Control Union – Certification

BRCGS Food

The BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety is a leading certification programme used by over 29,000 certified suppliers in 130 countries. It provides a framework for food manufacturers to produce safe and authentic food while managing product quality. Control Union Certifications offers independent audits against this standard, supporting organisations in demonstrating their commitment to best practices in food safety and gaining market access.

Control Union – Certification

    What is BRCGS Food?

    This standard is designed for any food processing or packing operation where open food is handled, processed, or packed. It covers key areas, including senior management commitment, a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan, and a robust quality management system. Achieving BRCGS Food certification demonstrates a high level of competence in food safety, quality, and legality. It is recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), which facilitates access to global markets and builds confidence with retailers, brand owners, and food service providers.

    Why choose Control Union as your certification partner?

    • Global and local customer-focused employees with broad knowledge and years of (practical) experience. We guide you through the changing world of certifications.

    • We conduct audits and certifications with a human touch. We enjoy contributing ideas on how to take your company to the next level and communicate clearly about the certification process.

    • Control Union understands the importance of acting quickly, which is why our auditors will visit you for the audit as soon as possible after your request, always in consultation with you, of course.

    Additional modules

    Control Union is accredited and can certify the following categories in the Netherlands:

    • Food products

    • Packaging and packaging materials

    • Consumer products

    Features of BRCGS Food

    Control Union – Food and Feed safety
    1.

    Global recognition

    Recognised by the GFSI, this standard facilitates global market access and acceptance by retailers worldwide.

    2.

    Comprehensive framework

    Covers all key areas of food production, including HACCP, quality management systems, and factory environment standards.

    3.

    Enhanced food safety

    Promotes a robust food safety culture, which can lead to fewer recalls, complaints, and rejected products.

    4.

    Demonstrate due diligence

    Certification provides independent confirmation of due diligence and commitment to the highest food safety standards.

    5.

    Build stakeholder trust

    Increases confidence among customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies in an organisation’s capabilities.

    Commodities

    The BRCGS Food standard is applicable to a wide range of processed food products and raw materials, including:

    • Potatoes, fruits & vegetables

    • Oil & fats

    • Grains & cereal products

    • Cacao, nuts and dried fruits

    • Herbs & spices

    • Fish & seafood

    • Meat & poultry

    • Coffee, tea & sugar

    • Dairy

    Control Union – food and Feed safety
    Together, we will embark on the certification process and ensure that the food safety of your process is demonstrable to all your customers.
    Johanna Bontan – Control Union Certifications

    This is how certification with Control Union works

    In outline, we go through these 6 steps. We’ll tell you all about it at the start of the project.

    Applying for certification

    Apply by using the contact details at the bottom of this page

    Determining scope of certification

    Together, we discuss the details and scope of your application. Which processes, products and/or locations would you like to have certified?

    Quotation & contract

    After establishing exact scopes and auditing times, you’ll receive our quote.

    After agreement, you may start the preparation phase.

    Audit planning, preparation, execution and reporting

    You will be assigned one of our qualified and independent auditors. We’ll reach out to you to check if you’re ready for the initial audit. If needed, we’ll provide additional information to help to prepare.

    Good to go? The initial audit is planned, carried out and reported.

    Review

    During the audit, we will assess if you meet the requirements. After that, we will confirm if you’ve fully complied, if there are things to improve, or if there are any non-conformities.

    Together, we will discuss our findings, plan of action and planning in case of non-conformities. In case your chosen program includes a logo, we will discuss this too.

    Receiving your certificate

    If all non-conformities are resolved and everything has been assessed positively, the certification decision follows.

    Depending on the type of certification:
    • you are allowed to trade using the certificate
    • you are executing the process according to the guidelines
    • you are allowed to name the certificate on your website
    Some certificates allow you to use the certificate’s logo. We will provide you with guidelines for this.

    The certification process does not end here, annual audits ensure consistent quality!

    Global coverage, local knowledge

    Control Union provides peace of mind in supply chains worldwide. Thanks to our up-to-date knowledge and experience, we cover all aspects of the supply and value chain in various industries. We think along, communicate clearly and offer concrete solutions. As a ‘one-stop shop’ for international and local certificates, we make certification more efficient. Want to know more about our independent, accredited audits and certifications? Whether you are certifying for the first time or have been around for years, we help!

    105
    +
    Years of experience
    275
    +
    offices and labs worldwide in 80 countries
    6000
    +
    Proud colleagues
    Control Union – Food en Feed safety

    Request BRCGS Food or discuss without obligation?

    We are ready to assist you. Contact us using the form below or call us at +31 38 42 60 110

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    Independent tailor-made services

    What makes you unique, we make demonstrable

    Does your organisation have specific certification or audit requirements that are not covered by the certification programmes? For example, developing a new standard? Control Union also provides independent customised services.

    Control Union - supply chain