10 replies to this topic

[Cheese89]

Hello folks,

 

I need some advice on a situation with one of our customers. They brought in cheese packaging containers from their facility and requested that we do not foam the containers but instead just sanitize them before packing the feta cheese. They also sent us an email confirmation stating that labeling is conducted in a 100% sanitized environment. Should I request any documentation from them since they specifically asked us not to foam the containers and only sanitize them?

[Scampi]

Your customer sounds suspect

Get all the documentation you can

 

Why are they so concerned about labelling in a sanitized environment---that's an impossibility unless you have a clean room

[Cheese89]

Thank you!

 

Should I be asking them for the following documentation: Labeling Process Confirmation, Quality Control or Inspection Reports, Food Safety and Hygiene Compliance Documents, Cleaning and Sanitizing Certifications, and Sanitation Protocols or Procedures?

[Scampi]

are you talking about the large 600lb containers?  or small retail units?

[Cheese89]

small retail units

[Scampi]

you make the cheese, they supply the tubs?

 

are they also a cheese maker?   If so, I'd be asking for the full HACCP plan as well as the most recent inspection report(s)

[Cheese89]

Yes, that's correct. They are our customers to whom we sell the product, and they send us the tubs used for packaging cheese.

 

Since the customer follows kosher guidelines, they do not accept our containers. Instead, they provide their own containers and have requested that we do not foam them, as mentioned in the previous conversation.

[Scampi]

ah, I've got it now

 

I would ask for their supplier approval for the tubs, general GMPS and storage procedures

 

Make sure that you have it in writing for both parties, ideally your GM should manage the specifics of the contract

 

I'm assuming the concern is that the foaming agent isn't kosher certified

[Cheese89]

Yes, that's the reason they don't accept the foaming.

[Scampi]

if this customer is worth it (and you shelf life will benefit from it) it may be worth getting a kosher approved foaming agent in .....

[kingstudruler1]

You are not kosher certifed and their Rabbi is ok with that?  Just not the foaming agent or tubs

 

or is it not certified, but "follow"  

 

what makes your tub non kosher?