8 replies to this topic

[nateb]

BRC 3.3.5 requires that senior management has "a system in place to enure the company is kept informed of all relevent legislative, scientific, and technical developments..."

How are some of you meeting this requirement? Will a review of recent developments on a pre-determined basis qualify as a "system"?

Thanks in advance for the replies.

Nate

[Foodworker]

Oddly enough I have just posted a reply to a very similar question on the BRC Packaging forum.

If your company is very large, there could be a department doing this, but for most small to medium sized companies it is normally left to the Technical or Quality Manager.

The BRC Interpretation Guidelines give some examples of information sources- Trade Associations, subscription sources, agents or identified websites. The important thing is to be able to prove to the auditor that you proactively use these sources, so you need to have a file or record of extracted information which is related to your products.

Of course if you identify an issue which may have an impact on your products, you need to take appropriate action.

For example, recalls for allergen problems are constantly being reported and detection techniques and operating practices are getting better more and detailed.

Being able to demonstrate that you have identified a current issue, evaluated its relevance to you and acted accordingly is what this clause is intending to achieve.

[nateb]

Oddly enough I have just posted a reply to a very similar question on the BRC Packaging forum.

If your company is very large, there could be a department doing this, but for most small to medium sized companies it is normally left to the Technical or Quality Manager.

The BRC Interpretation Guidelines give some examples of information sources- Trade Associations, subscription sources, agents or identified websites. The important thing is to be able to prove to the auditor that you proactively use these sources, so you need to have a file or record of extracted information which is related to your products.

Of course if you identify an issue which may have an impact on your products, you need to take appropriate action.

For example, recalls for allergen problems are constantly being reported and detection techniques and operating practices are getting better more and detailed.

Being able to demonstrate that you have identified a current issue, evaluated its relevance to you and acted accordingly is what this clause is intending to achieve.

Thanks for the reply. That helps. I'm wondering if someone out there know of any good subscription services or websites to frequent that would simplify this effort.

[GMO]

I've just replied to a similar thread.

The FSA www.food.gov.uk and the FDA both have email alert systems which could help towards fullfilling this requirement.

[nateb]

I've just replied to a similar thread.

The FSA www.food.gov.uk and the FDA both have email alert systems which could help towards fullfilling this requirement.

I found the thread in the other forum... http://www.ifsqn.com...saftely-issues/

Good information there too. Thanks.

Nate

[Kamwenji Njuma]

Dear Nate,

In my case,the technical manager ensures that there are scientific booklets ,manuals,etc, from the markets,clients and from goverment agencies which are readily available to staff key to food safety and quality.These bgooks help the staff to keep in touch with recent developments in our field.Also they encourage staff to visit sites which are key to our industry.Of course you must be able to show evidence of these manuals,books and booklets to the BRC auditors.

Regards,
Kamwenji

[tsmith7858]

There is also a similar discussion in the ISO 22000 forum under "Communication Needs".

http://www.ifsqn.com...nication-needs/

[Cathy]

Also look here - http://www.ifsqn.com...od-legislation/

[LSS-QA]

Nate,

As others have mentioned, FDA provides email updates. If you've not found them already, here is the link to sign up for their updates: http://www.fda.gov/A...tes/default.htm. You can sign up for updates on recalls, guidance documents, CFSAN food safety info, regulations/laws/standards, etc.

Organizations such as Silliker, AIB, IFT and others provide regular email updates/newsletters on new regulatory, business, and scientific developments as well.