7 replies to this topic

[AmberB]

My company is going through it's first SQF Audit next month. We recently hired a consultant to come and do a mock audit. One of the items he recommended was a letter stating what our approved chemicals are and have that signed by upper management.

 

Has anyone heard of this? If so do you have a template that I could copy?

 

We have all documentation and records from our chemical supplier on file and in a binder.

 

Thank you for the help.

[nwilson]

I haven't heard of needing a official letter to state what your approved chemicals are.  Always used a chemical register, singled out what was food grade and what was not, and what was used for sanitation.  Annual review of 11.2 & 11.6 should cover the upper management aspect of sign off.   Adding the chemical to your list and maintaining records is part of the approval process.  As long as you have a system for bringing in a new chemical that the whole site is following you should be all set.  

 

11.2.5.2  Detergents and sanitizers shall be suitable for use in a food manufacturing environment, labeled according to regulatory requirements, and purchased in accordance with applicable legislation. The organization shall ensure:
i. The site maintains a list of chemicals approved for use;
ii. An inventory of all purchased and used chemicals is maintained;
iii. Detergents and sanitizers are stored as outlined in element 11.6.4;
iv. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are provided for all detergents and sanitizers purchased; and
v. Only trained staff handle sanitizers and detergents. 11.6.4.1 Hazardous chemicals and toxic substances with the potential for food contamination shall be:
i. Clearly labeled, identifying and matching the contents of their containers;
ii. Included in a current register of all hazardous chemicals and toxic substances that are stored on-site; and
iii. Supplemented with current Safety Data Sheets (SDS) made available to all staff.

[kingstudruler1]

I agree with the register above.  Letter is probably just a bad / confusing language.    

 

Its not really spelled out in sqfi code, but its not a bad ida to have a process or procedure for approving chemicals.   It is a requirement for other standards. 

 

You dont want joe blow buying soap with walnut shells in, etc .   

 

Something simple to make sure you have the where it is to be used (GF / non FG),  SDS, labels, approved for food use statements as needed, absence of allergens statments as needed, cleaning validations as needed, etc.  

[AmberB]

Thank you, We do have a all of the above in multiple policies and procedures, and posted in multiple different departments. 

[SQFconsultant]

Hi,

 

Reference to 11.2.4.2 - Pest Contractors....

 

iii - Use only approved chemicals.

 

Yes, you need a list of "approved chemicals"

 

We simply list out ALL chemicals (not just detergents and sanitizers) used in the facility - normally verified and signed off by the SQF Practitioner and/or RISK department.

 

Really no such thing as an official letter, it's just a list.

 

We keep the list showing the PCO types in the PCO binder and back-up of course.

[MDaleDDF]

I would also have a work instruction that contains how they're approved.   For example, our HACCP team has to approve any new chemicals, ingredients, equipment, etc.   Just have it in the system somewhere that that's the deal.   There's a  million places you could put it, as long as it's stated, you know where to find it, and in your HACCP meeting minutes and agenda you show it's been discussed and approved.

[Abdullah G]

Just obtain a letter from your HR d stating that the top management has given you the permission to obtain the chemicals with list of chemicals mentioned and request your supplier to give you approval of the chemical given by the governing authorities. Usually they will ask for CIP, boiler and cleaning chemicals. 

[MBolanos]

The letters of guarantee from the chemical vendor stating each chemical are approved for food processing is also helpful.

 

There are states and counties that ask for an approval letter for chemicals within their jurisdiction, but these are chemicals having to do with environmental and local wastewater purposes and usually ask for size of containers bought stored or what chemicals are allowed to go into the drain etc.

 

Some large corporations do have a written and required chemical Approval procedure documented but not for GFSI purposes.