Pallet Wrapping

Looking for some clarification. We produce composite paperboard cans. We stack these on a palet, place slip sheets in between each layer then wrap with plastic on our palletizer. Do I need to maintain lot numbers/ traceability on the slip sheets and the wrapping material? The slip sheets, for those unfamiliar with them, are thin cardboard sheets that separate layers on the palet.  Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

It is not something we've done.  We wrap pallets and use slip sheets and sometimes old master cases AS slip sheets.  We haven't been dinged for that....yet. :blink:

I can argue both sides of it. I would certainly like to NOT have to do it! Thank you Setanta!

You're welcome! I have an SQF Level II later this month, I'll let you know if it comes up!

Awesome, please do. Good luck on your audit!

If your slip sheets or stretch wrap were a source of contamination which lead to an FDA recall, then you would likely be asked for traceability information.

Yes, you need to track your packaging and additional items like slips and wrapping.  As far as the comment on the SQF, same applies.   

I work at a packaging converter that uses LDPE resin.  Since we use a large amount of it, we store it in a 30 foot tall silo.  Different shipments of LDPE will be dumped on top of the previous shipment.

This means we have to consider a wider window for what was actually used on that day.  For example:  based on usage, we thought we were close to using Shipment B versus Shipment A but didn't know for sure.  The resin empties in a cone shape.  Thus we would need to trace back Shipment A and Shipment B, and trace forward to which products used either shipment of LPDE in a window of several days before and after the production lot in question.

So the issue is not whether we ignore traceability because it is a daunting task for some items but rather can we set up a system and establish the resources to handle a large scale investigation.