Hi Ken,
Section 2.4.4 is the Approved Supplier Program (Mandatory), requirements include:
2.4.4.1 Raw materials, ingredients, packaging materials, and services that impact on finished product safety shall meet the agreed specification (refer to 2.3.2) and be supplied by an approved supplier.
2.4.4.3 The responsibility and procedure for selecting, evaluating, approving and monitoring an approved supplier shall be documented and implemented.
Section 2.4.4 should be considered in conjunction with 2.3.2 Raw and Packaging Materials:
2.3.2.4 Raw and packaging materials and ingredients shall be validated to ensure product safety is not compromised and the material is fit for its intended purpose. Verification of raw materials and ingredients shall include certificates of conformance, or certificate of analysis, or sampling and testing.
The procedure QM 2.4.4 Approved Supplier Program states: A documented risk analysis of each raw material or group of raw materials to identify potential risks to product safety, integrity, legality and quality is carried out by the Food Safety Team taking into account the potential for:
Microbiological contamination
Chemical contamination
Physical contamination
Allergens and possible allergen contamination
Possible substitution or fraud
Effect on product quality
Consideration is given to the significance of a material to the quality of the final product. The results of the risk analysis dictate the criteria for supplier assurance, testing and acceptance of raw materials and procedures for supplier monitoring.
In the package there is also a Supplier Risk Assessment folder that may be useful. The package is generic and intended for a broad range of risks, As FurFarmandFork has indicated low risk materials may be accepted by COA/COC and a goods in inspection.
We do include technical support via email or Skype with the package which is available to provide guidance and answer any specifics you may have. I will PM you our contact details.
Kind regards,
Tony