Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Melissa Lazaro

Why a Plain-English Glossary Matters

Whenever I train teams on BRC V9, I notice something interesting: the confusion usually isn’t about the requirements themselves—it’s the language. Many terms sound technical, formal, or vague, and that can make the standard feel more complicated than it really is.

Once teams understand the vocabulary, everything becomes easier—internal audits, training, document writing, and even conversations with auditors.

So this glossary isn’t just a list of definitions. It’s a practical guide to help your team understand what these terms mean in real-world operations, not just in a standard or manual.

Core Terms in BRC V9 — The Words Everyone Needs to Understand

These are the foundational terms you’ll see throughout the standard. When everyone uses the same vocabulary, implementation becomes much smoother.

Term	Plain-English Meaning	Quick Example
Requirement	Something the standard says you must do.	“We must have allergen controls.”
Clause	The numbered section where the requirement is found.	Clause 5.3 = allergen management.
Scope	What parts of your business or products the certification covers.	“Ready-made salads only, not sauces.”
Risk-Based Approach	Making decisions based on risk—not habits or assumptions.	Testing high-risk materials more often than low-risk ones.

Pro Tip:
Print key terms and display them in training spaces. The more familiar the language becomes, the easier compliance gets.

Common mistake:
Assuming operators don’t need to understand terminology. They do—just explained simply.

Food Safety System & Process Control Terms — What They Mean in Practice

This is where teams often get stuck—especially with words that sound similar.

Term	What It Really Means
Prerequisite Program (PRP)	Basic hygiene and facility conditions needed before food safety controls even start (cleaning, pest control, PPE, zoning).
CCP (Critical Control Point)	A point in the process where control is essential to prevent a serious food safety risk (like cooking temperature).
Monitoring	Checking something regularly to confirm it meets requirements.
Validation	Making sure a control works before using it.
Verification	Confirming over time that the control continues working.

Quick example:

• Validation = proving the oven temperature kills pathogens
• Monitoring = recording the temperature during each run
• Verification = reviewing records to confirm the process remained in control

Audit & Certification Terms — What Auditors Expect You to Know

BRC audits come with their own vocabulary. Understanding these terms makes discussions with auditors smoother and reduces stress.

Term	Plain-English Definition
Objective Evidence	Proof—not opinions—showing a requirement is met (records, photos, logs, etc.).
Nonconformity	A gap between what’s required and what’s actually happening.
Minor	A small issue that doesn’t threaten safety but still needs correction.
Major	A significant gap that could affect legality or safety.
Critical	A serious failure putting safety or legality at immediate risk.

Pro Tip:
Train employees to answer using facts—not guesses. If they don’t know, “Let me check the procedure” is the right response.

Documentation & Recordkeeping Terms — What Counts as Proof

BRC requires a structured document system. These terms help you understand what belongs where.

Term	Meaning in Plain Language
Policy	The company’s official position or promise (e.g., food safety policy).
Procedure	Explains how a process must be done.
Work Instruction	Step-by-step guidance for tasks (usually for operators).
Record	Evidence that something was done (logs, forms, test results).
Document Control	The system for keeping documents accurate and up to date.

A good way to remember:

Documents tell you what should happen. Records prove it happened.

Supplier, Raw Material & Risk Management Terms — The Supply Chain Language BRC Uses

These terms support purchasing, sourcing, and raw material validation.

Term	Meaning
Approved Supplier	A supplier evaluated and approved using documented criteria—not just trust.
Vulnerability Assessment (VACCP)	Assessing fraud or substitution risks in ingredients.
TACCP (Threat Assessment)	Assessing intentional harm risks like sabotage or food defense.
Risk Matrix	A tool to decide risk level based on likelihood and severity.

One client once said:

“VACCP protects us from fraud. TACCP protects us from intentional harm.”
And that’s a simple way to remember it.

Employee Culture, Competency & Training Terms — The Human Side of Compliance

BRC puts a strong focus on food safety culture and capability—not just documentation.

Term	Plain-English Meaning
Competence	An employee can perform their role correctly—not just trained, but capable.
Awareness	Employees understand why food safety matters, not just what to do.
Food Safety Culture	The values, mindset, and behaviors that guide daily decision-making.

Pro Tip:
Short micro-training sessions build stronger competency than one long annual session.

Product, Packaging & Labeling Terms — Used in QA and Production

These terms appear in traceability, packaging, and product evaluation requirements.

Term	Meaning
Specification	Detailed expectations for a product, packaging, or ingredient.
Product Release	Approval to ship product once checks are complete.
Hold	A temporary stop because something needs review or investigation.
Recall	Removing product already sold or in the market.
Withdrawal	Removing product that hasn’t left the warehouse.

FAQs — Glossary & Understanding BRC Language

Do operators need to memorize these terms?
No—but they should understand the meanings relevant to their role.

Which terms matter most during audits?
Anything related to risks, controls, evidence, and compliance should be understood confidently.

Can we simplify BRC wording for training?
Yes—and you should. Clear language leads to better compliance.

Conclusion — Make the Language Work for Your Team

Once your team understands the terminology, BRC stops feeling like a technical document and becomes a practical framework. Clear language creates confidence, improves training outcomes, and helps everyone—from operators to leadership—speak the same operational language.