Customer specific request for a Metal Detector

I have a very low risk food product. We currently have filters as our one and only CCP. They are checked before and after, along with proper documentation. One of our very large customer is requiring us to have a metal detector. Is it possible to only use this piece of equipment for this individual customer? Test it before and after pack out (and document, of course). We only pack out for them once a month. Or would I have to use this for every customer and document the testing every pack out/changeover? Is it possible with it not being a CCP (and having an explanation why it is not) to do this?  

what type of product are you making

why is the customer wanting this?

is the customer worth the hassle and expense?

Thanks for your reply!

We make release agents for bakeries. 

The customer said that it is a new standard they are moving to.

Yes, the customer is 100% worth it. So if we have to document the metal detector testing for each pack out/changeover we will.  

Yes,

However, you will have to make adjustments to your processes hazard analysis, SOPs, etc. to reflect the inclusion of a metal detector to your process for this run.

Good afternoon Becca,

Is it possible to only use this piece of equipment for this individual customer?

Yes.

This one is kind is kind of tricky because the simple answer obfuscates some issues you might run into:

• Will this customer expect you to treat this as a CCP (or PC)?
• What will you do if the metal detector starts giving frequent false positives for metal?
  • Customer will expect you to stop the entire process, sequester material,  and wait until the unit can be repaired most likely. Make sure you are prepped for that.
• What happens if you are undergoing a customer audit from one of your other customers and they see the metal detector, ask about it, then realize you don't use it on their product?

You can manage your plan however you see fit!

If you've determined your product is low risk, you do not need to use the MD for everything---just that customer

However, you will demonstrate continuous improvement by using it always.

Does not have to be a CCP either (because it isn't really in your case anyway)

Make sure you have the technical manager visit your site BEFORE you pick one. different processes/environments/packaging work differently

Hi Tim,

I will have to reach out to the customer to better understand their specific request on this. I have been told by my corporate office that this customer (only one of their locations) now requires a metal detector. We did push back a bit as we have a closed system and very low risk for outside contaminants which is mitigated by the filtering.

We were told to go ahead and purchase the metal detector. As you can imagine, purchasing it was the easy part. I am now trying to figure out exactly how to implement this into my SQF system. I would prefer to not have to use it every pack out and changeover if it is not necessary. Thankfully, money to make the customer happy is not an issue for us.  

Our initial plans were to store it away except for the once a month (sometimes once every two months) that it would be needed. 

I am relatively new to the SQF world so I'm still trying to understand everything. I appreciate the help.  

Scampi,

Thank you for your reply. From reading the code and doing some research that was my understanding. As long as it is properly documented, I should be able to only use it for the one customer. 

You are right though, it would be good for continuous improvement.

Thankfully, money to make the customer happy is not an issue for us.  

Wowzers...

That is definitely something to be thankful for!

Tim,

I am very fortunate to work for a great company. 

Thanks for all your insight as well. I appreciate it.