2 replies to this topic

[Lelouch_rayne]

Hi all,

 

Currently, our site is doing annual third party analysis (subcontracted to outside laboratory) of the following parameters, per product, as part of QA verification:

 

- Pesticide Analysis

- Heavy Metals

- Microbiological & Physico Analysis

- Nutritional Information

 

For the last 3 years, all results are within our specification. Can we reduce this annual testing to maybe every 2 or 3 years? 

 

The BRC Food Safety Standard version 8 standard does not indicate this specific requirements, but there are auditors and customers who ask for these kind of analysis during audit.

 

In addition, based on our HACCP plan, Pesticide and Heavy Metals are not significant hazards because they are unlikely to occur in our main raw materials (as per scientific literature).

 

 

Thanks,

Lelou

[mahantesh.micro]

Hi,

In my opinion, Nutritional information, physico chemical and microbiological analysis frequency can be made once in two years based on your hazard analysis.

As for as pesticides residue analysis , it depends on what type of raw materials you use, though your hazard analysis says it is not significant bcoz the occurrence of pesticide residues is unpredictable in ingredients of agricultural origin. Heavy metals as per your hazard analysis.

[The Food Scientist]

You're right. Most, if not all GFSI standards don't set a testing frequency for these tests. But like you mentioned, your customers and other auditors require/ask about these things. Like for me for example, all suppliers supplying me with Cinnamon shall test for heavy metals per shipment lot. The supplier may not have that in their food safety system, but I, as a customer require that.

 

As Mahantesh said, it all depends on your hazard analysis and what your raw material is and what your customers require.

Nutritional analysis would be a less frequent one I would imagine though.