Archives: Safety
What is BRC?
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) – generally regarded as the ‘Gold Standard’ for Food Safety & Defense – first published its Global Standard for Food Safety in 1998. This process certificate is developed using BRCGS Standard and HACCP Plan based on physical, chemical, biological vulnerability & radiologic hazards to prevent and protect the authenticity of the product by implementing Process Flow, Standard Operating Procedures, and checkpoints in place.
Developed to help the food industry comply with the stringent UK and EU food safety laws, this certification today has become an internationally-recognised benchmark for best practices in food safety, quality, and responsibility. Our A-Grade certification against BRCGS Issue 9 is a testament to our unwavering adherence to the standards and parameters established by the BRC.
Developed to help the food industry comply with the stringent UK and EU food safety laws, this certification today has become an internationally-recognised benchmark for best practices in food safety, quality, and responsibility. Our A-Grade certification against BRCGS Issue 9 is a testament to our unwavering adherence to the standards and parameters established by the BRC.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) – generally regarded as the ‘Gold Standard’ for Food Safety & Defense – first published its Global Standard for Food Safety in 1998. This process certificate is developed using BRCGS Standard and HACCP Plan based on physical, chemical, biological, vulnerability, & radiology hazards to prevent and protect the authenticity of the product by implementing Process Flow, Standard Operating Procedure, and checkpoints in place.
Developed to help the food industry comply with the stringent UK and EU food safety laws, this certification today has become an internationally recognised benchmark for best practice in food safety, quality, and responsibility. Adhering to all BRCGS standards and parameters, both A.Tosh & Sons and ATIB are A-Grade certified.
What does the BRC standard cover?
BRC standard aids retailers, manufacturers, importers, caterers, ingredient suppliers with a framework for managing the safety, integrity and quality of their products and services. The standard focuses on nine fundamentals.
BRC standard aids retailers, manufacturers, importers, caterers, ingredient suppliers with a framework for managing the safety, integrity and quality of their products and services. The standard focuses on nine fundamentals.
Senior Management Commitment
Necessary for the food safety system to be effective and to ensure the full application and continual development of these systems.
The Food Safety Plan
HACCP - Development of an effective hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) program to identify and manage potential hazards.
Internal Audit
To verify that the foods safety and quality management system and the relevant procedures comply with the standard requirements.
Facility Standard and Layout
Well-planned and maintained facility, equipment and amenities, both from the functional as well as hygiene standpoints, in compliance with the relevant standards that prevent product contamination.
Product Control
Effective procedures to control specific materials like allergens as well as demonstration of proper handling and managing of product standards and testing.
Control of Operations
Procedures to verify that the processes comply with HACCP plan day-to-day, to provide assurance of product quality, safety and legality.
Training of personnel
A system to demonstrate the competence of staff based on their qualification, training on aspects like hygiene, protective covering, etc., and their work experience.BRC Issue 8, A-Grade Certified Factory
We have always upheld the trust of our customers with uncompromised quality assurance. Our certifications are testaments to our commitment and our passionate efforts.
Conforming to all requirements and standards, we upgraded from ISO 22000:2005 to BRC Issue 7 in 2019, followed by consistent A-Grade certifications in subsequent years, with the most recent one in 2025.
We have always upheld the trust of our customers with uncompromised quality assurance. Our certifications are testaments to our commitment and our passionate efforts.
Conforming to all requirements and standards, we upgraded from ISO 22000:2005 to BRC Issue 7 in 2019, followed by yet another A-Grade certification for BRC Issue 8 in 2020.
Food Safety Management System
We follow a streamlined production control process for managing food safety to ensure that all our products meet quality standards and are safe for consumers.
We follow a streamlined production controlled process for managing food safety to ensure that all our products meet quality standards and are safe for consumers.
HACCP
(Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)
Systematic approach to food safety from biological, chemical, and physical hazards in production processes so that risks associated with the finished products are reduced. 
GMP
(Good Manufacturing Practices)
Production processes that establish the operational conditions as well as ensure hygiene throughout the food chain and for the production thereof. 
GHP
(Good Hygiene Practices)
Production process related sanitary and hygiene practices maintained to prevent food contamination. A Guarantee of the Highest Hygiene Standards
Although the unfortunate and unwelcome outbreak of Covid-19 heightened the importance of hygiene practices like never before, being a food handling and processing company, our emphasis on hygiene maintenance has always been an unwavering priority.
With adherence to the highest standards of hygiene practices that have proven to be instrumental in establishing an all-inclusive Food Safety Management System (FSMS), we are one of the rare companies that have maintained consistently high customer retention rates.
Although the recent unfortunate and unwelcome outbreak of Covid-19 has heightened the importance of hygiene practices like never before, being a food handling and processing company, our emphasis on hygiene maintenance has always been an unwavering priority.
With adherence to the highest standards of hygiene practices that have proven to be instrumental in establishing an all inclusive Food Safety Management System (FSMS), we are one of the rare companies that have maintained consistently high customer retention rates.
The Three-Fold Parameters We Follow To Maintain Hygiene
Hygiene Stations
Each entrance at our facility has an attached hygiene station which cannot be bypassed. By design, therefore, everyone entering the facility must go through this area to gain access.
