BRC Audit Checklist

BRC audit checklist is crucial for food manufacturers and suppliers to ensure compliance with BRC Global Standards, which are internationally recognized benchmarks for food safety and quality management.

Here’s a checklist to guide you through a British Retail Consortium BRC audit:

1. Documentation Review:

   • Review all relevant documentation, including food safety policies, procedures, records, and certifications.
   • Ensure documentation is up-to-date, accurate, and accessible to relevant personnel.

2. Management Commitment:

   • Verify management’s commitment to food safety and quality management.
   • Confirm that management provides adequate resources and support for compliance with BRC standards.

3. Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment:

   • Evaluate the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan.
   • Review risk assessments for biological, chemical, and physical hazards.

4. Food Safety and Quality Management System:

   • Assess the effectiveness of the food safety and quality management system.
   •   Verify compliance with BRC Global Standards requirements, including documentation, implementation, and monitoring.

5. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs):

   • Inspect facility cleanliness, hygiene practices, and sanitation procedures.
   • Ensure compliance with GMP requirements for personnel, equipment, and premises.

6. Supplier Management:

   • Evaluate supplier approval and monitoring procedures.
   • Verify that suppliers meet BRC standards and are regularly audited for compliance.

7. Product Control:

   • Inspect product handling, storage, and distribution practices.
   • Ensure traceability of raw materials and finished products throughout the supply chain.

8. Allergen Management:

   • Review allergen management procedures to prevent cross-contamination.
   • Verify allergen labeling accuracy and effectiveness.

9. Pest Control:

   • Evaluate pest control measures and monitoring procedures.
   • Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

10. Cleaning and Sanitation:

    • Assess cleaning and sanitation practices for equipment, utensils, and facilities.
    • Verify effectiveness of cleaning procedures and sanitation chemicals.

11. Training and Personnel Hygiene:

    • Review training programs for food safety and hygiene.
    • Assess personnel hygiene practices and compliance with company policies.

12. Audits and Inspections:

    • Confirm the frequency and effectiveness of internal audits and inspections.
    • Evaluate corrective and preventive action (CAPA) processes for addressing non-conformities.

13. Continuous Improvement:

    • Assess processes for monitoring, measurement, and continuous improvement.
    • Verify implementation of corrective actions and preventive measures.

14. Regulatory Compliance:

    • Ensure compliance with relevant food safety regulations and legal requirements.
    • Address any non-compliance issues identified during the audit.

15. Documentation and Records:

    • Review audit findings, corrective actions, and supporting documentation.
    • Ensure completeness and accuracy of audit records and reports.

By following BRC Audit Checklist, organizations can effectively prepare for and undergo BRC audits, demonstrating their commitment to food safety, quality, and compliance with international standards.

Conducting inspection by BRC audit checklist using eAuditor offers several advantages, including increased efficiency, real-time data collection, and easier accessibility of audit information.

Here’s a basic outline of how such British Retail Consortium audit process might work:

1. Preparation:
   • Ensure all auditors are trained on how to use eAuditor Audits & Inspections.
   • Customize the eAuditor Audits & Inspections checklist to include all relevant BRC audit criteria, checklists, and requirements.
2. Scheduling:
   • Use the eAuditor Audits & Inspections to schedule audit dates and times, notifying relevant parties involved.
3.  Data Collection:
   • Auditors use eAuditor Audits & Inspections to conduct on-site inspections, entering data directly into the app.
   • They can take photos, record audio, and make notes within eAuditor Audits & Inspections to provide evidence and documentation.
4. Real-time Communication:
   • Any issues or non-conformities discovered during the audit can be immediately communicated to the appropriate personnel for corrective action.
5. Reporting:
   • Generate comprehensive audit reports directly from eAuditor Audits & Inspections, including scores, observations.
   • eAuditor Audits & Inspections reports can be customized based on the specific needs of the organization or client.
6. Analysis and Follow-up:
   • Analyze audit data to identify trends, areas for improvement, and potential risks.
   • Schedule follow-up actions and track their progress within the eAuditor Audits & Inspections.
7. Documentation and Compliance:
   • Store all audit documentation securely within the eAuditor Audits & Inspections, ensuring compliance with BRC standards.
   • Access historical audit data easily for future reference or compliance purposes.

Using eAuditor Audits & Inspections for BRC audits streamlines the entire process, making it more efficient, accurate, and transparent. It also facilitates better collaboration among auditors and stakeholders, ultimately leading to improved food safety and quality standards.