SQF 2.3.3 Contract Service Providers for DC's (Dist.Centres)

An SQF/FSMA Question. If I have frozen product coming into the US from Canadian, European and South American Countries that go to a cold storage distribution center and then straight to the customer (Not processed in US), what due diligence must I do to comply with legislation, Food Safety, traceability, GFSI standards?

From a traceability standpoint, SQF code says you need to be able to track it 1 up and 1 back. See below

2.6.2.1 The responsibility and methods used to trace product shall be documented and implemented to ensure:

i. Finished product is traceable to the customer (one up) and provides traceability through the process to the supplier and date of receipt of raw materials, food contact packaging and materials and other inputs (one back);

ii. Traceability is maintained where product is reworked; and

iii. The effectiveness of the product trace system shall be tested at least annually.

An SQF/FISMA Question. If I have frozen product coming into the US from Canadian, European and South American Countries that go to a cold storage distribution center and then straight to the customer (Not processed in US), what due diligence must I do to comply with legislation, Food Safety, traceability, GFSI standards?

= Federal Information Security Management Act

Really ?

Rgds / Charles.C

One too many letters there...FSMA = Food Safety Modernization Act. Pardon the Type-O

One too many letters there...FSMA = Food Safety Modernization Act. Pardon the Type-O

Aah - So !

Thanks&Rgds / Charles.C

An SQF/FSMA Question. If I have frozen product coming into the US from Canadian, European and South American Countries that go to a cold storage distribution center and then straight to the customer (Not processed in US), what due diligence must I do to comply with legislation, Food Safety, traceability, GFSI standards?

That is a HUGE question!   Compliance with legislation, Food Safety, Traceability and GFSI standards are huge subjects one must have expertise in.

Just off the cuff for starters:

#1 What do your customers expect/require? 

#2 Know your suppliers and risk asses them to put controls in place to reduce exposure (i.e. - not all frozen foods are the same in terms of risk as to how they were previously processed and transported)

#3 Keep up with the ever changing FSMA rules. 

-Baron

Yes I know it's a big question, hence why I had to ask since all the experts are on here. I thought for sure I would get some sort of input from Charles C. I'm trying to cut down on the amount of travel I have to do and was wondering if a HACCP cert. is suffice, along with a BOL with proof that they do check temps upon receipt.

1. Customers don't ask for anything (I'm being proactive).

2. Risk/Control would be temperature

3. Attempting to keep up with the ever changing FSMA rules

An SQF/FSMA Question. If I have frozen product coming into the US from Canadian, European and South American Countries that go to a cold storage distribution center and then straight to the customer (Not processed in US), what due diligence must I do to comply with legislation, Food Safety, traceability, GFSI standards?

Hi RG3,

Seems more of a supplier assurance issue if it is not your distribution center (assuming that you are already doing the necessary due diligence regarding the products and suppliers of) the cold storage distribution center needs to be part of the approved supplier program as per SQF Code 2.4.5 Incoming Goods and Services.

N.B. 2.4.5 Implementation Guidance - This element links with 2.3.2, which defines specifications for raw and packaging materials and 2.3.3, which defines specifications for contract service providers.
 

Regards,

Tony

Basically your warehouse provider has to prove to you that they have an SQF type program or equivalent in place that adequately controls the food safety and quality risks that may occur.