Approving raw materials - from distributor
Preparing for FSSC 22000 audit and wanted to know how others are handling raw materials purchased from a distributor. For the suppliers we buy direct from, we approve the supplier (required HACCP, 3rd party audit, etc...) - and then approve in all raw materials purchased (specs, allergen, etc...) - documents
Any suggestions?
On the US side, depending on the raw material (that is what ultimately must be assessed), I have hassled the distributor for the documentation for a said approval program. But often I just go to the source, cutting out the distributor who often don't know what we are really asking for, if possible.
If you approve the supplier (required HACCP, 3rd party audit, etc...), I would stick to that format. If the distributor (acting as a supplier of Raw Material) can provide the documentation that you need, have them provide the source (if not available) and go to them. If not, one would have to drop this distributor's product for not passing your company's Supper Approval Program.
Not an easy sell to purchasing... but if one gets senior management to sign off as "these are the rules", purchasing/procurement or whoever deals with raw material ought to accountable to those criteria of approval.
This later half is rather important, senior management leadership backing is essential to its success.
Hope this gives you some ideas to consider.
Cheers,
-B
Dear EB,
Well, at the risk of stating the obvious, the requirements may somewhat relate to what you are actually processing.?
Rgds / Charles.C
Hi
on our side we had a problem because 70% of the stuff we buy from Mostly the distributors and its difficult to get from reputable guys
so some of them they do have iso9001 but I have this one who doesn't have anything .and he is so good
so we decided that we will do audits with them every six months and also monitor the raw material as it comes and will record that we rate them from I-5.
Something I've found effective at times is to go through the sales person for the distributor. Since they are often commission paid, the risk of losing the sale to you is usually enough for them to route the request through the right people at the distributor.
I've always been amazed that with all the information requirements that all food companies have, there are still distributors who have no knowledge of some of the basic requirements--like not knowing anything about a HACCP plan
Agree with Charles, the materials being purchased from the supplier & related potential risk to final product are important here.
Have you thought about generating your own raw material specification and ensure it is agreed by the distributor as part of the contract. Also in this situation verification is far more important.
Regards,
Tony