5 replies to this topic

[BluePanda]

Good morning All,

 

I would like to get what everyone's take regarding verification of Traceability systems from suppliers of raw materials.

 

Does a supplier having an ISO 9001 accreditation enough for verification? 

 

Kind Regards,

[olenazh]

It's ok with us if our suppliers have either GFSI, or 3rd party audit cert, or completed questionnaire. ISO 9001 is not recognized by GFSI - however, I think it still could be acceptable.

[pHruit]

From your previous posts, I'm assuming you're looking at this from the perspective of BRC requirements?

If so, it's an outright "no" - the standard would require a traceability exercise at least every three years if the supplier isn't certified to one of the standards with GFSI recognition.

In general I don't think ISO9001 explicitly requires traceability of the type expected for food products, so even without the BRC requirement I'd expect to need to verify this separately.

[Duncan]

Recognition - MyGFSI This is a reference for all GFSI-recognised standards, so it's practical to consider any accreditation that does not appear here unsuitable for approval - so in the absence of a GFSI-recognised standard you would need to audit the supplier or (for low risk suppliers only) use questionnaires in combination with a documented risk assessment justifying that the supplier is low risk.

 

As a generalisation, I find it preferable to stick to suppliers with GSFI-benchmarked certification.

[Foodworker]

I have had several suppliers who are ISO9001 certified that do not understand traceability. Unfortunately some materials that are supplied do not come within the scope of GFSI Standards.so you have to use them.

 

They can normally do a backwards trace, but often have no concept of what forwards traceability is and if you say mass balance to them it is just a blank look.

 

If they are not GFSI you will need to set up your own test with them, explaining very clearly what you want to get out of it.

[Charles.C]

Good morning All,

 

I would like to get what everyone's take regarding verification of Traceability systems from suppliers of raw materials.

 

Does a supplier having an ISO 9001 accreditation enough for verification? 

 

Kind Regards,

Hi NHer,

 

Your type of business may be relevant ??.

 

Assuming you are referring to BRC8 for Food, clause 3.5.1.2, I suggest you study the relevant text plus acquire, if not already done, the BRC Interpretation Guidelines.

The IG amplify the above clause's quite detailed exposition of the options available for supplier approval with respect to alternative audit Standards etc.

 

Note that the risk assessment of raw material and supplier are both relevant to the possible choices of response style.