Charles,
Thank you for your response. I hope I can simplify a little more. I apologize for the confusion.
We received a tote of Frozen Broccoli from our Supplier. Tote was fully identified except it had an additional tag saying allergen. The product (Tote) was placed "On Hold" ;however, with this tote, there was 15 more totes that came in the same trailer and all their Identification seemed to be an order. The vendor is not telling us what kind of Allergen was in the tote prior to the Broccoli and if the other 15 totes were used to ship Allegenenic Product.
Could this tote be potentially cross contamnated?
Is testing the product a prudent step to make sure the broccoli is not cross contminated with an allergen?
What About the rest of the cargo or load? Should we test the rest of the load that came with the tote as well to make sure the rest of the load is not cross contaminated?
If the testing proves negative, Will it be prudent to use the product? or Send it back to the Supplier and let them prove to us the product is safe.
If you can share any thoughts, it will be greatly appreciated.
Dear Kellio,
Thks for the clarification.
Is it a common occurrence for these totes to be used for “anything” ? and labeled with comments like “allergen”? Offhand, it could mean literally anything to me.
Must admit I have very limited experience with Broccoli, or fresh vegetables in general.
I deduce that “allergen” is a typical hazard in this raw material (http://www.pollenlib...GENUS/Brassica/ )
But I daresay not required to be (legislatorily) involved with product labeling in yr locality ?
Are other cross-contamination vegetable (?) allergens (or above one) a known problem in yr business ?
How about the contractual raw material product specification, if any ? Yr customer specification ?
My response would be related to knowledge - experience with this product / supplier / customer / business etc.
Eg if I had never worked with this supplier before, had sufficient supply of equally acceptable quality material from other suppliers with no subsequent problems and at an equivalent cost; a lack of willingness to communicate as you mention would simply prompt a lot rejection. And particularly if you have already experienced specific problems over “allergens”.
Hope this is slightly useful. Other vegetable users here may have more direct input.
Rgds / Charles.C