BRCGS Packaging Materials Issue 6 – What You Need To Know

One of the primary changes in Issue 6 is the enhanced hazard analysis and risk assessment approach to hygiene and printed packaging controls.

In terms of the approach to hygiene, there are no longer the two levels of hygiene (basic and high) but instead, sites are expected to develop a risk-based hygiene programme tailored to their needs and customer expectations. This is really a far more responsible approach to the mitigation of risk in that sites need to do what is sensible and realistic in relation to their products and their final application. This also means that some clauses will not be applicable – again based on the site’s risk assessment. Contact us if you require any assistance with your risk assessments.

Regarding the additional printing controls, this was fully expected as issue 6 followed in the footsteps of issue 8 of the Food Standard.

ISSUE 6 OF THE STANDARD CONSISTS OF SIX SECTIONS:

1. SENIOR MANAGEMENT COMMITMENT

For any packaging quality management system to be effective it’s essential that management personnel are fully aware of the requirements and are committed to the implementation.

2. HAZARD AND RISK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The basis for the programme is an effective hazard and risk analysis based on the principles from the internationally recognised Codex Alimentarius system and encompasses hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP).

3. PRODUCT SAFETY AND QUALITY MANAGEMENT

Sets out requirements for the technical management of product quality and hygiene practices, building upon the principles of ISO 9000. This includes requirements for product specifications, supplier monitoring, traceability, and the management of incidents and product recalls.

4. SITE STANDARDS

Sets out expectations for the production environment including the layout and maintenance of the buildings and equipment, cleaning, pest control and waste management. This includes a specific section on managing foreign body and chemical controls.

5. PRODUCT AND PROCESS CONTROL

The requirements at the product design and development stage including quality assurance, process control and product inspection and testing.

6. PERSONNEL

The standards needed for staff training, protective clothing and personal hygiene

Sites have been audited against BRCGS Packaging Materials Issue 6 since February 2020 now but there are still some confusion and unanswered questions. BRCGS have published this FAQ document that helps to clear the air. The document covers a broad range of questions addressing both changes to protocol and clause requirements including topics such as metal detection, wearing of beard snoods, the product safety culture plan and microbial environmental monitoring.

Be aware that it’s the site’s responsibility to be aware of any updates or position statements that BRCGS publish in relation to the standards. As of the 7^th June 2020, there are no position statements relating to issue 6.

For the self-assessment tool, click here or contact us for support through consultation.

Still confused? Attend any of our BRCGS Packaging courses.

What BRCGS Packaging Materials Issue 6 Training Courses Are Available?

Prices exclude VAT

Click here to take a look at our course calendar.