The standard has been adopted by food manufacturers throughout the world, especially by organisations supplying British retailers. Third-party certification to the standard helps manufacturers, brand owners and retailers fulfil their legal obligations and safeguard consumers. The standard covers a comprehensive scope of product safety areas, as well as the legal and due diligence responsibilities of both the supplier and the retailer.
It is particularly suitable for companies supplying food products to UK retailers, regardless of the product or country of origin. In most cases, certification to this standard is a pre-condition for supplying to UK retailers. It has been adopted by organisations throughout the world.
The principal requirements of the standard are the adoption and implementation of a HACCP system, a documented and effective quality management system, and a control of factory environmental standards, products, processes and personnel.