What is BRCGS Food Safety Issue 9?
BRCGS Food Safety Issue 9 is a certification scheme for food manufacturers and other organisations in the food chain. The official BRCGS page describes the scheme as a way to demonstrate controlled food safety, integrity, legality and quality. In the Netherlands, certification runs through a recognised certification body, as explained in the route to certification .
The scheme is not a legal requirement. A retailer, brand owner or other customer can, however, make it a condition. The GFSI information on BRCGS helps you read the recognition status and audit options precisely. On 5 September 2026, BRCGS Food Safety Issue 9 is still the valid edition. Issue 10 is in development.
A producer of shelf-stable sauces, for example, receives a request for a GFSI-recognised certificate. The first practical question is then whether the customer accepts BRCGS Food Safety, and whether the intended production site falls within the BRCGS scope. After that, you describe your processes, risks and evidence before you request a quotation.
BRCGS in brief
| Component | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Scheme | BRCGS Food Safety Issue 9 |
| Purpose | Control of food safety, integrity, legality and quality |
| Mandatory? | Usually a customer or market requirement, not a general legal obligation |
| GFSI status | Recognised against BMR2020; BMR2024 benchmarking is under way |
| Audit | Announced and unannounced options within the programme |
| Certification | An independent certification body assesses the audit |
Issue 9 does not guarantee food safety. A certificate states that a site has been assessed against the applicable scheme and audit protocol.
On this page
This BRCGS cluster helps you move from the first customer request to an audit you can prepare for. Start by defining the scope. Then go to the study guide on requirements, the explanation of findings and the audit regime. The current Issue 9 status and the cost route each have their own page.
BRCGS alongside other schemes
The choice depends on the written customer requirement, the product category and the desired audit route. For an existing substantive comparison, read BRCGS versus IFS. For the wider food safety context, read FSSC versus BRCGS versus IFS. Then use this hub to work out the BRCGS question.
Frequently asked questions
Is BRCGS Food Safety an ISO standard?
No. BRCGS Food Safety is a certification scheme with its own standard, protocol and grading. It can exist alongside ISO 22000, but the schemes do not automatically give the same audit outcome.
Which edition applies now?
Issue 9 applies on 5 September 2026. Additional F926 position statements apply from 10 August 2026. Issue 10 is still in development and does not yet form a new audit basis.
Where do I start?
Start with the customer request and the scope page. Then record your control blocks and the evidence you are still missing. A certification body can assess the intended scope and quotation basis further.