BRCGS 4.6.1 - What items are classed as equipment?
Hi
I am after some conformation on this section please.
I understand this section is for New equipment purchases which is fine however in the interpretation guidelines it mentions about a purchase specification for scoops.
Does this mean we need a purchase spec for gloves, cleaning equipment, belts, knives etc etc.....
Thanks
Scoops typically come into contact with food, so they need to meet the legal requirements for limits on contaminants and migration of compounds that are not allowed in your product. The same applies to machinery, conveyer belts, knives, etc.
Having a specification on file is good practice anyway, as it helps ensure you get the product you ordered and don't get surprised by contaminants you didn't ask about .
Hi Thanks for replying....
I have specs for the products i.e. gloves etc but the standard says a documented purchase spec is required for any new equipment detailing the site requirements for the equipment before purchase.
So I am assuming I need to write a spec for everything detailing the compliance required before purchase.
If the product specs you have already cover all the information you need for compliance, you don't need to write separate purchasing specs.
The specs you have already cover that need in that case, but you need to make sure ALL legally required information is listed.
OK i see now the Penny has dropped......
So basically all i need to do is make sure we get the spec first before purchase like I did in Version 8.
:sleazy:
Thanks
Yes, and I would add a control step that someone checks that the goods delivered actually match the agreed upon spec.
It wouldn't be the first time that someone accidentally delivered the wrong product by mistake.
Things like gloves etc- just need a spec. But with new machinery -the idea is to assess with a multidisciplinary team-
-safety (you and product)
-ease of cleaning,
-cleaning mechanisms and rountines, suitability for food contact (enter spec)
-risks for Foreign object contamination, -
-maintenance requirements,
-calibration requirements
-etc etc.
The cleaning should be validated..
Not sure I have everything but the idea is really to make sure you don't introduce new risks due to equipment not being commissioned properly.
Sorry just went through the thread and realised I misread the question.
You do need a declaration of compliance on scoops as they are food contact. 😊
OK i see now the Penny has dropped......
So basically all i need to do is make sure we get the spec first before purchase like I did in Version 8.
:sleazy:
Thanks
Hi astro,
That helps, if you are already doing that and the specifications are in sufficient details and contain the required information.
The equipment purchase specification requirement is new in Issue 9: There shall be a documented purchase specification for any new equipment detailing the site requirements for the equipment ....... including details of intended use.
Also, when considering intended use, you may also want to confirm intended method of cleaning the equipment.
In addition to that specification you will want to ask the supplier for evidence that equipment meets these site requirements prior to supply, such as migration certificates for plastic scoops in contact with food.
Kind regards,
Tony
AJL does make a good point. The standard requires a purchase specification, but also risk-based analysis.
You're likely to require more than just the specification, for example you could also need migration reports for certain items.