Hello Valeria,
I am new in this network. Recently I moved from the UK to the USA and working for a Dry blend spice company. During our SQF desk audit, we got a major nonconformity in HAZARD ANALYSIS that we have to send corrective action within 14 days. Please see the attachment for our process flow and hazard analysis. I was wondering if you would help me. We use sodium nitrate for curing (only one curing product).
Thank you.
NON-CONFORMITY FROM AUDITOR
(Major) The Hazard Analysis for the Spice blends did not identify Biological, Chemical or Physical hazards for each step in the process. Receiving and storage of packaging materials is not addressed in the flow chart or hazard analysis. At ambient receiving it does not address the potential for nitrite toxicity as nitrite is received and is used in the product or allergens. The plan addresses that ambient storage has the potential for growth of pathogenic organisms but is controlled through storage is ambient temperatures. Ambient temperatures do not control growth of pathogenic organisms. The facility has identified control of allergens at ambient storage through a subsequent step but it is controlled by storage at this step. Reworking of product step does not address physical contamination. Packaging and Labeling does not identify allergens as -some of the products contain allergens.