BRC / IOP Packaging Standard

The standard was developed in conjunction with the Institute of Packaging (IOP), the professional body for the packaging industry and is seen as a logical extension of the BRC Food Standard.

It is recognised that the packaging industry is diverse in its materials, processes and technologies and various trade associations were consulted during the development of the standard. As the professional membership body for the packaging industry, the Institute has satisfied itself that the requirements of this standard can be practically achieved. of Packaging

What does the Standard require?

· The adoption of a formal Hazard Analysis System.

· A documented technical management system

· Control of factory standards, product, process and personnel.

The format of this standard defines a packaging supplier as belonging to a category ‘A’ or ‘B’. There is a decision tree within the standard with category ‘B’ packaging defined as one which is used for direct food contact or enters an environment where there are unprotected or open food products – these tend to be packaging such as microwave trays or cups in which the food is directly packed into. A category ‘A’ packaging can be viewed as low risk packaging (from a food manufacturer’s viewpoint) such as cardboard boxes where the food product is already sealed within its primary packaging. The standard should be referred to in order to decide which category is relevant.

The sections of the standard then refer to category ‘A&B’, category ‘B’ only and recommendations on good practice.

The standard was developed in conjunction with the Institute of Packaging (IOP), the professional body for the packaging industry and is seen as a logical extension of the BRC Food Technical Standard.

It is recognized that the packaging industry is diverse in its materials, processes and technologies and various trade associations were consulted during the development of the standard. As the professional membership body for the packaging industry, the Institute has satisfied itself that the requirements of this standard can be practically achieved. of Packaging

The BRC/IoP Packaging Standard underwent a period of industry consultation which culminated in the publishing of a new edition on 31st August 2004 titled BRC/IoP Global Standard - Food Packaging and other Packaging Materials.

Where do I go from here?
For third party certification, you need to implement an effective Food Safety System complying with the requirements of the standards. The first step is to get on the road to certification.

Our consultants will be happy to visit your concern to perfrom a free audit to quote you for your food safety and hazard control requirements, see whyEQS