8 replies to this topic

[jperri]

Hello,

 

I have a question on how to track packaging in case of a recall.

 

For instance, we use poly bags to pack raw processed (peeled/cut) potatoes. When the shipment of bags is received there is no lot code just an order number. We also use different sized boxes to pack items, depending on the client. This becomes increasingly difficult to track!

 

I was told by a consultant that we had to track our packaging for each shipment. I feel confused about how to go about it?

 

Can someone please explain how their company manages this?

 

Very much appreciated!!

 

Jenna

Edited by jperri, 30 July 2019 - 05:14 PM.

[The Food Scientist]

So you don't receive any certificates of conformance with your shipments for packaging? No lot #s on the packing slip/bill of lading, no where to show any lot #s? If the answer is no then you need to reassess your packaging supplier. I suggest you contact them and learn everything you need to know about their tracking/lot system. Now normally, you should indicate the packaging lot# on your receiving log whenever you receive a shipment. Also whenever the packaging goes into production, like your case when you need to package your potatoes, you need to indicate your lot # used for the packaging on this production sheet for that specific batch. If you have an electronic system, then you can enter those lot #s and it's really easy to track. If not, you go to the day of production/receipt and check lot #s. Hope that helps :)

Edited by The Food Scientist, 30 July 2019 - 07:32 PM.

[SQFconsultant]

I had an ice company as a client, as you can imagine they were using a LOT of poly bags. They had a problem though, their supplier only showed an order number (maybe the same supplier) and we had them tell the supplier to either run the their order number along with a sequence code on each bag, or we would find a new supplier. The supplier stayed the supplier and not only could we track a Batch and/or LOT we could trace down to a single bag.

 

They also installed a PRIMS system as a part of an ERP system and now can track a box, poly bag or for that matter anything at all.

 

And by the way, the reason the ice company decided to be able to track down to a single bag was because they had an issue with freeze/thaw and corrosion of struts in the cube building - ultimately and technically "yellow ice" but not from someone pee'ing into the ice house - that happened only once that I can remember.  They had a recall issue and ended up having to have each location dump ALL bags of ice - better to go after those offending bags than everything produced.

[jperri]

Thank you both for your great responses, they are very helpful!

 

I will definitely contact my supplier about this!

 

Unfortunately we do not have an electronic system, so we would have to write the lot # down on our records to track.

[Hoosiersmoker]

We use both. When we receive the raw materials the lot numbers are scanned into our inventory system. Then the operators have to write all lot numbers down on their job cards and they are checked at Job OK and Job Close. They are also scanned and the system to track live inventory levels issues them to that job. Job cards are all collected and archived. All outgoing product contains the job number and a unique traceability number containing the date, time, machine, operator and packer. If there is an issue we ask for the traceability number from the case and we can trace all raw materials, processing items (inks, coatings, glues etc.), reconstruct the production run from our productivity system including issues that occurred during the entire run, scrap, quality issues, over or under runs, who signed off on the release, what shipper was used etc.

[Scampi]

Easy enough to add the lot number to production records!  

 

Great Canadian traceability software (inexpensive too)

 

http://www.can-trac.ca/

 

If you're lucky, you can get grant money to improve your traceability and pay very little.................this software allows you to print off labels and then apply them to ingredient/packaging and then scan them into production!

 

(*not getting paid, just really like the platform)

[jdsummers6]

We are a packaging manufacturer that requires the use of packaging materials different than those that we produce. We produce food contact paper (butcher, freezer, etc.) but use poly bags to package the rolls. We are preparing to create unique ID's for all of our rolls (previously packaged in lots and id'd with one inventory #), but I am very surprised to read that others are also tracking the packaging. As a packaging mfg, would we be required to trace the packaging of... the packaging? The code specifically mentions food contact packaging requiring traceability in 2.6.2.1, but I don't see language regarding the packaging of food contact packaging. 

 

What do you guys think? 

[majoy]

We are a packaging manufacturer that requires the use of packaging materials different than those that we produce. We produce food contact paper (butcher, freezer, etc.) but use poly bags to package the rolls. We are preparing to create unique ID's for all of our rolls (previously packaged in lots and id'd with one inventory #), but I am very surprised to read that others are also tracking the packaging. As a packaging mfg, would we be required to trace the packaging of... the packaging? The code specifically mentions food contact packaging requiring traceability in 2.6.2.1, but I don't see language regarding the packaging of food contact packaging. 

 

What do you guys think? 

 

So the packaging material of your food contact packaging still needs to be traceable in my opinion. "2.6.2.1 i. Finished product is traceable to the customer (one up) and provides traceability through the process to the manufacturing supplier and date of receipt of raw materials, food contact packaging and materials and other inputs (one back)"

[SQFconsultant]

We are a packaging manufacturer that requires the use of packaging materials different than those that we produce. We produce food contact paper (butcher, freezer, etc.) but use poly bags to package the rolls. We are preparing to create unique ID's for all of our rolls (previously packaged in lots and id'd with one inventory #), but I am very surprised to read that others are also tracking the packaging. As a packaging mfg, would we be required to trace the packaging of... the packaging? The code specifically mentions food contact packaging requiring traceability in 2.6.2.1, but I don't see language regarding the packaging of food contact packaging. 

 

What do you guys think? 

All of our SQF packaging clients trace secondary packaging - such as your roll bags.

 

That packaging is in contact with your primary food contact packaging - if there is something wrong with the secondary packaging it could (think - chemical migration) effect your food contact packaging.

 

You may not see the "launguage" regarding this, however it is an "input" and a potential source of cross-contamination.

Edited by SQFconsultant, 28 August 2019 - 06:55 PM.