Certification
BRCGS AA*: the grade ladder explained
BRCGS grades run from Uncertified through C, B, A, AA, to AA*. Most UK supplement manufacturers don't publish their grade. We hold AA*. Here's why it matters.
What is BRCGS?
The BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety is the benchmark audited food-grade manufacturing standard in the UK and EU. Originally developed by the British Retail Consortium, it's now run by BRCGS and used globally.
Every major UK grocery retailer, pharmacy chain, and private-label supplement buyer expects their manufacturing suppliers to hold BRCGS certification as a minimum. It's table stakes for retail.
The BRCGS grade ladder
BRCGS audits are graded. The ladder runs, from lowest to highest:
- Uncertified: failed the audit or never attempted
- C: most minor issues
- B: some minor non-conformities
- A: fewer non-conformities, generally acceptable
- AA: very few non-conformities
- AA*: zero non-conformities on an unannounced audit
AA* is the top available grade. It's awarded when an unannounced audit finds zero non-conformities across the full QMS scope: ingredient approval, process control, QC, documentation, complaint handling, traceability, training, everything.
Why unannounced matters
Most BRCGS audits are scheduled, the manufacturer knows the auditor is coming and has weeks to tidy up. Unannounced audits don't give advance notice. The auditor turns up on a normal working day and assesses operations as they actually run. AA* can only be awarded on an unannounced audit.
What this means for a retail buyer
Most UK supplement manufacturers hold BRCGS certification but don't publish their grade. Asking 'what grade?' is a useful due-diligence question for any buyer. A is adequate; AA is very good; AA* is the top possible.
We're AA*. That's why we put it on every page.
In scope
Everything that touches a batch
A BRCGS AA* audit isn't just 'is the factory clean?'. It's a full QMS assessment. The scope includes:
- Senior management commitment: documented policies, regular management reviews, continuous improvement records
- Food safety plan (HACCP): hazard analysis, critical control points, validated monitoring
- Site standards: construction, maintenance, housekeeping, waste management
- Product control: formulation, ingredient approval, allergen management, labelling accuracy
- Process control: in-process checks, equipment calibration, batch records
- Personnel: training, hygiene, competency records
- Traceability: end-to-end from ingredient lot to finished pallet
- Complaint handling: root cause analysis, preventive action, documented closure
Want the audit certificate?
Bring us a real enquiry and we'll send the BRCGS AA* audit certificate, QMS summary, and sample COAs with the first-call documentation pack.
Related
Related reading: our full list of quality and accreditations, our Informed Sport capability, and the UK buyer's guide for choosing a contract manufacturer.