Certification

BRCGS Global Food Safety Standard

BRCGS Food Safety certification is an international standard recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) that sets requirements to ensure the safety, quality, and integrity of food products. This certification is widely accepted by retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers worldwide.

Obtaining BRCGS certification is key because it:

Demonstrates top management’s commitment to food safety and continuous improvement.
Implements a HACCP-based management system, ensuring control of hazards and critical points.
Establishes a food safety and quality management system, promoting consistency and traceability.
Defines standards for facilities and process control, minimizing contamination risks.
Requires staff training and competence, strengthening the food safety culture.
Facilitates access to international markets by meeting customer and regulatory expectations.

LSQA provides BRCGS audit and certification services, supporting organizations in implementing and maintaining effective food safety management systems recognized globally.

What is BRCGS?

BRCGS Food Safety assesses a site's food safety and quality management system through a comprehensive HACCP plan, prerequisite programs, product and process controls, and a food safety culture that permeates the entire organization. It applies to food processing, packaging, storage, and distribution operations, including slaughterhouses, packing plants, and handlers of high-risk ready-to-eat products.

Unlike a traditional ISO certification, BRCGS doesn't provide a binary pass/fail result: it assigns a rating (AA+, AA, A, B, C, or D) to the site based on the number and severity of nonconformities found, and requires that at least one in three audits be unannounced. The better the rating, the greater the confidence it inspires in clients and buyers.

The conceptual basis

The pillars of BRCGS

Grading system

Unlike other certifications, BRCGS is not pass/fail: it awards a rating from AA+ to D based on the quantity and severity of non-conformities found.

Food safety culture

Since Issue 9, the standard requires a concrete plan for the development and continuous improvement of the food safety and security culture throughout the organization, not just documented procedures.

Unannounced audits

As required by the GFSI scheme, at least 1 out of every 3 audits in the cycle must be carried out without prior notice, assessing the real and everyday conditions of the site.

GFSI Recognition

Because it is benchmarked by the Global Food Safety Initiative, the certification is accepted by retailers and brands worldwide, avoiding redundant audits for each client.

The value of the LSQA seal

We turn technical backing into trust

The LSQA seal is not just a document: it is visible proof that an organization went through a rigorous, objective audit process. When a client, business partner, or regulator sees it, they know it reflects years of certification experience across Latin America, strict technical criteria, and ongoing monitoring — not a self-assessment. That's why the seal becomes a business tool: it reduces the uncertainty of whoever chooses you and communicates, at a glance, a real commitment to quality.

Why certify

Benefits of BRCGS certification

It is one of the most demanded standards by major retailers, brands and food manufacturers worldwide
It is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), facilitating access to multiple markets with a single certificate
The rating system (AA+ to D) allows for an objective demonstration of the maturity level of the food safety system.
It strengthens the food safety culture throughout the organization, not just in documented processes.
It reduces the risk of food safety incidents and strengthens crisis management and product recalls.
It facilitates business relationships with clients who require suppliers certified under a GFSI scheme

Frequently asked questions

What is BRCGS certification?

BRCGS is a global food safety standard, recognized by the GFSI, that assesses a site's food safety and quality management system through HACCP, prerequisite programs, and product and process controls, awarding a rating according to its level of compliance.

What type of organizations does BRCGS apply to?

It applies to food processing, packaging, storage and distribution operations: slaughterhouses, packing plants, manufacturers and handlers of high-risk products, among others.

What do the grades AA+, A, B, C, and D mean?

These are the grades with which BRCGS classifies a site according to the quantity and severity of non-conformities found in the audit: AA+ is the highest rating (5 or fewer minor non-conformities, in an unannounced audit) and D is the lowest.

What is the difference between BRCGS and FSSC 22000?

Both are food safety schemes recognized by the GFSI, but they differ in their audit methodology and outcome system: BRCGS awards a graded rating, while FSSC 22000 is based on the ISO 22000 management system structure with a conformity outcome. Many retailers specifically prefer BRCGS for certain product categories.

What is the validity period of the BRCGS certificate?

The BRCGS certificate is valid for 12 months. Sites with lower ratings or higher risk may require a shorter recertification cycle of 6 months.