Hello all, I'm hoping to get some ideas on a sampling program for finished products in our facility.
Some background: we are a small R&D facility that also runs production. We specialize in emulsions for cosmetics, food, and dietary supplement ingredients. Our production is dependent on customer orders and can vary from 40 lbs to 18,000 lbs. (We have small scale and large scale processing equipment). We primarily package in 1 of 3 packaging mediums/sizes: 275 gal tote (2300 lbs), 55 gal drum (450 lbs) or a 40 lb bag. All packaging are liners within cardboard box/drum/tote.
My dilemma is determining a robust sampling plan to ensure that we are evaluating representative samples of the production. Our batches are approx 2000 lbs, so a tote may contain two separate batches, while a batch may fill several drums and 40lb bags. Do we sample per batch, per container, beginning/middle/end? We currently sample the larger productions by package...tote sample, drum sample. The smaller productions that are packaged in 40 lb bags are sampled at beginning, middle, end.
Do you all think that this is sufficient, or do you have recommendations?
Also - our analyses are as follows: TPC, YM, Coliforms are performed in house, pathogen testing sent to an outside lab. Internal analytical performed.
Thank you!