Processing Aids Supplier Approval

Does anyone have suggestions on setting up the supplier of processing aids? We purchase a food grade silicone spray from a local industrial supply store, so they are not the manufacturer. I was able to get MSDS, product spec sheet, letter of guarantee and allergen statement. However, BRC requires supplier audits, third-party audits or certification, or supplier questionnaire.

What sort of audit requirements would you have for this type of supplier?

Thanks!

Does anyone have suggestions on setting up the supplier of processing aids? We purchase a food grade silicone spray from a local industrial supply store, so they are not the manufacturer. I was able to get MSDS, product spec sheet, letter of guarantee and allergen statement. However, BRC requires supplier audits, third-party audits or certification, or supplier questionnaire.

 

What sort of audit requirements would you have for this type of supplier?

 

Thanks!

Hi

If this supplier is not a manufacturer is it a distributor? if is a distributor you have to know if its source is reliable. I also think every supplier you have should be certified in ISO standards like ISO 9001. 

Does anyone have suggestions on setting up the supplier of processing aids? We purchase a food grade silicone spray from a local industrial supply store, so they are not the manufacturer. I was able to get MSDS, product spec sheet, letter of guarantee and allergen statement. However, BRC requires supplier audits, third-party audits or certification, or supplier questionnaire.

 

What sort of audit requirements would you have for this type of supplier?

 

Thanks!

Dear WowQC,

Do you have a specific justification for your expectations ?

I think you "overestimate" the standard.

For example, see para.3.5.1.3.?

Rgds / Charles.C

We had a pre-audit assessment (34 minors) and the auditor says that, per 3.5.1.2, a supplier audit, third party audit or certification, or supplier questionnaire is required for suppliers in the approved supplier program.

I guess we can look at exceptions for cases like these, as per 3.5.1.3. As long as it's written down! (As per auditor, if it's not written, it didn't happen.)

Thanks.

Hi WowQC,

As per the post by Charles, you could regard as an exception and state you have 'sufficient documentation' to deem the supplier approved based on risk.

Also/alternatively you could contact the manufacturer direct and get details of any certification they have. If they are supplying 'food grade' silicone spray then they should have a relevant certification.

As a side point it is also useful to actually inspect the spray can itself. I say this because a few years ago I came across a problem with a spray lubricant which had a white nozzle that detached quite easily and would not be easily seen in the product (milk). It was quite a serious foreign body hazard. We contacted the supplier and the nozzle was changed to a 'big red version' which although still detached was easily spotted.

Regards,

Tony

First I would suggest you evaluate your suppliers to determine what "tier" they are in...tier 1 suppliers would be suppliers of products/materials that have direct product contact, tier 2 for items that may have product contact, and tier 3 for items that have no chance of product contact. 

Once you determine the correct "tier" for your suppliers, it then becomes easy for you to know which suppliers you may need to audit and which ones you can just get a letter of guarantee from.