BRCGS Plant-Based Certification
The BRCGS Plant-Based Standard is an internationally recognized certification program that certifies the existence and safety of a system completely free of animal ingredients in the production of plant-based (vegan) products.
What is BRCGS Plant-Based?
BRCGS Plant-Based is a certification program that enables plant-based food producers to minimize animal-derived risks through a plant-based, comprehensive management system. The aim is to prove that products do not contain any animal ingredients and that cross-contamination risks are effectively managed.
So, what does this system bring you operationally?
More than just marketing certified plant-based products: Consumers expect zero tolerance for vegan and vegetarian products, and an audited process directly contributes to the credibility of your brand. Especially global chains and international markets often require such a certificate as a condition for product acceptance.
BRCGS Plant-Based
Standard Structure and Critical Criteria
Plant-based certification essentially eliminates the risk of animal additives across the enterprise and documents this in a systematic way.
Management System
The general framework of the BRCGS Plant-Based Standard covers procedures such as quality management, traceability, product integrity and recalls.
Operational Controls
It is essential to control the risk of residues of animal origin and cross-contamination in all production areas within the facility. Cleaning, production segregation, equipment transition and raw material acceptance procedures must be documented separately.
Personnel Awareness and Training
All employees must adapt the requirements of plant-based product management to their operations and focus on product integrity.
Labeling
No statement that misleads or misleads the consumer may be used on the label. The standard requires clear and transparent declaration.
Integration into BRCGS Audit
Plant-Based audits can be integrated with existing BRCGS Food certification. So, instead of a separate certification, it is integrated into your existing management system.
Certification Process
1
Application and Proposal
The scope and duration of the audit is determined according to the size of the company, the number of employees and the number of processes. Enterprises of all sizes engaged in plant-based production can apply.
2
Signing the Contract
The obligations of the parties, scope, audit date and fees are clarified.
3
Audit Planning
The experts who will conduct the audit and the visit schedule are determined. Your existing certification system is analyzed; if necessary, possible deficiencies are identified by pre-audit.
4
On-site Audit
With the site visit; the entire chain is monitored from raw material entry to shipment, from personnel hygiene to equipment validation. Completeness of records and adequacy of implementation are checked at this stage.
5
Audit Report and Notification
After the audit is completed, nonconformities are reported. After the nonconformities are closed, the final report is prepared and uploaded to the BRCGS Database. In case of compliance, it is approved and the certificate is issued.
Start your BRCGS Plant-Based Journey with USB Certification
Reach directly to the conscious consumer looking for trust in the market.
Discuss with us our proposal to save time and costs with an integrated BRCGS Food & Plant-Based audit.
Get in touch now for plant-based product development, label verification and field application training and let’s optimize processes together.
For whom is it necessary/advantageous?
- Producers of plant-based end products (food, beverages, prepared food…),
- Manufacturers of frozen, processed, packaged plant-based products,
- Contract manufacturers and private label manufacturers of plant-based products,
- Companies working with market/store chains or targeting exports.
Common Errors and Prevention Methods
Inadequate Management of Cross-Contamination Risk
Failure Lack of access control and cleaning validation when producing on the same line with animal products.
Action: Create a line separation or production scheduling plan. Verify cleaning procedures with validation tests (protein, DNA tests). Document risk analysis and test transition scenarios.
Raw Material and Supplier Control Deficiencies
Failure Failure to verify supplier declarations, lack of animal trace analysis.
Measure: Require certificates and analysis reports for all suppliers. Conduct regular laboratory tests on high-risk raw materials. Put the supplier approval procedure in writing and conduct risk-based audits.
Documentation and Traceability Deficiencies
Error: Cleaning records, access control reports or traceability tests are missing.
Action: Establish a document control system (revision tracking, signature, date). Conduct regular mock recalls. Test the traceability chain from raw material → production → shipment.
Staff Training and Lack of Awareness
Error: Workers do not have sufficient knowledge about cross-contamination risks or cleaning procedures.
Measure: Prepare training program specific to Plant-Based standard. Conduct post-training knowledge tests. Use visual reminders (posters, color codes) in production areas.
