MSG - Soya or Not?

Hi,

I've been reviewing the Supplier Management Systems - I have requested a specification for MSG from the supplier as it was missing from the folder. A week later I am still waiting for an up to date spec ........!

My worry is the source of MSG - I am aware that one of the main sources is Soya Beans. Soya is a recognised allergen in the UK - I fear the 'undeclared allergen' situation. 

Am I being overly paranoid? - I feel that without a specification I cannot rule out this risk - but the supplier isn't being very helpful!

Hi,

 

I've been reviewing the Supplier Management Systems - I have requested a specification for MSG from the supplier as it was missing from the folder. A week later I am still waiting for an up to date spec ........!

 

My worry is the source of MSG - I am aware that one of the main sources is Soya Beans. Soya is a recognised allergen in the UK - I fear the 'undeclared allergen' situation. 

 

Am I being overly paranoid? - I feel that without a specification I cannot rule out this risk - but the supplier isn't being very helpful!

Hi Dee,

It is usual to refrain from buying a Product in the absence of a specification.

If you already have material which you consider may be suspect, I suggest you evaluate it accordingly.

Hi Dee70; You may want to re-evaluate your Supplier Approval program as it definitely has some gaps. Prior to purchasing materials, you should do supplier assessment which must include their guarantee to comply with related regulations and provide all necessary information. Otherwise, dealing with this sort of suppliers looks like buying a cat in the sack. Under given circumstances, I don't think you could use that MSG without knowing its source: guessing is not a good strategy...

Thank you for your replies and for confirming my fears - I've actually been brought in to review the document - whoever originally wrote it made a proper mess of it! The production of products containing the potential allergen have now been suspended at my request. This is something I flagged up as an accident waiting to happen. I agree with your comments - not having a spec is a precarious state of affairs indeed! I'm still trying to obtain one but to no avail! 

If you have a fear and they will not be cooperative - find a new supplier.

Their non response makes no sense either.   If I asked any of my suppliers for something as simple as a spec sheet, it would be given to me within the hour, next day absolute latest.    This should not be a big deal to obtain.    I agree with Glenn, find a new supplier.