Issue 8 of the British Retail Consortium (BRC) Global Standard for Food Safety is now out with an accompanying BPCA guidance document for members.

SPEED READ:

• New issue 8 out now to view (free to download at the BRC bookshop)
• Issues 8’s will be audited against (rolled out) from 1 February 2019
• 4.14 (Pest Management) has changed very little from issue 7 however now incorporates bird management
• BPCA has published an updated guidance document for members.

BRC Global Standard for Food Safety Issue 8

Updated BPCA Guidance Document for BRC Issue 8

Most pest management professionals will be familiar with the BRC Global Standard for Food Safety currently in its seventh issues.

The document requires certain standards of pest management within sites that conform to the BRC specifications.

In July 2018 BPCA was invited to take part in a webinar explaining the upcoming transition from this current Issue 7 to a new Issue 8.

Changes for pest management

It is important to note (and pleasing!) that in terms of pest management, very little has changed from Issue 7.

The term "pest control" has been updated to the more contemporary "pest management", suggesting a commitment to prevention and education.

A section has been added about bird management, that states: 

The site shall have adequate measures in place to prevent birds from entering buildings or roosting above loading or unloading areas.

BRC Global Standard for Food Safety, Issue 8

Natalie Bungay, BPCA Technical Officers, offers pest management professionals the following advice:

"For the most part, you should continue what you are doing on your BRC Food sites. Just make sure you're aware of potential bird ingress points, roosting areas, or area of low pressure and recommend proofing measures accordingly".

Updated guidance document

BPCA has updated its guidance document for member companies. The BPCA Guidance Document for British Retail Consortium (BRC) Global Standard for Food Safety Issue 8 is now available to download in the member document area (login required).

Member document area

Source: Online