Removing quick and slow candy from vending machines
Hi group. I've just been audited to BRC Issue 6. My auditor suggested removing the boiled sweets, chewing gum and Skittles from our vending machine as they encourage employees to keep these things in their mouths going into production areas. I see his point but I'm struggling to describe this in words. It's not as simple as gum - no mastication. How do I distinguish between M&M's and Skittles?
So, any of you geniuses know some words to describe slow candy? Thanks in advance, Ivan
Why does that have to be in your plan. Can't you just remove the items in the vending machine and leave it at that.
dam-it, another auditor making wild ass suggestions.
same could be said about how i eat jelly beans in my office - i might keep them in my mouth and walk into production.
auditors are reporters - they are not consultants and not to make suggestions based on bullshit.
i would keep the skittles and all others.
I agree whole heartedly with Glenn
This is a ridiculous suggestion and NOT a requirement---they are getting paid to audit you to the CODE not in the CODE = you do nothing
I would also second the comment Glenn made about reporters vs consultant ignore any and all "suggestions" they are just that and have zero bearing on the audit
Just nod and smile and IGNORE
Hi Group.
I've just been audited to BRC Issue 6. My auditor suggested removing the boiled sweets, chewing gum and Skittles from our vending machine as they encourage employees to keep these things in their mouths going into production areas. I see his point but I'm struggling to describe this in words. It's not as simple as gum - no mastication. How do I distinguish between M&M's and Skittles?
So, any of you geniuses know some words to describe slow candy? Thanks in advance, Ivan
From long memory,
Boiled sweets are hard enough to break teeth, chewing gum is excellent for removing fillings, the only Skittles I know of are made of wood.
I agree Post 2.
Hi group. I've just been audited to BRC Issue 6. My auditor suggested removing the boiled sweets, chewing gum and Skittles from our vending machine as they encourage employees to keep these things in their mouths going into production areas. I see his point but I'm struggling to describe this in words. It's not as simple as gum - no mastication. How do I distinguish between M&M's and Skittles?
So, any of you geniuses know some words to describe slow candy? Thanks in advance, Ivan
Did he look at your safety culture while assuming that bold text?
Thanks guys, that's crystal clear. I see your points about audit and consultant.
dam-it, another auditor making wild ass suggestions.
same could be said about how i eat jelly beans in my office - i might keep them in my mouth and walk into production.
auditors are reporters - they are not consultants and not to make suggestions based on bullshit.
i would keep the skittles and all others.
Glenn's on the ball with this this one. If it's not broke, don't fix it.
it's nothing more then a suggestion, if its not a problem on your site there is no need to remove anything.
I thought Opportunities for Improvement were a thing of the past? Like Glen so frequently points out: It's either acceptable of it's not. The days of "I would suggest..." or "You might want to..." are over. I have asked several time for an auditor to show me the specific written requirement when they board the BS train. Usually it's dropped. I also always try to remember I hired them to come to me so I make sure they're doing their job. I wouldn't let a builder tell me "I would suggest just running your sewage straight into the storm drain next time..." because I know better. He would also never work for me again... :)
No, don't do this. Honestly, at what point would it stop? If I were you I would focus your efforts on employee practices and keeping those, and any other items, out of the production and storage areas.
I'm going to join the minority here. No, it might not be a requirement according to BRC, but the removal of such candies would people to keep candy out of the areas where product is exposed, so I would absolutely remove the hard candies, etc. There are reasons to make improvements that are outside the strict GFSI requirements.
Matthew
You are completely correct "there are reason to make improvements..." However, it really depends on the facility, the personnel, etc. Personally, I'm not one to make improvements just for the sake of "improving" if it doesn't reap a benefit or it doesn't fix a problem. Usually, you end up with a completely different problem or just move your "herbie" somewhere else.
Think about root cause as to why employees are in the plant with foodstuffs. Is it really the vending machines? Or....employee habits and lack of proper training / enforcement around foodstuffs in the plant? I tend not to treat associates like children and at least give them a chance to show they are not. If they can't abide by the policy then you focus on the associates, not the foodstuffs.
If there isn't a problem with foodstuffs in the plant then really what is the point? Sure, there is "some risk", but there is risk with everything. I would actually be more concerned about the associates response when this change is made. I'm sure a lot of negative reaction and then what is your point when you have to respond to those associates? "Well, the auditor thought it was a good idea and I see his/her point even though it's not specifically in the code. It is a risk." Then the associates, if they have a head on their shoulders, would ask, "What risk?"
It just seems like an absurd rabbit hole that doesn't end well in the long run.
I'm going to join the minority here. No, it might not be a requirement according to BRC, but the removal of such candies would people to keep candy out of the areas where product is exposed, so I would absolutely remove the hard candies, etc. There are reasons to make improvements that are outside the strict GFSI requirements.
Matthew