6 replies to this topic

[MBrown042]

Hello All,

 

Can anyone provide me with any input regarding a good system to cross check lables and allergen statements on product that we  receive.

 

We are a USDA plant, and the FSIS inspector gave us a NR because the ingredient deck changed from the incoming product from the label that we place on the finished product.

 

Example:  we make chicken burritos, and the label that we put on the finished product says one ingredient deck and the FSIS inspector saw a change in the ingredient deck on the chicken that we receive.

 

Please provide your thoughts,

 

Thank you,

 

Marvis Brown

[Charles.C]

Hello All,

 

Can anyone provide me with any input regarding a good system to cross check lables and allergen statements on product that we  receive.

 

We are a USDA plant, and the FSIS inspector gave us a NR because the ingredient deck changed from the incoming product from the label that we place on the finished product.

 

Example:  we make chicken burritos, and the label that we put on the finished product says one ingredient deck and the FSIS inspector saw a change in the ingredient deck on the chicken that we receive.

 

Please provide your thoughts,

 

Thank you,

 

Marvis Brown

Dear MBrown,

 

For other ignorant people like myself -

 

Ingredient deck = The list of ingredients on any product

 

a good system to cross check lables and allergen statements

 

So who decides / approves that  the data on input / final product is the same ( if they are required to be the same [?])?

Appears to necessitate the use of QA "eyes" unless you go to a barcode, PC-based set-up.

 

Rgds / Charles.C

[teaks]

I think this problem touches on several different systems:

1. You should have a specification with ingredient listing for everything you purchase.

2. The purchasing agent should be referencing that specification when buying the ingredients.

3. The purchasing agent should only be buying from an approved supplier.

4. QA should be inspecting the product when it arrives at the plant, including checking the label against the specification.

5. A label control program should require that the label reviewer/approver is a different person from the label creator.  The label approver should be checking the specification sheet when reviewing a label for approval.

 

That is, at least, how we approach it.  And we definitely flag items that come in with an ingredient deck that is different than the spec.  Then we have to talk with the vendor and check the labels.

 

It's also helpful to get your suppliers to fill out an allergen checklist to keep on file, in case a complete allergen listing is not included on the ingredient label you receive with your purchase.

 

Good luck!

[Charles.C]

Dear MBrown,

 

Example:  we make chicken burritos, and the label that we put on the finished product says one ingredient deck and the FSIS inspector saw a change in the ingredient deck on the chicken that we receive.

 

 

Frankly, as i indicated in my post, i didn't understand what you meant in the above.

 

Why should output hv same ingredient list as input ?

 

Perhaps you could clarify the example, eg what is a Chicken Burrito? RTE?, NRTE?, process ?

 

Rgds / Charles.C

[nomio]

I'm assuming you mean that the you purchased chicken with a set of different ingredients and didn't reflect that change in your end product label.

 

I.e. the chicken did just contain chicken, water & salt. but now contains chicken, water, salt and pepper. But there is no pepper mentioned in your end label so your end label is obviously not showing the full ingredient deck

 

Supplier approval is the answer, try to stop your purchasing department buying anything that isn't agreed, don't allow them to make changes without your consent. (I wish you better luck than I have). A good intake inspector is a must. A well trained person working from detailed, accurate approved intake specifications would notice a change in ingredients before it was accepted into the building.

[Tony-C]

Ingredient deck = The list of ingredients on any product

 

Rgds / Charles.C

 

 

Ingredient dec. = Ingredient deck = The list of ingredients on any product

 

dec. = declaration

 

As ksullivan has indicated this is related to control/inspection of incoming materials & control of suppliers. A responsible person should be authorising any change of materials or supplier. If a supplier changes the specification without notification or agreement then they should be severely reprimanded or delisted. Any unauthorised changes made by personnel within the organisation should be dealt with as per company disciplinary policy.

 

Regards,

 

Tony

 

 

[Charles.C]

Dear MBrown,

 

Any comments ?

 

Rgds / Charles.C