8 replies to this topic

[ctzinck]

does anyone in food packaging conduct yearly proficiency testing for your QA's? what all do you test them on?

[Parkz58]

At my previous employer, I was the QA Supervisor, and the QA Manager and I devised a simple annual proficiency test for our QA techs wherein they were required to perform the laboratory testing processes/techniques that were required of them (testing for water activity, moisture, particle size, density, etc.) against a standard. 

 

The QA Manager established a standard for each element they would be tested on, and would provide the necessary "raw materials" for each test, so that there was no variability between tests (i.e. everyone used material from the same sample bag to ensure all things were equal, aside from personal proficiency at the task at hand).  If the tech's results were within the established specification, we simply signed off on their testing for the year.  If not, the tech was re-trained on the procedure, and then could attempt the test again. 

 

I don't know what the QA Manager had planned if the tech couldn't pass on the second try, because we never got to that point - everyone passed on their first or second attempt.

 

To my knowledge, the SQF auditor had no problem with our approach to this.

[kibeda]

My company is a food contact packaging making primarily lids. I am collecting retains of product from acceptable to not acceptable (both in functionality and cosmetic attributes). I plan to present each quality tech the same products for them to grade which will have a correct answer and as a method to "calibrate" my techs.

[majoy]

We do not conduct any micro or chemical testing in our facility.

 

However, we conduct environmental swabs, and sample collection to send for external lab for testing. We also conduct titration for chemical concentration.

 

How can proficiency be tested for these? Can a simple on-site/ actual observation of the QA Tech conducting the task be a proficiency testing procedure for these?

 

Is ther a way to justify the new element in SQF ed. 8

2.5.4.2 Product Sampling, Inspection and Analysis On-site personnel that conduct environmental or product testing shall participate in an applicable proficiency testing program at least annually to ensure accuracy of results.

 

Thanks

[FurFarmandFork]

You can get a standard for the chemical concentration titration. You don't actually perform "testing" when you collect your environmental swabs and samples, so no proficiency test required. Though you should have a review of aseptic technique.

[majoy]

You can get a standard for the chemical concentration titration. You don't actually perform "testing" when you collect your environmental swabs and samples, so no proficiency test required. Though you should have a review of aseptic technique.

 

Chemical concentration titration is only using kits (i.e drop of solution, change color etc.) issued to us by our chemical supplier... so I'm having a hard time how to do proficiency on that test as there is step by step instruction to follow. Do you suggest to also conduct on-site observation and review for this?

 

There's really no real "testing" conducted in our facility, everything is sent to third party and we don't even do physico-chem test (e.g. pH, moisture etc.)

[jportz]

Have you asked your chemical supplier what you could do?  Our chemical supplier helps us a lot with training for testing and trained our QC Department on how to read plates and proper techniques.

[Sigrid B]

In version 4 of the FSSC 22000, it states under 2.1.4.3 Management of supplied materials:

 

"The organization shall implement a system to assure that analysis of all inputs critical to the verification of product safety is undertaken. The analyses shall be performed according to ISO 17025 or equivalent. Equivalent systems shall include at least participation to proficiency testing."

 

Is it safe to assume that the proficiency testing is not required to be conducted annually? Our company is FSSC certified but the laboratory hasn't been audited against the full 17025 clauses yet.

 

It also didn't say specifically that it should be an interlab proficiency testing.

 

 

Thanks,

Sigrid

[Berton lee]

We have many customer in FMCG, mostly have following situation:

1. have their own test laboratory, test by themselves, purchasing from their supplier or produce themslves.(big enterprise)

2.Send to Third party to get test report.

3.Supplier provide test report .

But in China, we have strict rule for manufacturer, must have individual test equipment for food& pharma.

 

Best regards

Berton Lee