The entrance to the Tea Bag Plant has been thoughtfully designed, aligned to the most stringent Japanese and global food safety as well as personal hygiene standards.
Orientation & Training
It is imperative that the food handlers are sensitised in the importance of hygiene practices for ensuring food safety, so that they follow all guidelines in totality. Every worker is taken through the orientation program on their first day to sensitise them towards Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), food safety, food defense, personal hygiene, adherence to procedures, and proper use of facilities. Also, training programs on hygiene are conducted every week.
Orientation & Training
It is imperative that the food handlers are sensitised in the importance of hygiene practices for ensuring food safety, so that they follow all guidelines in totality. Every worker is taken through the orientation program on their first day to sensitise them towards Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), food safety, food defense, personal hygiene, adherence to procedures, and proper use of facilities. Also, training programs on hygiene are conducted every week.
24X7 Surveillance
CCTV cameras and 360-degree view cameras are installed at strategic points throughout the premises, ensuring 24×7 monitoring and review. Designated staff have access to live monitoring of the CCTV system, who are also trained to detect out-of-norms activity.
24X7 Surveillance
CCTV cameras and 360-degree view cameras are installed at strategic points throughout the premises, ensuring 24×7 monitoring and review. Designated staff have access to live monitoring of the CCTV system who are trained to detect out-of-norms activity.
What matters the most
Workplace safety is amongst our top priorities. Our employees are our real assets, without whom we cease to exist. We believe, therefore, it is our responsibility to take care that they leave from work as safely as they have arrived.
Further, we believe that we are not only responsible for our employees’ and workers’ safety but also other visitors. We continuously work in many ways to implement processes, procedures and infrastructure to ensure safety effectiveness at our facility.
The purpose of ensuring ‘workplace safety’ is one of our top priorities. Our employees are our real assets, without whom we cease to exist. It is our responsibility to take care that they leave from work as safely as they have arrived.
We believe it’s not just our employees and staff but also the visitors’ safety that we are responsible for. We continuously work in many ways and implement processes, procedures and infrastructure to ensure safety effectiveness at our facility.
Safety from Physical Hazards
- Unidirectional flow throughout production facility
- Demarcated areas for storage, packing and processing
- Separate isles for machine and people movement
- Protective casing and barricading of machinery
- Safety labels around conveyors
- Wheel stoppers to restrict movement of vehicles
Safety from Physical Hazards
- Unidirectional flow throughout production facility
- Demarcated areas for storage, packing and processing
- Separate isles for machine and people movement
- Protective casing and barricading of machinery
- Safety labels around conveyors
- Wheel stoppers to restrict movement of vehicles
Safety from Electrical & Fire Hazards
- Regular inspection of wiring of equipment
- Circuit breakers for electric-shock proofing
- Safety gloves and helmets
- Usage of safety mats
- Insulated shoes for people working in and around electrical zones
- Assessment of electrical installation for compliance with OSHA regulations
- Fire protection and fighting equipment
Safety from Electrical & Fire Hazards
- Regular inspection of wiring of equipment
- Circuit breakers for electric-shock proofing
- Safety gloves and helmets
- Usage of safety mats
- Insulated shoes for people working in and around electrical zones
- Assessment of electrical installation for compliance with OSHA regulations
- Fire protection and fighting equipment
Safety from Health Hazards
- Entrance through hygiene stations to remove contaminants
- Regular health check-ups
- Annual medical camps
- Accident reporting system
- Emergency alert system and more
Safety from Health Hazards
- Entrance through hygiene stations to remove contaminants
- Regular health check-ups
- Annual medical camps
- Accident reporting system
- Emergency alert system and more
A salient prerequisite to ensuring food safety
Pests – carriers of a wide variety of disease-causing viruses – are a real threat to food products as well as food handlers. Contamination in the food items can have a cascading effect, resulting in food poisoning and other food-borne illnesses which may in turn cause irreparable damage to the business, hampering its goodwill. On the contrary, hygienic production increases customer satisfaction, builds trust and raises the reputation of the business.
Pests – the carriers of a wide variety of disease causing viruses are a real threat to food handlers. Contamination in the food items can have a cascading effect, resulting in food poisoning and other food-borne illnesses which may in turn cause irreparable damage to the business, hampering its goodwill. On the contrary, hygienic production increases customer satisfaction, builds trust and raises the reputation of the business.
Taking care of customer well-being
Having been a part of the food industry for over a century, we are a value-driven tea company, attaching great importance to food safety and food hygiene. Providing a safe environment for processing and packaging is not only essential but critical to ensuring hygienic production. The quality control measures at our campus include an integrated plan to keep the environment safe from pests that, if left unchecked, can result in damages and setbacks.
Having been a part of the food industry since the last 230 years, we are a value-driven tea company attaching great importance to food safety and food hygiene. Providing a safe environment for processing and packaging is paramount to ensuring hygienic production. The quality control measures at our campus include an integrated plan to keep the environment safe from pests that can result in damages and setbacks.
