This Standard is most applicable to manufacturers of food contact packaging for retailers labeled products and branded products as well. Manufacturers have an obligation to put appropriate systems and controls in place to ensure the suitability of their packaging for safe food use.

The BRC and IOP (Institute of Packaging) have developed this Standard to assist retailers and food manufacturers in the fulfillment of their legal obligations. This Standard will help in the protection of the consumer by providing a common basis for the audit of companies supplying packaging for food products to retailers.

The main sections of the Standard are:

• Scope
• Organization
• Hazard and risk management system
• Technical management system
• Factory Standards
• Contamination Control
• Personnel
• Risk Category Determination (The latest edition includes a useful guide to help you assess which category your product falls into)
• The Evaluation Protocol