BRC 3.5.3.2 /SQF 2.3.3.1- Contracts Service Providers

Hey everyone,

 

I am looking through section 3.5.3.2 right now and it is talking about Service Providers and I was wondering what would be constituted in this section.

 

We do most items in house like laundry, sanitation, etc. so there is not need of a formal agreement for those services. 

 

Is this section about things directly related to the jeopardy of food safety? For example, Pest Control?

Or would this also need to include transportation, waste removal etc.?

 

Examples would be very much appreciated!

Do your waste removal people enter the plant? They should be included.

 

For SQF 2.3.3.1, we have listed

 

Waste Removal

Cardboard compactor

Freezer and refrigeration systems

Ink Jet Printer suppliers

Temp Agencies

Lawn Care

Pest Contractors

Food safe lubricant suppliers 

City Water, and Fire Departments

our forklift service people

Our vending machine contractors

 

 

Just to name a few...

Do your waste removal people enter the plant?

 

 

 

 Thank you so much for the examples!

 

So would you say that the only service providers I would need a contract for in terms of this section would be those that enter the plant and can directly affect food safety?

I would say that is the bare minimum. Anyone who enters your facility, (and when you think about it), can be a lot of people.

 

I have done more than that, listing some actual machine manufacturers.  We have had some new equipment installed in the last few years and we had their technicians in and out for a while. It may be over doing it, but I haven’t gotten a ‘ding’ on an Audit (knock wood)  

 

Good Luck!

Setanta

Here's what I have on my contract service provider register.  Do note that our SQF Auditor tried to ding us at the Certification Audit (but somehow missed it during the desk audit) for not listing them (Certifying Body) as a contract service provider...

 

Linens
Chemicals/cleaning supplies
Pest Control
Knife exchange/sharpening
Drinking water filtration
Refrigeration Maintenance
Waste Management; Recycling
Scale calibration, sales, maintenance
Building security alarm service
Inedible waste removal
Pallet Jack repair/maintenance
Plumbing repair/maintenance
Air compressor maintenance
SQF/3rd Party Auditing
 

Marshenko is correct regarding the contract services.  You are best to keep a register and have a sign-off of understanding of all contract suppliers. Also regarding the CB, we got away with it through our sign in process where the auditor was required to read all of our food safety and security requirements including medical screening with a sign-off of understanding.  It may sound tedious but I personally think more is good when it comes to meeting the GFSI standards (BRC specifically here) and really minimizes any unexpected issues during the process.  It may be tedious at first but it really is simple.

Thanks for all the advice SVO and Marshenko re the CB - our BRC audit is due in a month and I am going to send them our  general service contract with the Quality and food safety requirements to sign.

 

Makayla

Thank-you so much everyone!

 

This is a big help!

We are  starting to put SQF 2.3.3.1 in place, we have very minimum of contract service providers that come in our building, what type of training should the contract service providers go through?

 

I am totally new to SQF.

 

We are a packaging company, we buy in bulk and repackage spices and confectionary sugars into 4-6 cell jars and grinders.

You should have them sign a statement, when they they enter your facility, they will abide by your GMP rules. Have the specific working of your GMPs on the statement.

Does anyone have a written procedure they could share? Thanks

 

Ryan Hutson