Skip to content

BRCGS START

The START programme is aligned with the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)  Global Markets Programme. This is an opportunity to recognise and encourage the development of food safety systems in small sites where the full requirements of the standard may not always be practical or add value and in site sthat are still developing food safety management systems.
The START programme audits and certification is against two levels of requirements- Basic and Intermediate. These levels are stepping stones for assurance to customers on food safety systems operating at those supplying sites that have achieved certification at either of these two levels.
The Basic level focuses on food safety and legality. The Intermediate level starts to introduce more quality management system elements and builds upon the basic level requirements of safety and legality to provide more comprehensive controls on food safety.

Contact us with your enquiry today!

Contact Us

Scope of START programme

The audit and certification will apply only to products that have been manufactured as processed foods and or prepared primary products at the site where the audit has taken place and will include storage facilities that are under the direct control of the production site management. Primary products supplied as retailer branded products, branded food products, and food or ingredients for use by food service companies, catering companies and food manufauctrers.
The START! programme does not apply to food products that do not undergo any process at the audited site or to activities relating to wholesale, importation, distribution or storage outside the direct control of the company.

Benefits

  • Provides a clearly defined audit and certification process operated in accordance with the requirements of accreditation.
  • is aligned with GFSI Global Markets programme management system.
  • Permanently monitored process as basis of trust for business partners.
  • Uses requirements based on the standard, enabling the basic and intermediate levels to provide effective steppingstones towards full certification.
  • Systematic decision making procedures with lower costs.
  • Our auditors are both knowledgeable and experienced in the areas of food safety and quality, holding degree-level qualificaitons in agriculture, food management and food technology.
  • Covers areas of quality, legality and product safety.
  • Less audit time and effort, as the standard is recognised by many brand owners and retailers.
  • Better product conformity means fewer customer complaints regarding quality and safety, fewer product recalls and withdrawals and lower costs.
  • Increased market access and share (no more barriers to the market).
  • Can be used to ensure food manufacturer’s suppliers are following good manufacturing practices and are fulfilling legal requirements.
  • Can be combined with additional voluntary modules.
  • Improved business processes through continual improvement, as requirements for root cause analysis and internal audits and also for access to the BRCGS service package are strengthened.
  • Worldwide recognised certification as trustworthy supplier, GFSI benchmarked standard.
  • Protection of good reputation, brand and image.
  • Listing in public BRCGS register.
  • Comprehensive scope covers areas of quality, legality and product safety.
  • Less audit time and effort, as the standard is recognised by many brand owners and retailers.

BRCGS START

FAQs

The START programme is developed to complement the BRCGS Food safety. This programme is most suitable for companies that are new to the BRCGS Food Safety Standard and is designed to provide opportunities to recognise and encourage the development of their food safety systems particularly in small sites where the full requirements of the Standard may not always be practical or add value.   

There are two levels of recognition – Basic and Intermediate. The Basic level focuses on food safety and legality. The Intermediate level starts to introduce more quality management system elements and builds upon the basic-level requirements of safety and legality to provide more comprehensive controls on food safety

Registration for the programme (either at basic or intermediate level) is carried out on behalf of the site by a certification body. Certification Bodies are required to add site details to the Directory in advance of an audit or as part of the audit upload process as per existing protocol for other Standards.

The typical duration of the basic-level audit is 1 day (6–8 hours/day) at the site. The intermediate-level audit will typically take 1–1.5 days.   

There is no grading of basic- or intermediate-level certification. The numbers and types of non-conformity will, however, be indicated on the audit report. After a review of the audit report and documentary evidence provided in relation to the non-conformities identified, a decision shall be made on whether to award certification at the basic or intermediate level. Note that attainment of a level is not equivalent to an accredited certification of the full Standard.

The START standard clauses for both Basic and Intermediate are same as or closely derived from the clauses in the full standard.  The basic level requirements are to ensure legal compliance at a minimum. They are aligned to GFSI Global Markets Programme.   The intermediate levle are more detailed, budilding upon legal complaince, an expansion of HACCP process and the dvelopment of documented quality management system.

Why Choose TÜV UK?

  • Expertise: Our auditors are highly experienced, bringing in-depth knowledge and insights to your organisation.
  • Global Recognition: TÜV UK is part of the TÜV NORD Group, a globally respected certification body.
  • Commitment to Excellence: We are dedicated to helping you achieve the highest standards of quality and efficiency.

Get Started Today!

Embark on your journey to food safety excellence with TÜV UK. Contact us today to learn more about our BRCGS START certification services and how we can support your organisation in achieving its food safety goals.

Contact Us

We are looking forward to your enquiry!

TÜV UK Ltd
AMP House
Suites 27 - 29, Fifth Floor, Dingwall Road
Croydon, CR0 2LX

Tel.: +44 20 8680-7711
Enquiries.UK@tuv-nord.com

Contact Us