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As global markets tighten their grip on food safety compliance, BRCGS (Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standard) has emerged as a non-negotiable requirement for food exporters—especially for those in Sri Lanka. With demand increasing from markets in Europe, the UK, and North America, BRCGS is not just a badge—it’s a business passport. 🚚 What is BRCGS and Why Does It Matter? Originally developed by UK retailers, BRCGS is a globally recognized food safety and quality management system. It ensures products meet strict safety, legality, and quality requirements. By 2025, buyers now insist on sourcing only from GFSI-benchmarked schemes—and BRCGS leads the pack. Key reasons it matters: Mandatory for exporting to UK and European retailers Demonstrates a robust food safety culture Reduces the risk of product recalls and rejections Builds buyer…

Food safety doesn’t stop at certification. While achieving a standard like ISO 22000 or BRCGS is commendable, it’s just the starting point. The real success lies in transforming compliance into a living, breathing food safety culture—one where every team member sees food safety not as a task, but as a core value. Let’s explore how your food business can move from certification to culture, and build a team that lives food safety every day. 1. Understand the Difference: Certification vs. Culture Certification is a structured process with defined requirements, documents, audits, and timelines. Culture, on the other hand, is about behavior, mindset, and consistency. ✅ Certification = Compliance✅ Culture = Commitment A food safety culture ensures that even when no one is watching, your employees do the right thing. That…

Food recalls are no longer rare events—they are becoming a regular part of the global food supply landscape. From undeclared allergens and contamination to mislabeling and foreign objects, recent food recall cases have made one thing very clear: robust food safety risk management is no longer optional—it's essential. In this post, we break down major global food recalls in 2024–2025 and highlight what food businesses can learn to proactively manage risks and avoid devastating consequences. 📉 The Impact of Food Recalls on Businesses Whether you’re a local food manufacturer or an international exporter, a food recall can: Damage your brand reputation Lead to regulatory fines Disrupt your supply chain Cause financial loss Result in consumer health risks For example, a major multinational chocolate company faced a global recall in early…

Food safety has always been a critical part of the global food industry, but in 2025, it’s undergoing a technological revolution. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are no longer buzzwords—they’re essential tools in building smarter, safer, and more responsive food safety systems. From real-time monitoring to predictive analytics, AI and IoT are transforming how food businesses operate, ensuring greater transparency, traceability, and compliance than ever before. 1. Real-Time Monitoring with Smart Sensors IoT-enabled devices such as temperature and humidity sensors, GPS trackers, and pH monitors are now widely used throughout the food supply chain. These sensors collect data continuously, allowing food manufacturers and transporters to: Monitor storage and transit conditions in real-time Prevent spoilage by receiving instant alerts on deviations Reduce human error with automated logging…

  Preparing for a food safety certification audit like ISO 22000 or HACCP can be a turning point for any food business. However, many organizations overlook key details that lead to non-conformities or even failure. Let’s explore the top 7 mistakes and how to avoid them. **Ignoring Internal Audits** Skipping internal audits or rushing through them is a major red flag. These audits are your last chance to catch issues before the certifying body does. **Incomplete Documentation** Missing, outdated, or inconsistent documents are one of the most cited non-conformities. Keep SOPs, policies, and records aligned with current practices. **Poor Staff Training** Employees should understand food safety basics, your company’s procedures, and how their roles impact compliance. Lack of awareness can result in critical findings. **Overlooking Prerequisite Programs (PRPs)** Sanitation, pest…

  In the world of Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS), two terms often cause confusion among food safety professionals: verification and validation. While they might sound similar, they serve distinct purposes in ensuring food safety and compliance with international standards like ISO 22000, HACCP, and BRCGS. Understanding the difference between verification and validation is critical for food manufacturers, exporters, quality managers, and food safety teams to effectively implement and maintain a robust FSMS. What is Validation in Food Safety? Validation is the process of proving that the control measures are capable of achieving the intended food safety outcomes. It is a pre-implementation activity and answers the question: “Will this control measure work effectively to control the identified hazard?” Example of Validation: If your HACCP plan identifies a thermal process (like…

In today’s competitive food industry, a single product recall can cost a company millions, destroy its reputation, and most importantly, put public health at risk. That’s why mock recall exercises are not just a regulatory requirement—they're a strategic necessity for any food business committed to safety, compliance, and consumer trust. In this blog post, we’ll explore what a mock recall is, why it's critical, and how it strengthens your Food Safety Management System (FSMS). Whether you're certified to ISO 22000, BRCGS, or FSSC 22000, this exercise can make the difference between damage control and disaster prevention. 🔍 What Is a Mock Recall? A mock recall is a simulated food recall performed to test the effectiveness of a company’s traceability, communication, and crisis management systems. It allows a food business to…

  Food safety goes far beyond hygiene and handling—it also includes intentional threats like food fraud and food defense. Although these terms are often misunderstood or used interchangeably, they address different types of risks. Understanding the distinction is vital for food manufacturers, exporters, and quality assurance teams to manage vulnerabilities and protect both consumers and brands. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between food fraud and food defense, provide real-world examples, and explain how a proactive risk management system can safeguard your operations. What is Food Fraud? Food fraud refers to the intentional deception for economic gain in the food supply chain. It typically involves substitution, adulteration, mislabeling, counterfeiting, or dilution of food products. Common Types of Food Fraud: Adulteration: Adding unauthorized substances to products (e.g., adding…

Many Sri Lankan food manufacturers aiming to export to the U.S. are unsure about FDA registration and FSMA compliance. This blog answers the 10 most common questions, helping you navigate the process smoothly and avoid costly mistakes. 1. What is FDA registration and who needs it in Sri Lanka? FDA registration is a mandatory process for all foreign food facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold food for consumption in the United States. Any Sri Lankan food processing facility exporting food, beverages, or dietary supplements to the U.S. must register with the FDA. 2. Is FDA registration the same as FDA approval? No. FDA registration is not the same as FDA approval. The FDA does not "approve" food products, except for specific items like food additives and colorants. Registering a…