FSVP Importer
We have a supplier verification program for both foreign and domestic, which includes multiple levels of verification and document retrieval. Most of the time these are permanent suppliers to be used on a continual basis. Our supplier approval verification program takes awhile plus we audit our suppliers. My question is? What do we do about one time only food product suppliers? Same I am guessing but, just place them in the archives after we receive the products. Do we still audit the manufacturing facility and spend time, travel and money for a one time purchase? I am the PCQI and quality manager, trying to have a strong food safety culture and need to have a plan for one time product suppliers in building my case to upper management. Any suggestions or experience with this situation would be great. Thanks
You can justify using an unapproved foreign suppliers, on a temporary basis, when necessary and appropriate, if you subject the food from these suppliers to adequate verification activities before importing it.
So have a written document showing why you are convinced the food is safe, what actions have you taken do demonstrate the safety, how long the temporary supplier is intended to be used, and who is responsible for these decisions.
If you can't easily show that the food is safe, you shouldn't use it, without a full supplier approval process.