Integrated pest management system
In order to keep our facility pest-free, we have engaged a leading pest control partner to carry out regular audits and pest management initiatives. The result is pest control measures that are at par with global standards. We have introduced an Integrated Pest Management program that focuses on eliminating possibilities of entrance of the pests. The execution of the program is an ongoing process involving several steps.
In order to keep our facility pest-free, we have engaged a leading pest control partner to carry out regular audits and pest management initiatives. The result is pest control measures that are at par with the global standards. We have introduced an Integrated Pest Management program that focuses on eliminating possibilities of entrance of the pests. The execution of the program is an ongoing process involving several steps.
Inspection
The foundation of effective pest control is a schedule of regular inspections conducted to verify the effectiveness of the program. Routine inspections are carried out to focus on areas where pests are likely to invade as well as identify any potential entry points, food and/or water sources, or zones that could possibly encourage pest infiltration.
Prevention
Structural maintenance is performed to close potential entry points identified during routine inspections. We have installed double-door entrances at all access points to the facility (generally an ‘L’-shaped structured. Also, packing materials, raw materials and even all the personnel pass through an air shower to ensure a pest- and dust-free environment.In addition to this, glue-based fly-catchers (non-electrocution type), rodent boxes, bird deterrents, etc., are installed at strategic points to contain pests before they gain access to the facility.
Identification
Our Pest Control Service Provider’s well-trained staff visit our facility to inspect and audit the effectiveness of the pest control program in place. They carry out the necessary changes, evaluate the measures and identify potential pests, and monitor pest activity, if any.
Analysis
As pests proliferate in conducive conditions, regular analysis is done to identify the pests as well as develop the appropriate countermeasures.
Treatment
Rodent baits and fly-catchers (glue-based) are installed at strategic locations. Being a food processing facility, this chemical-free options and non-hazardous equipment help negate the risk of cross-contamination in the case of chemical substances and threats of burning hazards and/or other accidents from the electrocution-type fly-catchers.
Monitoring
Constant monitoring at the facility and staff awareness programs are routinely conducted. In addition, trend analyses are carried out at regular intervals to check the effectiveness of the pest management services as well as to identify any problems/gaps.
Documentation
Pest control documentation is maintained to validate and verify the actual initiatives undertaken. Some of the important documents thus maintained include pest activity reports, service reports, corrective action reports, and trap installation maps.Traceability
In today’s times, when assurance of food safety is more important than ever, traceability is extremely essential for food handlers. It enables them to take corrective actions and helps in minimising disruptions to trade and any potential public health risks.
In today’s times when assurance of food safety is more important than ever, traceability is extremely essential for food handlers. It enables them to take corrective actions and helps in minimising disruptions to trade and any potential public health risks.
Ensuring Complete Traceability
We are highly confident in our ability to follow the movement of our tea bags – right from receipt of the raw materials, till our beloved customer enjoys a sip of our refreshing tea. Each component of our tea bags can be traced both backward and forward, through all the steps in the supply chain. Our traceability system involves extensive documentation, with clear and precise recording of batch details – connecting production, processing and distribution of our products.
We are highly confident in our ability to follow the movement of our teabags – right from receival of its raw materials, till our beloved customer enjoys a sip of our refreshing tea. Each component of our teabags can be traced both backward and forward through all steps in the supply chain. Our traceability system involves extensive documentation with clear and precise recording of batch details, connecting production, processing and distribution of our products.
What do we do?
Audit Suppliers
Being a private label service provider, sourcing raw materials is one of the major roles that we perform continuously to meet the unique demands of our customers. Therefore, it becomes mandatory to thoroughly evaluate the suppliers before partnering with them to ensure the highest quality and safety standards.
ATIB has developed an effective supplier approval and monitoring system to ensure that any potential risks from packing and raw materials to the safety, authenticity, legality, and quality of the final product are understood and managed.
We have documented risk assessment of raw materials received from suppliers, including packaging, to identify potential risks to product safety. These are reviewed annually.
We also assess their adherence to ethical practices, including the prohibition of child labour, fair and equitable worker rights, and responsible, sustainable sourcing.
Being a private label service provider, sourcing raw materials is one of the major roles that we perform continuously to meet the demands of customers. Therefore, it becomes mandatory to well evaluate the suppliers before partnering with them so as to ensure highest quality and safety standards.
It is our quality management parameters that assist and determine the suppliers we partner with. For complete and consistent quality assurance to customers, we conduct supplier audits at regular intervals.
What do we do?
- Check whether the supplier follows food safety norms as per GFSI standards
- Check if the supplier offers complete traceability data
- Evaluate if the supplier sources and/or manufactures ethically
- Understand the safety and hygiene practices maintained at the supplier's end
- Scrutinise their work license
- Review relevant certifications
- Inquire about broad employment conditions and worker welfare
- Check whether the supplier follows food safety norms
- Check if the supplier offers traceability data
- Evaluate if the supplier sources/manufactures ethically
- Understand the safety and hygiene practices maintained at the supplier's end
- Scrutinise their work license
- Look for relevant certifications
© A.Tosh Ishimitsu Beverages India Private Limited. All Rights Reserved.
© A.Tosh Ishimitsu Beverages India Private Limited
All Rights Reserved.