7 replies to this topic

[The Food Scientist]

Quick question. First we are SQF Quality Code.

 

Now some of the allergen products have left overs, meaning a few bags extra. There are about 6 out 8 of the major allergens. Now these left overs are usually boxed up in one box and sent to a flea market or donations. The question is, do we STILL have to separate every allergen in separate boxes? We can't mix peanuts & shrimp in the same box? even if we have an allergen statement on the labels? Because if we need to have them in separate boxes we'll end up with 100 boxes in the warehouse..

[Charles.C]

Quick question. First we are SQF Quality Code.

 

Now some of the allergen products have left overs, meaning a few bags extra. There are about 6 out 8 of the major allergens. Now these left overs are usually boxed up in one box and sent to a flea market or donations. The question is, do we STILL have to separate every allergen in separate boxes? We can't mix peanuts & shrimp in the same box? even if we have an allergen statement on the labels? Because if we need to have them in separate boxes we'll end up with 100 boxes in the warehouse..

 

Hi FS,

 

None of yr queries are quick.

 

I'm slightly unclear as to whether the peanuts are physically mixed with the shrimp, illogical as that sounds to me ?

 

Is the flea market within jurisdiction of FDA ?

[The Food Scientist]

I know they are never quick! LOL.

 

No not mixed up. two different products. for instance packed peanuts and then packed shrimp. in the same box with like candies that have soy or milk? All in the same box and be sent out for donations? Does that clarify?

[Charles.C]

I know they are never quick! LOL.

 

No not mixed up. two different products. for instance packed peanuts and then packed shrimp. in the same box with like candies that have soy or milk? All in the same box and be sent out for donations? Does that clarify?

 

OK but will the subsequent flea marketeer then have to separate out the various products for display purposes ? (I anticipate you don't know ?)

 

There is obviously some (increased) risk of cross-contamination but whether this matters with respect to X YZ no idea. Presumably the multiplied labelling list may reduce the capability for onward usage.

[mgourley]

Grey area to be sure.

IF the individual products are packaged and IF there are no issues with the packaging so that there may be cross-contamination, then the risk is low.

There is always the WHAT IF though.

 

I guess it all comes down to what level of risk you are willing to take.

 

Marshall

[Ryan M.]

Is your company selling at the flea market?  Are your employees involved with the flea market?  

 

If so, then you have more risk than if you are giving it to others to sell or donate.

 

Regardless, I would ensure the packaging is completely sealed and obviously labeled as appropriate. If you can record an inspection of the packaging while putting in the boxes and then you "deliver it" (sell, donate) then you have minimized the risk on your end.  Once it is out of your hands you can't really do anything.

 

As Marshall said, depends on the level of risk you want to take or have.

[The Food Scientist]

OK but will the subsequent flea marketeer then have to separate out the various products for display purposes ? (I anticipate you don't know ?)

 

There is obviously some (increased) risk of cross-contamination but whether this matters with respect to X YZ no idea. Presumably the multiplied labelling list may reduce the capability for onward usage.

 

Yes I really do not know if its for display purposes but I think yes. 

[The Food Scientist]

Grey area to be sure.

IF the individual products are packaged and IF there are no issues with the packaging so that there may be cross-contamination, then the risk is low.

There is always the WHAT IF though.

 

I guess it all comes down to what level of risk you are willing to take.

 

Marshall

 

Yes individual products are packed. Its just allergen with another allergen contact and not with non-allergen. (With a allergen statement on all). Yup its always the WHAT IF, which is why it lead me to ask this question!