor begins the assessment with an opening meeting where:

The audit plan is reviewed
Key personnel are introduced
Scope and processes are confirmed

This sets expectations for the rest of the audit.

3. Facility Inspection

A major portion of the BRC audit involves a full site inspection. The auditor evaluates:

Facility layout and hygiene
Cleaning processes
Equipment condition
Pest control measures
Storage conditions
Temperature control
Waste management
Personnel hygiene practices

This helps verify if your day-to-day operations align with documented procedures.

4. Document and Records Review

BRC auditors thoroughly review:

HACCP or risk assessment plans
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Quality management systems
Employee training records
Traceability documents
Incident management procedures
Supplier approval records

Every document must be accurate, updated, and consistently followed.

5. Traceability Test

Traceability is a critical component of the BRC standard. The auditor may ask you to:

Trace raw materials back to suppliers
Trace finished products forward to customers
Demonstrate mass balance within two hours

Failure in traceability can lead to major non-conformities.

6. Staff Interviews

To ensure employees understand processes and food safety principles, auditors may speak with:

Line workers
QA team
Supervisors
Maintenance staff

This verifies whether training programs are effective.

7. Closing Meeting

At the end of the audit, the auditor presents:

Audit findings
Non-conformities (if any)
Required corrective actions
Expected timelines

This is followed by a formal audit report.

Types of Non-Conformities in a BRC Audit

Non-conformities are classified based on severity:

1. Minor Non-Conformity

Issues that don’t directly impact product safety or legality but need correction.

2. Major Non-Conformity

Significant deviations that could compromise quality or safety.

3. Critical Non-Conformity

Serious issues causing an immediate risk to consumer safety or product legality.
A critical non-conformity results in automatic failure of the audit.

How to Prepare for a BRC Audit

Here are practical steps businesses can take to prepare:

1. Study the Latest Standard

BRC regularly updates its standards. Ensure your team understands every clause.

2. Build a Strong Food Safety Management System

Include:

HACCP Plan
SOPs
Quality Manual
Risk assessments
Internal audit program

3. Conduct Regular Training

Employees must understand:

Hygiene standards
CCPs (Critical Control Points)
Handling procedures
Allergen management

4. Maintain Cleanliness and Hygiene

A clean facility leaves a strong first impression and reduces non-conformities.

5. Perform Internal Audits

Identify gaps before the external auditor does.

6. Keep Records Updated

Every process must be documented and readily accessible.

7. Test Traceability Frequently

Conduct mock recalls and traceability exercises.

8. Engage a Consultant (Optional)

Experts can help streamline compliance and reduce audit risk.

Benefits of Passing a BRC Audit

Increased customer and retailer trust
Higher sales opportunities
Fewer food safety incidents
Stronger supply chain management
Market competitiveness
Standardized processes across departments

For global brands, BRC certification is not just a compliance requirement—it’s a strategic asset.

Conclusion

A BRC Audit is much more than a regulatory check—it’s a comprehensive evaluation of your commitment to food safety, quality, and operational excellence. With the growing demand for safe and trustworthy products, businesses that achieve BRC certification earn a significant competitive advantage in the market.

By understanding the audit process, preparing your team, maintaining documentation, and implementing strong operational controls, you can confidently approach your BRC audit and position your business for long-term success.