Need help- Dry blend spice (Hazard analysis)

Hello there,

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 anyone would help me. We use sodium nitrate for curing (only one curing product). 

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.

Hi,

Regarding the Hazard analysis you will need to break down each of your steps from your flow and carry out risk based on each one.

For instance.

Ambient Receiving- Ingredients and packaging 

Chemical 

Physical

Micro

Allergenic, physical - it may be that none of these are relevant for what ever reason, but they still need to be assessed and ruled out.

For the packaging flow chart - it is as easy as adding at what stage your packaging materials are added- discarded -   for instance - next to ambient receiving i would add packaging receiving - you will have to add the goods in check onto your hazard analysis - which may cover the chemical (migration information) etc.

If the nitrate is effected by ambient storage this would be picked up when you carry out your hazards against Biological Chemical/allergenic/Micro/Physical Etc.

All of the above will be addressed in the updating of your hazards.

Hope this was of help.

If you need any more help let me know.

Regards

Chris 

Thanks, Chris.