BRC Global Standard: Allergen Management Audit Checklist

A comprehensive audit checklist focusing on allergen management practices within the framework of the BRC Global Standard for Food Safety, ensuring effective control of allergen risks and accurate consumer communication.

Get Template

About This Checklist

The BRC Global Standard: Allergen Management Audit Checklist is a crucial tool for food and beverage manufacturers committed to effective allergen control and consumer safety. This specialized checklist aligns with the allergen management requirements of the BRC Global Standard for Food Safety, focusing on the identification, control, and communication of allergen risks throughout the production process. By systematically evaluating allergen management practices, from raw material handling to finished product labeling, this checklist helps organizations minimize the risk of allergen cross-contamination and ensure accurate allergen information for consumers. Regular use of this checklist not only supports compliance with BRC requirements but also enhances an organization's ability to protect allergic consumers, reduce the risk of product recalls, and maintain brand integrity in an increasingly allergen-aware market.

Learn more

Industry

Food and Beverage

Standard

BRC Food Safety Standard

Workspaces

Food Manufacturing Facility

Occupations

Food Safety Manager
Quality Assurance Specialist
Allergen Coordinator
Production Manager
Regulatory Compliance Officer
1
Is there documented evidence that staff have received allergen training?

Select the compliance status.

To ensure that employees are adequately trained to manage allergens.
2
Are effective cross-contamination control measures in place?

Indicate if measures are in place.

To reduce the risk of allergen exposure to consumers.
3
What is the process for reviewing allergen labels?

Describe the allergen labeling review process.

To ensure that allergen labeling meets regulatory requirements.
4
How often are allergen risk assessments conducted?

Specify the frequency in months.

To maintain a proactive approach to allergen management.
Min1
TargetAnnually
Max12
5
What procedures are in place for reporting allergen incidents?

Provide details on incident reporting procedures.

To ensure prompt actions are taken to protect consumers.
6
Has the allergen control plan been reviewed in the last year?

Select the review status.

To ensure that the allergen control plan is up-to-date and effective.
7
On a scale of 1-5, how effective is the allergen training provided to staff?

Rate the training effectiveness.

To assess the quality of training and identify areas for improvement.
Min1
Target4
Max5
8
What were the most recent allergen incidents reported?

Detail the most recent allergen incidents.

To analyze past incidents and improve allergen management practices.
9
Do suppliers provide complete allergen information for all ingredients?

Indicate if supplier information is complete.

To ensure that all allergens are accounted for in the products.
10
What were the outcomes of the last management review regarding allergen management?

Provide details on the management review outcomes.

To track the effectiveness of management oversight and actions taken.
11
Are all product labels compliant with allergen labeling regulations?

Select the compliance status of product labels.

To verify that all products meet legal labeling requirements for allergens.
12
How often are allergen-specific cleaning procedures performed?

Specify the cleaning frequency in days.

To ensure that cleaning protocols are followed to prevent cross-contamination.
Min1
TargetDaily
Max7
13
Is there a documented process for recording allergen-related incidents?

Indicate if there is a documentation process in place.

To ensure that all allergen incidents are documented for future reference.
14
How are allergen risks communicated to staff and consumers?

Describe the communication methods used for allergen risks.

To ensure that all stakeholders are aware of allergen risks and management strategies.
15
When was the last allergen management audit conducted?

Enter the date of the last audit.

To track the frequency of audits and ensure regular assessments are performed.
16
Is there a current allergen risk assessment in place?

Select the status of the allergen risk assessment.

To ensure that potential allergen risks are regularly evaluated.
17
How many hours of allergen control training are provided annually?

Specify the number of training hours.

To assess the commitment to staff training on allergen management.
Min1
Target10
Max100
18
What measures are taken to ensure supplier compliance with allergen management?

Describe the measures taken for supplier compliance.

To verify that suppliers adhere to allergen management standards.
19
Is there an emergency response plan in place for allergen-related incidents?

Indicate if an emergency response plan exists.

To ensure readiness in case of allergen emergencies.
20
What initiatives are in place for continuous improvement in allergen management?

Provide details on continuous improvement initiatives.

To promote ongoing enhancement of allergen management practices.

FAQs

The checklist covers allergen risk assessment, supplier management, raw material handling, production scheduling, cleaning and sanitation, equipment design, staff training, product development, labeling, and allergen verification testing.

It assesses the effectiveness of segregation practices, cleaning procedures, production scheduling, and equipment design to minimize the risk of allergen cross-contact throughout the manufacturing process.

The audit should involve the allergen management team, including the food safety manager, production managers, quality assurance personnel, and representatives from procurement, product development, and packaging departments.

It includes checks on the accuracy of allergen information on product labels, the effectiveness of label verification processes, and the management of allergen precautionary statements in line with risk assessments and legal requirements.

Yes, the Allergen Management Audit Checklist is adaptable to various food manufacturing operations. However, it should be tailored to reflect the specific allergens handled, production processes, and risk levels associated with each operation.

Benefits of BRC Global Standard: Allergen Management Audit Checklist

Ensures comprehensive allergen control measures in line with BRC Global Standard

Reduces the risk of allergen cross-contamination and associated product recalls

Enhances consumer trust through accurate allergen labeling and communication

Improves staff awareness and competency in allergen management

Facilitates compliance with allergen-related regulatory requirements