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Mock Recall - Forward and backward traceability requirements

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rotiboy1002

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Posted 20 February 2013 - 04:34 AM

As you know, BRC standard stated that we are required to conduct forward and backward traceablility test. I just want to understand this right. Does that means we have to conduct forward and backward traceability test under a same mock recall? Is it a requirement to complete the forward and backward traceability test within 4 hours? For a forward-backward mock recall, do we start with a finished product or a raw material?

I find it rather hard to start with a raw material and trace all affected finished products. Then, from the finished products, trace backward to identify all raw materials utilized in those products and the receiving date of those raw materials. Doing all that within 4 hours is somewhat unachievable for a manual system.



Charles.C

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Posted 20 February 2013 - 07:31 AM

As you know, BRC standard stated that we are required to conduct forward and backward traceablility test. I just want to understand this right. Does that means we have to conduct forward and backward traceability test under a same mock recall? Is it a requirement to complete the forward and backward traceability test within 4 hours? For a forward-backward mock recall, do we start with a finished product or a raw material?

I find it rather hard to start with a raw material and trace all affected finished products. Then, from the finished products, trace backward to identify all raw materials utilized in those products and the receiving date of those raw materials. Doing all that within 4 hours is somewhat unachievable for a manual system.


Dear rotiboy,

I agree the terminologies can be confusing. AFAIK, the items (Mock) Recall and Traceability are separate test issues for BRC although having some (tracing) overlap.

And Yes, it helps if everything is on a PC / software. :smile: (investment opportunity ?)

BRC appears (to me) to utilise “traceability” in a somewhat flexible way .within its own standard depending on the exact location. I presume your OP is referring to 3.9.2 (traceability) and 3.11.3 ([mock] recall) ?.

Two threads which I found useful for understanding above clauses' requirements are –

http://www.ifsqn.com...dpost__p__48267
(Maybe especially see post #7)

http://www.ifsqn.com...dpost__p__56015

The (AIB) attachments in this post give some background information on the interpretation of involved terms / quantities. Basic ideas are similar to BRC although there are some divergencies IMO, eg the "common misunderstanding" identified with mock recall is actually nearer the standard test procedure IMEX (rightly or wrongly :smile: ).(With a target time limit again specified) –

http://www.ifsqn.com...dpost__p__57633

Rgds / Charles.C

Kind Regards,

 

Charles.C


George @ Safefood 360°

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Posted 26 February 2013 - 10:05 AM

Yes these terms can be confusing. The confusion I believe arises front he fact that Recall contains elements of traceability at least in the recall scenario where you need to identify where product has done and to whom and what went in to it and so on.

The key difference for me is the Recall requirements is intended to identify in a timely way product to be recalled and withdrawn from the market and the effective management of the process. An element of this is traceability.

The traceability requirements of the BRC is often call the vertical audit. It is intended to test the effectiveness of the system based on the unit batch number. The vertical audit checks all inputs and outputs relating to that batch including materials, processing requirements, quantities, controls, tests, people, mass balance and reconciliation.

George



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Cravin' Cajun?

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Posted 26 February 2013 - 02:47 PM

I agree with George...during our initial BRC audit last year, we were required to do a "vertical audit" just as George described and had 2 hours to complete this task. It was tough, but we pulled it off and obtained certification.





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