BRCGS Issue 9 Changes - Part 3: The Food Safety and Quality Management System (R3)

Summary

This presentation outlines significant updates to the food safety and quality management system, specifically focusing on internal audits, supplier management, and incident management. Key changes include enhanced requirements for internal audits, the introduction of authenticity in supplier approvals, and the necessity for thorough root cause analysis following non-conformities. The importance of traceability aligned with legal standards and the management of non-conforming products have also been emphasized. These updates aim to strengthen compliance and ensure the effectiveness of food safety practices across organizations.

Takeaways

• 📋 The internal audits are fundamental and now include a requirement to demonstrate effective application of the food safety and quality management system.
• 🔍 The audit program must cover all activities related to food safety, authenticity, legality, and quality at least once per year.
• 📊 Non-conformity results must be summarized and reviewed during management meetings.
• ⚙️ Fabrication inspections are now required to consider both risks and any changes affecting food safety.
• 📝 Results from fabrication inspections must be communicated to the relevant personnel and include agreed-upon actions and timelines.
• 🛠️ Suppliers of raw materials must now also consider authenticity, ensuring a more comprehensive supplier management process.
• 👥 Product safety consultants are now included among the suppliers that need approval and monitoring.
• 🔄 A documented process for ongoing performance reviews of service suppliers is now required.
• 📦 The management of non-conforming products now explicitly includes the management of products returned to the site.
• 🔗 The traceability system must comply with legal requirements specific to the country of sale or use.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Requirement 3 in the food safety and quality management system?

Requirement 3 primarily focuses on internal audits, management of suppliers, and the control of non-conforming products within the food safety and quality management system.

What change was made to the statement of intent under Clause 3.4 regarding internal audits?

The statement of intent now includes that the company must demonstrate verification of the effective application of the food safety plan and the implementation of the global food safety standard and the site's food safety and quality management system.

How often must activities related to the food safety and quality systems be audited according to Clause 3.4.1?

All relevant activities must be audited at least once each year.

What new requirement was introduced under Clause 3.4.4 regarding fabrication inspections?

Fabrication inspections should be based not only on risk but also on any changes affecting food safety. Additionally, results must be reported to responsible personnel, and collective actions and timelines for implementation must be agreed upon and verified.

What significant term was added to Clause 3.5.1 concerning the management of suppliers?

The term 'authenticity' was added to emphasize its importance in managing suppliers of raw materials and packaging.

What is required in Clause 3.5.3.3 regarding the performance review of service suppliers?

There must be a documented process for ongoing performance review of suppliers of services based on risk and defined performance criteria.

How does Clause 3.7 emphasize the role of root cause analysis?

Clause 3.7 emphasizes that procedures must include the completion of root cause analysis and implementation of preventive actions whenever there is a failure in the food safety management system.

What new inclusion was made under Clause 3.8 regarding non-conforming products?

Procedures for managing non-conforming products must now also include the management of any products returned to the site.

What are the traceability requirements stated in Clause 3.9.1?

The traceability system must meet the legal requirements in the country of sale or use.

What additional information must be provided to the certification body under Clause 3.11 in the event of an incident?

The site must provide sufficient information regarding the incident's effect on the ongoing validity of the current certificate, including corrective action, root cause analysis, and preventive action within 21 calendar days.