BRCGS Plant-Based Certification System Requirements
Guidance Aligned with BRCGS Global Standard for Plant-Based Products
Published by Food Safety Systems | A Service by Consultare Inc. Group – A Compliance Company
The growing demand for plant-based foods requires robust systems to ensure product integrity, prevent cross-contamination, and meet consumer expectations. The BRCGS Plant-Based Certification provides a framework for manufacturers to validate claims and demonstrate compliance with global standards.
This guide offers a practical implementation checklist covering all critical aspects of plant-based production, from sourcing to labeling.
BRCGS Plant-Based Compliance Checklist
1. Leadership Commitment (Clause 1)
✓ Document a plant-based integrity policy signed by senior management
✓ Appoint a Plant-Based Product Team with defined responsibilities
✓ Conduct quarterly reviews of claim validation systems
2. Risk Assessment & Control (Clause 2)
✓ Conduct thorough cross-contamination risk analysis
✓ Identify critical control points for animal-derived material exclusion
✓ Validate cleaning procedures between product runs
3. Supplier Management (Clause 3)
✓ Implement plant-based approved supplier program
✓ Require ingredient declarations with vegan/plant-based status
✓ Conduct onsite audits for high-risk ingredients
4. Raw Material Specifications (Clause 4)
✓ Maintain certificates of analysis for all plant-based inputs
✓ Verify absence of animal-derived processing aids
✓ Document allergen status of all ingredients
5. Production & Process Controls (Clause 5)
✓ Implement dedicated production lines or validated changeovers
✓ Establish positive release system for plant-based products
✓ Control rework materials to prevent contamination
6. Equipment & Facility (Clause 6)
✓ Validate cleaning protocols between animal-containing products
✓ Use dedicated tools/utensils for plant-based production
✓ Implement physical segregation where shared facilities exist
7. Labeling & Claims (Clause 7)
✓ Comply with regional vegan/plant-based labeling regulations
✓ Implement pre-production label verification process
✓ Maintain claim justification documentation
8. Testing & Verification (Clause 8)
✓ Conduct periodic DNA/protein testing for animal material
✓ Maintain laboratory competency records
✓ Establish corrective actions for positive test results
9. Training (Clause 9)
✓ Train staff on plant-based requirements and cross-contamination risks
✓ Provide specialized training for quality control personnel
✓ Document training effectiveness assessments
10. Internal Audits (Clause 10)
✓ Audit plant-based systems biannually
✓ Verify implementation of all control measures
✓ Document corrective actions for non-conformities
Support for Plant-Based Certification
We provide complete solutions for BRCGS Plant-Based compliance:
Documentation Tools
• Plant-based policy templates
• Supplier approval questionnaires
• Risk assessment frameworks
Implementation Support
• Gap assessment services
• Process validation guidance
• Mock audit preparation
Testing Resources
• Approved lab partnerships
• Sampling protocols
• Test method validation
Ready for Plant-Based Certification?
Let us help you build a system that’s efficient, auditable, and globally aligned.
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Reference Note
This content aligns with BRCGS Global Standards requirements. For official certification, refer to www.brcgs.com.
Disclaimer
Food Safety Systems is an independent provider not affiliated with BRCGS. Plant-based claims require proper validation per regional regulations.