3 replies to this topic

[CookieMonster]

Looking for a little best business practices when it comes to Supplier Approval Programs...

 

When you are purchasing a product that you know is imported by the supplier you are going to be purchasing it from, do you require any documentation from the supplier you are purchasing it from that they have a FSVP in place? 

[The Food Scientist]

Yes. For me I do require them to send me a statement that they are in compliance with FSVP along with all the other required documentation.  It is the importer's responsibility to comply with FSVP. But as a customer receiving the imported product need to make sure they are complying as you need your supply to be as safe as possible.

[The Food Scientist]

Here is an example of a statement sent and signed by one of my suppliers:

 

Foreign Supplier Verification Statement

*company name* hereby confirms compliance with FSMA FSVP requirements. Foreign suppliers to *company name* are required to supply the following documents to gain status as approved overseas vendors:

• FSVP Supplier Guarantee (see below)

• 3rd Party Audit Certificate

• HACCP Plan Certificate

• USFDA Bioterrorism Registration # confirmation

• Product Specification Sheet for each item

• COA for each item-lot on every order (3rd Party Lab)

• Allergen Statement

• Ethical Compliance Letter

Furthermore, foreign suppliers are required to guarantee to *company name*(“Buyer”) with respect to all food products sold:

• All products are manufactured and packed according to Good-Manufacturing Practices (GMP),

• All products are to be free of all pathogens, including salmonella, pathogenic e. coli, listeria monocytogenes, bacillus cereus, and all other foodborne pathogens,

• All products are confirmed by the manufacturers to be Gluten-free and Non-GMO unless specifically stated on the contract prior to shipment,

• Any facility that processes & packs our spices do not process nor package any of the 8 USFDA identified allergens (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, wheat, soy, peanuts or tree nuts),

• All food products & ingredients are free of any known USFDA allergens unless specifically declared on the contract prior to shipment and declared on the product packaging,

• Manufacturer has taken all necessary steps to ensure that food products sold to Buyer are completely safe for human consumption

• Manufacturer has a valid HACCP (or HARPC) Plan on file and has conducted a thorough Hazard Analysis with respect to any food products sold to Buyer

• Manufacturer has valid and current GFSI 3rd party audit certification

[oigdaym8]

Thanks for posting on this topic and for the responses. I am seeking similar guidance. CookieMonster--have you received any compliance statements yet? We manufacture juice and other beverages and we utilize a few brokers but also suspect we need to request this compliance statement from some of our suppliers who import. Anything else anyone can share?