BRCGS Gluten Free Certification Prorgamme
According to studies by the BRCGS, one in three consumers use gluten-free products and the trend is rising. The reasons for this are many and varied and do not have to be due solely to a gluten intolerance, so-called coeliac disease. Some people simply have a gluten sensitivity or it is part of their self-chosen lifestyle.
Consumers are more likely to trust certified products that have been checked by an independent third party than a mere self-declaration that a product is gluten-free.
The BRC Global Standard Gluten free is the only third-party certification that also provides a complete management system for maintaining the gluten-free status of products.
Gluten free certification is suitable for the following product categories:
- Baked goods
- Meat products
- Meat and meat substitutes
- Spices, spreads, seasonings
- Desserts and ice creams
- Ready meals
- Pasta
- Baby food
The BRCGS Gluten Free offers you a complete system for all your products under one strong brand.
Benefits of BRCGS Gluten Free Certification Prorgamme
- Systematic avoidance of contamination
- Clear and trustworthy labelling of gluten-free products
- Reduce risk of product failures and recalls
- Strengthen trust in own brand
- Show social responsibility
- Opening up new markets for gluten-free products
- Increase efficiency and reduce costs by combining audits with existing GFSI benchmarking standards
FAQ'S for BRCGS Gluten-Free Certification Programme
Who the standard is designed for?
The Standard is specifically designed for logistics operations dealing with Food, Packaging, and Consumer Products. It is easy to understand, uses prescriptive language, and is applicable for global applications. It is fully flexible as operations can implement the full scope, or a scope relevant to their operation e.g. Storage only, Distribution Only, Transport Only. The storage and/or distribution operations to which the Standard is applied can be at any point in the distribution chain from primary production to retail.
What does gluten-free mean?
The intentional or accidental addition of gluten ingredients to gluten-free products is not permitted. Gluten-free is treated as a voluntary claim. In the event of a violation, this will be punished as "false labelling". However, controls are not carried out across the board. Therefore, it is important for consumers that the BRCGS Gluten Free label requires the establishment and promotion of a management system for the control of gluten contamination as opposed to pure product testing.
What are the types of BRCGS Gluten Free audits?
A) Combined audit: Companies audited according to recognised private food safety
Food safety standards and audit protocols (GFSI, SQF, BRCGS, IFS, FSSC 22000, HACCP, GMP, etc.). The auditor follows the audit plan for this standard when compared to the GFCP requirements. Duration = half a day.
B) Stand-alone audit: Companies that are not audited to a recognised standard and are only seeking GFCP certification. Duration = 1.5 to 2 days.
How can I register for the BRCGS Gluten Free Programme?
Customer must complete the online application form prior to certification request. This can be found on the GFCP website at www.glutenfreecert.com/product/gfcp-application
What is Gluten
Gluten is a protein that is contained in the following types of grain: barley, rye, triticale, wheat, kamut, spelt, or oats. In the case of oats, gluten-free products are also available due to special processing.
There are two types of production sites:
a. Completely gluten-free site: Gluten never enters the storage or production areas.
b. Partially gluten-free site: both gluten-containing and non-gluten-containing ingredients are present at the production site.
Can I use the BRCGS Gluten Free label on my products?
As a customer for the BRCGS Gluten Free Standard, you must have previously registered with BRCGS for the Programme License Agreement (PLA) You will receive predefined documents from BRCGS, including the Trademark Approval, and others. When it comes to obtaining approval for the use of the test mark, you send an e-mail to labels@brcgs.com containing the documents previously provided by BRCGS, such as the Trademark Approval, a product list and a sample for the imprint. The BRCGS will then coordinate and approve the imprint directly with you. TÜV NORD does not issue a test mark for this
How to reach BRCGS Gluten-Free Certification Programme
TÜV UK LTD Certification: The benefit to you
TÜV UK LTD is recognised all over the world as a well-established and reliable partner for inspection and certification services. Our experts and auditors have in-depth knowledge and many years of experience in the food sector, and undertake annual training in order to remain ahead of the field. We can guarantee independence, neutrality and continuity in all our services to you, and the benefits are clear. Our experts support the development of your products and provide you with objective feedback.
As our auditors are qualified in several fields, we can also offer efficient and cost-effective combined audits (e.g. with other management systems / food safety systems).
We are looking forward to your enquiry
TÜV UK LTD, AMP House, Suites 27 - 29, Fifth Floor, Dingwall Road
Croydon, CR0 2LX
Tel.: +44 (0) 7715523056
food-uk@tuv-nord.com