3.5.4. When I am the outsourced producer

Hello everyone,

First timer here. First of all, let me thank you as you helped me through some doubts I had along the way.

I read the BRC clauses that concerns suppliers and also the interpretative guidelines, and couldn't find what I am supposed to control when I am the outsourced supplier.

We have a slicing plant where we slice finished products such as cured meat, and occasionnally we slice products for another manufacturer. They send us the products they want us to slice and we slice and package for them with their trademark.

My doubt is if I still need to "approve" the supplier. As I understand, we need to conduct a risk assessment for these products and have all the technical information such as ingredient list and allergens. I did it and it appears as high risk supplier, which means they should have GFSI Certification or to audit them. The problem is they are a small local producer, and don't have any GFSI certification. They didn't even sent us the specifications of how they want the product sliced, it is all made "by word" with the commercial dept.

Thanks a lot for your help!

P.S.: Sorry if there's any grammar error, I'm not a native speaker.

Regardless of anything else, I think you should audit them so you can be comfortable that their product does not create any food safety issues at your plant. You are bringing their product into your processing and packing plant and need to be aware of any cross contamination and other special requirements there might be to protect your product.

 I agree with Brummy Jim, you need to be sure that they don't pose a risk to your products if you cant audit I would at least send a detail questionnaire . I would also set up a simple contract with them to keep yourself right eg what size/  slicing is agreed. 

hope this makes sense!