Approval & Verification of Traded Products
Aligned with FSSC 22000 – Requirements for Procurement and Control of Products and Services
Requirement Overview
FSSC 22000 requires that organizations sourcing and trading food products from external suppliers ensure these products meet all relevant food safety, legal, and quality requirements. Traded products—whether repackaged, relabeled, distributed, or stored—must undergo the same level of risk assessment, control, and verification as products produced on-site.
The standard requires documented processes for:
• Supplier approval and evaluation
• Risk assessment of traded products
• Ongoing verification of supplier performance
• Maintenance of product specifications and compliance records
Aligned with BRCGS for Storage & Distribution Issue 4 – Clause 4.3.1 & 4.3.3
Requirement Overview
BRCGS for Storage & Distribution requires that products moved via cross-docking are traceable and controlled at all times, even when they are not held in storage for extended periods.
Clause 4.3.1: “The company shall ensure that traceability is maintained at all stages, including during cross-docking operations.”
Clause 4.3.3: “Procedures shall be in place to ensure that all products handled, including those not stored on-site, remain under control and are not subject to contamination or substitution.”
Cross-docking operations must not compromise product traceability, safety, or integrity. Even with minimal handling and temporary presence, each product must be accurately identified, documented, and protected.
Key Compliance Objectives
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✓ Approve suppliers of traded products through documented procedures
✓ Conduct food safety, quality, and legal compliance checks
✓ Maintain full traceability and verification documentation
✓ Ensure consistent quality and risk control of all traded products
Step-by-Step Compliance Implementation
1. Establish Supplier Approval Criteria
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Approval Must Be Based On:
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• Risk assessment for each traded product
• Supplier certification to a recognized food safety scheme
• Review of HACCP plans, Certificates of Analysis (COAs), and product specifications
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Supplier approval procedure
• Risk assessment records per traded product
• Supplier certifications or audit summaries
- • Risk assessment for each traded product • Supplier certification to a recognized food safety scheme • Review of HACCP plans, Certificates of Analysis (COAs), and product specifications
- • Supplier approval procedure • Risk assessment records per traded product • Supplier certifications or audit summaries
2. Verify Ongoing Supplier Compliance
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Verification Methods May Include:
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• Supplier performance reviews and incident logs
• Product sampling or third-party testing
• Documented re-evaluation schedule
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Supplier monitoring and verification records
• Test results, complaints, or corrective actions
• Approved supplier list with review dates
- • Supplier performance reviews and incident logs • Product sampling or third-party testing • Documented re-evaluation schedule
- • Supplier monitoring and verification records • Test results, complaints, or corrective actions • Approved supplier list with review dates
3. Maintain Traded Product Specifications
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Specifications Must Include:
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• Ingredient and allergen details
• Packaging and labeling requirements
• Storage conditions and shelf life parameters
• Country-of-origin information
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Signed specifications from supplier
• Label verification and allergen checks
• Product conformance records
- • Ingredient and allergen details • Packaging and labeling requirements • Storage conditions and shelf life parameters • Country-of-origin information
- • Signed specifications from supplier • Label verification and allergen checks • Product conformance records
4. Ensure Legal & Food Safety Compliance
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Key Considerations:
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• Country-specific regulatory requirements
• Import/export documentation (if applicable)
• Emerging hazards and fraud vulnerabilities
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Regulatory compliance checklist
• Market-specific requirements log
• Food fraud vulnerability assessments (if applicable)
- • Country-specific regulatory requirements • Import/export documentation (if applicable) • Emerging hazards and fraud vulnerabilities
- • Regulatory compliance checklist • Market-specific requirements log • Food fraud vulnerability assessments (if applicable)
Common Audit Findings & Recommended Fixes
| Audit Finding | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| No documented supplier approval | Implement and follow a formal supplier approval process |
| No risk assessment for traded goods | Conduct and retain risk evaluations for all traded products |
| Outdated or missing product specifications | Review, sign, and update specifications regularly |
| Inadequate verification of supplier performance | Monitor performance and keep approved supplier list current |