7 replies to this topic

[SFarmsNH]

Hi, I apologize in advance if this is a duplicate topic, but after a lot of searching, I couldn't find a definitive answer.

 

I'm wondering (according to SQF code) if we are required to create our own internal specifications for raw materials or if we can use the specifications provided by the material suppliers.  

 

Thank you!

 

[nwilson]

We use the suppliers specifications for raw materials.  This is part of our approved supplier program and vetting of the individual supplier, including each raw material supplied.  There should be some sort of verification that the supplier is providing your company with the materials that they say they are supplying in the specifications.  This would be micro, chemical or sensory properties depending on the specification(s).  I have actually never heard of anyone creating their own specifications for raw materials (unless the company is a raw material supplier), only creating specifications for items that are being produced.  

[FurFarmandFork]

I've done both and there are pro's and cons to each.

 

Use theirs: Pro, you don't have to write them, Con, they may suck and the lack of dating requires you to request them all the time or do some other written review.

 

Use yours: Pro, you don't necessarily have to contact them if you outline your own expectations for the product, so no waiting for suppliers and they have the info you need. Con, you have to write them all.

 

I use my own specs for contract service providers and supplier specs for materials, some of which are simply a picture of the label (e.g. with film).

[redfox]

Hello, 

 

It could be be from you as buyer of have the raw material specification that you want from your supplier. But on its absence you can copy their specification, which you can use it during your raw mat receiving/acceptance in you plant.

 

regards,

redfox

[SQFconsultant]

You can, but you need to vet them out.

[Charles.C]

Hi, I apologize in advance if this is a duplicate topic, but after a lot of searching, I couldn't find a definitive answer.

 

I'm wondering (according to SQF code) if we are required to create our own internal specifications for raw materials or if we can use the specifications provided by the material suppliers.  

 

Thank you!

 

HI SFNH,

 

IMEX raw material specifications are obliged to be mutually, documentationally, signed. This is to hopefully minimise bias, technical impossibilities and misunderstandings.

 

IMEX many sources/receivers (choose to?) have limited appreciation of where raw materials actually come from, their ecological background, their "natural" environmental contaminants / associated foreign materials, etc. Not to mention a lack of awareness of sampling limitations.

 

Generic microbiological expectations are a prime source of  QA redactions, eg enduring favorites like - "the raw material shall not contain pathogens," "the raw material shall be free of bacteria", etc, etc.

 

 

 

.

[liberator]

We have our own raw material specifications for our ingredients. We can derive these from our supplier specs but they are specific to our own requirements due to the complexity of some of our products.

 

These product/purchasing requirements contain all of our own specific requirements with regards to assured status,(Halal, kosher, organic etc) contaminants, the  micro limits, the level of chemical properties etc, packaging sized (OH&S), palletising, number of lots per batch, size of lots etc which are all  applicable to our material handling and the end product.  If the vendor/manufacturer deviates outside these specs then we can have failed product.

 

These specs are also used by our procurement team so they can source alternative suppliers of our ingredients that meet our needs. They are very helpful during the tendering process as each prospective tender knows our minimum material requirements and if they can or cannot meet them.

[SFarmsNH]

Thank you all for your input!