Briefing Note 5 BRCGS Global Standard Food Safety Issue 8 to 9

Additional text added detailing when Vulnerability assessment needs to be reviewed covering:

– A change in raw material or a supplier of raw materials

– Emergence of a new risk (e.g. known adulteration of an ingredient)

– Developments in scientific information associated with authenticity of the site’s products

– Raw materials, for example, information obtained as part of clause 1.1.8)

– Following a significant product safety incident (e.g. a product recall)

– Where the authenticity of the site’s products or raw materials is implicated

New requirements requiring controls shall be documented, implemented and include consideration of:

– Hygiene and protective clothing arrangements

– Movement of materials that may pose a risk to products, raw materials or the production area, into and out of the laboratory, including the disposal of laboratory waste

– The management and monitoring of laboratory equipment

Also where testing activities are performed in production or storage areas (e.g. at the line tests or rapid tests) these shall be located, designed or operated to prevent product contamination.

Statement of intent title has changed to 5.8 Pet food and animal feed.

Additional text detailing all sites that produce pet food or animal feed need to meet all the relevant requirements from sections 1–7 of the Standard as well as section 5.8.

Also the term animal feed has been referenced in clauses 5.8.1, 5.8.2, 5.8.3 and 5.8.4 e.g. pet food or animal feed.

New requirements requiring the following additional controls when dealing with pet food medicated raw material:

– Supplier approval process required equivalent to section 3.5.1 for all medicated raw materials

– Specific staff training on the correct handling of medicated materials

– Waste disposal mechanisms (see section 4.12) include the safe and legal disposal of medicated raw materials and products.

New clause with the following statement of intent:

Where a site completes animal primary conversion (e.g. for red meat, poultry or fish) the following requirements apply, in addition to those within the rest of the Standard.

For animal primary conversion, the site shall operate controlled processes that ensure products are safe and fit for intended use.

New requirements requiring sites to undertake a risk assessment, for potential prohibited substances (i.e. those prohibited by legislation in the country of operation or intended country of sale). Example substances include pharmaceuticals, veterinary medicines (e.g. growth hormones), heavy metals and pesticides.

The results of the risk assessment shall be included in raw material acceptance and testing procedures and for the processes adopted for supplier approval and monitoring.