BRC Certification: What it means for food safety and quality
The BRC certification (British Retail Consortium) is one of the most widely recognised international standards in the food and packaging sectors. Created to guarantee quality, safety and regulatory compliance across the supply chain, it is now considered an essential requirement for companies that produce, package or distribute consumer goods.
What Is BRC Food Certification?
When we talk about BRC Food certification, we refer to a specific protocol that sets strict requirements in terms of food safety, hygiene, traceability and risk management. This standard is used globally by retailers, large-scale distribution and suppliers to select reliable partners and minimise the risk of contamination or non-compliance.
For the end consumer, the presence of BRC-certified food or packaging is a guarantee of higher safety and quality.
BRC and IFS Certification: differences and common ground
The terms BRC and IFS certification are often mentioned together. Both are internationally recognised standards for food safety, but they present some differences:
-
BRC Food: more widespread in the UK and English-speaking markets, with a strong focus on process management and quality culture.
-
IFS Food: more established in continental Europe, with particular emphasis on production audits and compliance with customer specifications.
Many companies choose to obtain both certifications to ensure maximum credibility on the international market and to meet the requirements of different retailers.
Why BRC Certification matters for packaging too
BRC Packaging certification applies to materials in direct contact with food, such as aluminium trays. This standard ensures that containers are produced in controlled environments, free from contamination risks and compliant with European food safety regulations.
For the food service, retail and take-away sectors, working with a certified supplier means reducing risks within the supply chain and strengthening consumer trust.
BRC Certification and Sustainability
Beyond food safety, BRC certification also embraces principles of social responsibility and sustainability, in line with growing market demands. Certified companies demonstrate not only their compliance with rigorous standards but also their commitment to environmentally friendly practices and consumer well-being.
Contital has achieved BRC Packaging certification, a clear sign of our ongoing commitment to quality, safety and sustainability. Our aluminium trays and solutions are manufactured in line with the highest international standards, offering large-scale distribution and food service clients safe, practical and responsible packaging.
