11 replies to this topic

[FSQAManager2025]

So, I've been working on my Supplier Approval program and making sure that everything we purchase is from approved suppliers. However, I was wondering about some of the things that we purchase from places like Walmart, CO-OP, etc. Can I approve the product itself instead of the supplier? For instance, if I get the SDS sheets, allergen statements, etc.? Thanks in advance! 

[Scampi]

it's frowned upon, as it's SUPPLIER APPROVAL and not just material approvals

 

make sure your program is clear on what you're going to do, and it should be ok, depending on the materials in question

[TimG]

Are these raw materials, ingredients, packaging, or services? Not sure how BRC handles it, but SQF calls those things out for supplier approval. In my supplier approval program, I do mention other low risk suppliers (Zorro, grainger, Airgas, etc.) and give a general blurb of what is typically purchased from them. And for chemicals will say 'see chemical approval' which is listed separately.

Like I said, this is SQF..might be different than your BRC.

[jfrey123]

If the material you're buying has any impact on food safety, it should not be purchased through basic retailers.  You have no downstream traceability in the event of a recall and cannot control how the item was handled prior to you grabbing it.

[Ishau]

Yes you can achieve this. There are some smaller manufacturers that do this who cannot order some of their raw materials in sufficient quantities from a supplier, so they go through a retailer instead.

Approve those products through clause 3.5.1.7 and make sure to define what your criteria for testing is.

[SHQuality]

You need to do supplier approval to make sure the supplier recognizes, minimizes and addresses risks, but you also need to ensure the products you receive work for the intended purpose and is of a consistent and good quality.

[GMO]

I would never do this. Sorry. I'd be looking at where else I could buy from. In the UK there is Booker for B2B which I'd use instead for example.

 

You have no trace nor knowledge of supplier site so how can you really know risk? If there was a withdrawal you might not be informed? The supplier and retailer has no knowledge of how you will be using whatever ingredients you're buying which may add shelf life. So for example, say you were cooking something into a sauce which was shelf stable, it might add a year onto the life. In the event of a recall incident but the product is out of life, a retailer will not be expecting their ingredient to be within a product still sold on the shelf for another year.

 

Oh please seek alternatives...

[jfrey123]

Yes you can achieve this. There are some smaller manufacturers that do this who cannot order some of their raw materials in sufficient quantities from a supplier, so they go through a retailer instead.

Approve those products through clause 3.5.1.7 and make sure to define what your criteria for testing is.

 

Which code are you under that uses Module 3?  I've never seen it referenced in either the Distribution or Food Manufacturing codes where I normally live, and I can't spot which code utilizes Module 3 after poking through a handful of them.

[SHQuality]

Which code are you under that uses Module 3?  I've never seen it referenced in either the Distribution or Food Manufacturing codes where I normally live, and I can't spot which code utilizes Module 3 after poking through a handful of them.

I'm not sure I understand you. No one referred to a "Module 3" before you did.

Clause 3.5.1.7 refers to a specific supplier approval requirement in the BRCGS Food Manufacturing Standard.

[FSQAManager2025]

Are these raw materials, ingredients, packaging, or services? Not sure how BRC handles it, but SQF calls those things out for supplier approval. In my supplier approval program, I do mention other low risk suppliers (Zorro, grainger, Airgas, etc.) and give a general blurb of what is typically purchased from them. And for chemicals will say 'see chemical approval' which is listed separately.

Like I said, this is SQF..might be different than your BRC.

 

I am specifically referring to maintenance materials. Such as lubricants and oils, food grade and non-food grade. 

[SHQuality]

I am specifically referring to maintenance materials. Such as lubricants and oils, food grade and non-food grade. 

The first question that comes to mind is "How do you prevent food-safe lubricants and oils and non-food grade ones from being mixed up and getting used incorrectly?"

 

The maintenance materials pose a food safety risk unless you have a procedure that manages said risks. Are the oils and lubricants on a chemical register? Have you implemented color-coding or something else to avoid someone mistakenly using the wrong material? Have you reduced the use of non-food safe oils and lubricants to an absolute minimum to limit their risk?

[GMO]

Ah so lubricants? I was imaging ingredients.

 

Seriously, why are you buying from Walmart et al? You can buy small quantities of lubricants from suppliers who will issue you with confirmation they are suitable for food contact etc. I assume you're in the US as you referenced Walmart and I don't know the companies you have there but it's easy to buy from people like RS components or directly from manufacturers in the UK presumably you can too.

 

If you REALLY want to go down that line you might be able to find technical data sheets online but I just don't know why you're making life hard for yourself if I'm honest?