Photo courtesy of Firebird Artisan Mills.
Many U.S. retailers require BRC certifications for products sold in their stores.
“The BRC is a rigorous audit, but it allows us to do what we do best: operate by using the highest standards in processes and practices,” said Mike Hallman, vice-president of sales. “Our customers should expect and deserve nothing less.”
The BRC audit is a thorough examination of a company’s processes, practices and documentation regarding number of key elements:
- Quality management
- Process control
- Site standards
- Continual improvement
- Personnel
- Food fraud
- Allergens
The process includes an evaluation of how well employees perform their duties around each element as well as their knowledge regarding safe practices. Employees across the plant were evaluated and interviewed as part of the audit, which takes place annually over a number of days.
The BRC audit was performed by an independent certification provider and was hosted by Firebird Artisan Mills personnel, including Brady Eckart, operations director, and Cindy Keller, QA manager.
“Achieving an AA rating requires ongoing commitment from everyone on the site,” Eckart said. “This means that every person in the plant is responsible for our success. BRC certification delivers confidence for customers seeking the very best in safety, quality and supply chain management. The AA rating places Firebird alongside global leaders in safety, for the fourth year running, and we couldn’t be prouder.”
Firebird Artisan Mills is a full-service gluten-free ingredient supplier to the food industry. Firebird Artisan Mills operates a dedicated gluten-free facility in Harvey, North Dakota, U.S., and holds a number of certifications including International Certification Services Gluten-Free and USDA National Organic Program, US-Canada Organic compliant, British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Blue Ribbon Kosher.
