Kenya’s food and beverage sector is at a crossroads. Local outbreaks, stricter government oversight, and rising buyer demands are rewriting the rules for doing business. Whether you’re in processing, packaging, or export, global standards like BRCGS and FSSC 22000 are becoming the new baseline and both are built on the solid foundation of HACCP. Miss this shift, and you risk losing market access. Embrace it, and you open doors to bigger, more secure opportunities.
BRCGS (Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standards)
A set of internationally recognized product-safety and quality standards. BRCGS Food Safety (Issue 9) is widely accepted by retailers and brand owners globally and is GFSI-recognized meaning it meets the Global Food Safety Initiative benchmark for internationally trusted certification. This makes it particularly valuable for Kenyan manufacturers aiming to supply major supermarkets and brands.
FSSC 22000
A food safety certification scheme built on ISO 22000 + industry Prerequisite Programs (PRPs) + additional FSSC requirements (e.g., food fraud, food defense). It is GFSI-recognized and is offered locally by KEBS (Kenya Bureau of Standards) as a licensed certification body.
HACCP
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) is a systematic, preventive approach to identifying, evaluating, and controlling hazards that could compromise food safety. It is the backbone of both BRCGS and FSSC 22000, and compliance with these schemes requires a robust HACCP-based risk assessment and control plan.
How BRCGS and FSSC 22000 Connect to HACCP
Think of HACCP as the engine that drives the fundamental risk control processes. BRCGS and FSSC 22000 are the vehicles that package, formalize, and take that engine to market, each with its own set of detailed requirements and global recognition.
| What it Adds | Requirements | |
| HACCP | Hazard analysis, CCPs, critical limits, monitoring, corrective action, verification, records | Cooking/cooling CCPs, allergen controls, sanitation monitoring |
| FSSC 22000 | ISO 22000 management system + PRPs + FSSC extras | Context of the organization, leadership, competence, validation/verification, food defense/fraud, PRPs by sector (e.g., ISO/TS 22002-x) |
| BRCGS Food Safety | Detailed, clause-based standard with strong site requirements, supplier approval, authenticity, culture & audit discipline | Food safety culture, vulnerability assessments, traceability tests and environmental monitoring. |
Applicability Across Kenya’s Value Chains
Manufacturing & processing (FMCG, dairy, beverages, milling, meat, horticulture): Both standards are suitable; pick based on customer demand and integration needs.
Packaging manufacturers: Both have packaging scopes important for traceability and GMP in local packaging firms.
Storage & distribution / third-party logistics: BRCGS has a dedicated standard; FSSC covers logistics via PRPs relevant to Nairobi/Mombasa trade corridors.
Exporters to EU/UK/Middle East: GFSI certification is often a prerequisite especially in horticulture, meat, and processed foods.
Implementation Roadmap
Achieving certification isn’t about passing a one-off audit; it’s about embedding a culture of food safety and operational excellence. Below is a step-by-step roadmap:
- Gap Assessment – Compare your current systems against the requirements of BRCGS or FSSC 22000.
- Strengthen HACCP Plan – Conduct a thorough hazard study, validate your CCPs, and ensure monitoring, corrective actions, and verification processes are robust.
- Upgrade PRPs – Reinforce GMPs, sanitation, pest control, allergen management, maintenance, utilities management, and personnel hygiene.
- Build or Refine the Management System – Establish clear policies, objectives, competence frameworks, document control, internal audit, and management review processes.
- Conduct Food Fraud & Defense Risk Assessments – Implement controls to prevent adulteration, counterfeiting, and intentional contamination.
- Improve Supplier Approval & Incoming Material Checks – Build a strong supplier assurance program.
- Test Your Traceability & Recall Systems – Run mock recalls and verify traceability end-to-end; implement environmental monitoring where applicable.
- Train and Embed a Food Safety Culture – Go beyond compliance—ensure every employee understands and practices food safety principles.
- Internal Audit & Certification Audit – Address all nonconformities before inviting an accredited certification body. For FSSC 22000, KEBS offers local auditing services.
By strengthening HACCP and building on it through either BRCGS or FSSC 22000, Kenyan food businesses can position themselves for safer operations, higher market credibility, and expanded trade opportunities.