Packaging Issue 7 is officially 'Live' — How’s the transition going?

[Lily]

As of April 2025, all BRCGS Packaging audits have moved to Issue 7, and by now most of us are either through our first audit or prepping for the 2026 cycle. The shift from 'CCP' to 'Critical Control Measures' and the heavier focus on HARA (Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment) has been a significant pivot for many.

I’d love to hear your experiences so far:

• How are you finding the new mandatory Environmental Monitoring requirements for packaging? Is it proving to be a 'value-add' or just another cost?
• For those who’ve had an audit: how did the auditor assess your Product Safety Culture plan? It feels like they are looking for much more than just a poster on the wall this year!

Let’s swap tips on the new 'Blended Audit' option—is anyone actually using the remote component yet?

 

[Cathy Gladwin]

@Lily great topic! We discuss the EMP requirement every month when I deliver the packaging sites and auditor courses. This week one attendee talked about an NC where the site found listeria but did nothing about it - so firstly, the risk assessment will define if and what testing should be done - and have a corrective and preventive action plan ready to implement - per the plan. So the value-add has to be designed in, and not just a waste of time and money.
On the Culture plan question, you're spot on - a live action plan meeting all clause bullet points is needed, there's a good case study we do on the course that prompts for good discussion - meaningful SMART actions will help the site and keep auditors happy too.
Haven't heard of the Blended Audit option being selected as an option.