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Training content
Overview
The BRCGS Consumer Products Issue 5 – Guide to Key Changes Training aims to support understanding of the changes introduced by the new version of the BRCGS Consumer Products Standard and help organisations comply with the latest requirements.
The training covers the key differences between BRCGS Consumer Products Issue 4 and Issue 5, changes to the structure of the standard, product safety and quality culture, hazard analysis and risk assessment (HARA), site and production controls, personnel requirements, enhanced hygiene conditions, traded products and the updated audit protocol.
The programme uses theoretical instruction, comparative assessments and case studies to support understanding of the new standard requirements and preparation for the transition process.
Objectives and Outcomes
Training Objective
To inform participants about the key changes in the BRCGS Consumer Products Issue 5 standard, equip them with the skills to interpret new and updated requirements, and enable organisations to plan their transition to the new version effectively.
Learning Outcomes
Participants who complete the training are expected to acquire the following knowledge and skills:
- Understand the key changes in the BRCGS Consumer Products Issue 5 standard
- Evaluate the differences between Issue 4 and Issue 5
- Interpret the new standard structure and product categories
- Understand the updated HARA and product risk assessment requirements
- Evaluate product safety and quality culture requirements
- Interpret product defence and vulnerability assessment requirements
- Identify changes to site, production and personnel controls
- Evaluate enhanced hygiene conditions and traded product requirements
- Understand the updated audit protocol and certification processes
- Plan the preparations required for transition to the new version
Programme and Method
1. Introduction to the BRCGS Consumer Products Issue 5 Standard
- Purpose, scope and structure of the standard
- Key differences between Issue 4 and Issue 5
- Single standard and single certification level approach
- Updated product categories
- Strengthening of the risk-based approach
- Effective date of the new version and transition process
2. Changes to the Audit Protocol
- Updated audit duration requirements
- Announced audit programme
- Blended audit approach
- Voluntary unannounced audit programme
- Changes to audit planning and certification processes
3. Changes to Senior Management Commitment and Risk Management
- Senior management commitment and continual improvement
- Product safety and quality culture requirements
- Management review
- Organisational responsibilities and authorities
- Product design, development and risk assessment
- Updated HARA requirements
- Control measures, verification and validation processes
4. Changes to Product Safety and Quality Management
- Document and record management
- Internal audit requirements
- Supplier approval and performance assessment
- Management of outsourced processes and service providers
- Specifications and traceability
- Control of non-conforming products
- Corrective and preventive actions
- Incident management and product recall processes
5. Changes to Site Standards and Production Controls
- Site security and product defence (Product Defence)
- Site layout, product flow and segregation
- Cleaning, hygiene and pest management
- Equipment and maintenance requirements
- Prevention of product contamination
- Foreign-body and allergen controls
- Product vulnerability assessment (Product Vulnerability)
- Product inspection and laboratory testing
- Production process controls and product release
6. Personnel Requirements and New Sections
- Personnel training and competence
- Protective clothing and personal hygiene
- Personnel facilities and health checks
- Section 7: Enhanced Hygienic Conditions (Enhanced Hygienic Conditions)
- Section 8: Traded Products (Traded Products)
- Assessment of the applicability of the new sections
7. Transition to the New Version and Overall Assessment
- Comparison of Issue 4 and Issue 5 requirements
- Assessment of new and updated clauses
- Review of the existing management system
- Documentation and implementation requirements during the transition process
- Case study analyses
- Overall assessment and final examination
Training Method
The training is delivered through theoretical and practical activities.
- Presentation and theoretical instruction
- Review of changes to the standard
- Comparisons between Issue 4 and Issue 5
- Case study analyses
- Group activities and discussions
- Assessment of transition preparations
- Overall assessment and final examination
Attendance and Certificate
Certificate Policy
A certificate of attendance is issued to all participants whose attendance has been confirmed. To receive a certificate of achievement, participants must obtain a passing grade in the examination at the end of the course; participants who use all their examination attempts but do not pass will be issued a certificate of attendance.
FAQ and Resources
1. When will BRCGS Consumer Products Issue 5 take effect?
BRCGS Consumer Products Issue 5 will apply to audits conducted from 1 June 2027 onwards.
2. What are the most significant changes introduced by Issue 5?
The main changes include the single standard and single certification level approach, updated product categories, HARA requirements, product safety and quality culture, product defence, enhanced hygiene conditions, traded products and changes to audit options.
3. Has the minimum audit duration changed under Issue 5?
Yes. The minimum on-site audit duration has been increased from 1 day to 1.5 days (12 hours).
4. Will blended audits be permitted under Issue 5?
Yes. Under suitable conditions, there is a blended audit option combining remote document and record review with an on-site audit.
5. Are enhanced hygiene conditions mandatory for all organisations?
No. The applicability of this section is determined according to product characteristics, relevant hygiene legislation and microbiological risk assessment.
6. What is the difference between the Guide to Key Changes Training and the Standard Requirements Training?
While the Guide to Key Changes Training focuses on the significant changes between Issue 4 and Issue 5 and preparations for the transition, the Standard Requirements Training covers all the main sections of the Issue 5 standard and its implementation expectations.
7. Can the training be delivered online or face-to-face?
Yes. The training can be arranged online or face-to-face according to the requests of the organisation and participants.
8. Is there an examination and certificate at the end of the training?
Yes. A final examination or assessment may be administered at the end of the training. The relevant AGFO-approved training certificate is issued according to participation and successful completion.
Resources
- BRCGS Consumer Products Issue 5 – Guide to Key Changes (2026)
- BRCGS Consumer Products – Issue 5 (October 2026)
- BRCGS Consumer Products – Issue 4 (Previous version)
- BRCGS Consumer Products Issue 5 – Interpretation Guideline