Control of Quantity (Weight/Volume)

Aligned with FSSC 22000 – ISO/TS 22002-1:2009 Clause 8.3 and ISO 22000:2018 Clause 8.5.1

Requirement Overview

Under FSSC 22000, organizations must implement controls to ensure that declared product quantities (weight or volume) are accurate, comply with legal metrology requirements, and meet customer specifications.

Relevant requirements include:

• ISO/TS 22002-1 Clause 8.3 (Quantity, Weight, and Volume Control): Requires documented procedures to ensure net content accuracy and compliance with legal and customer standards.

• ISO 22000:2018 Clause 8.5.1 (Control of Production and Service Provision): Requires monitoring and verification of processes to ensure products meet defined requirements.

Accurate fill control protects regulatory compliance, prevents underfilling, reduces overfilling losses, and supports consumer trust.

Step-by-Step Compliance Implementation

1. Establish Quantity Control Procedures

  • Procedures Should Include:

    • Target weight/volume per SKU with defined tolerances

      Legal and customer-specific requirements for quantity accuracy

      Verification methods and frequency for each production run

    Evidence to Maintain:

    • Documented Quantity Control SOP)

      Target and tolerance specifications for each product

      Verification protocols and schedules

2. Calibrate and Maintain Equipment

  • Equipment Must Be:

    • Calibrated at defined intervals by qualified personnel

      Maintained to prevent measurement drift or dispensing errors

      Labeled with calibration and maintenance status

    Evidence to Maintain:

    • Calibration certificates and service reports

      Preventive maintenance logs

      Equipment identification and calibration status labels

3. Conduct Regular Checks During Production

  • Checks Should Cover:

    • Random in-process weight/volume checks by batch, lot, or shift

      Statistical sampling where applicable (e.g., control charts)

      Defined actions for out-of-spec results (e.g., product hold, equipment inspection)

    Evidence to Maintain:

    • In-process quantity check logs

      Non-conformance records for deviations

      Corrective action reports and equipment adjustment records

4. Train and Authorize Personnel

  • Personnel Should:

    • Understand the importance of quantity control for compliance and consumer trust

      Be trained to operate equipment, conduct checks, and interpret results

      Be authorized to adjust settings or escalate issues as needed

    Evidence to Maintain:

    • Training records for production and quality staff

      Authorization matrix for equipment adjustments and decision-making

5. Review, Trend, and Improve

  • Analysis Activities Include:

    • Trending overfills, underfills, and equipment deviations

      Reviewing customer complaints or regulatory findings related to quantity

      Updating procedures and tolerances based on performance and risk assessments

    Evidence to Maintain:

    • Quantity control trend and analysis reports

      Management review minutes with improvement actions

      Revised SOPs and work instructions

Common Audit Findings & Recommended Fixes

Audit Finding Recommended Action
No documented quantity control process Develop and implement a Quantity Control SOP with targets and tolerances
Inaccurate weighing or dispensing equipment Calibrate and verify equipment at defined intervals
Missing in-process quantity checks Conduct and document checks throughout production runs
Untrained operators adjusting equipment Provide structured training and documented authorization

Auditor Verification Checklist (FSSC Context)

During an FSSC 22000 audit, expect to present:

  • Quantity control procedures and product-specific tolerances

    Calibration certificates and maintenance records

    In-process verification and non-conformance records

    Training documentation and authorization matrices

Implementation Roadmap

Build the Framework

  • Document a quantity control procedure

    Define legal and customer-specific requirements

Execute and Monitor

  • Calibrate and maintain weighing/dispensing equipment

    Perform and record regular in-process checks

Analyze and Improve

  • Review quantity trends and non-conformance data

    Implement corrective and preventive actions

Train and Empower

  • Train operators on procedures and equipment use

    Authorize key personnel to make adjustments and escalations

Why This Matters?

  • Ensures compliance with labeling and metrology regulations

    Reduces consumer complaints and regulatory risks

    Minimizes product giveaway and operational costs

    Demonstrates strong process control and food safety integrity

Support Tools Available

Food Safety Systems provides:

  • Quantity control SOP templates aligned with FSSC 22000

    Fill weight/volume check logs

    Calibration and preventive maintenance record templates

    Training guides for operators and QA personnel