Segregation of Raw Material and Finished Products

Hi,

Our company is looking to establish a new storage area onsite.

I am wondering if BRC or SQF require a separate storage areas for Raw Materials (Vegetables) and Finished Goods?

Both are Chilled and there is no risk of Allergen Contamination.

Thanks

Hi,

 

Our company is looking to establish a new storage area onsite.

 

I am wondering if BRC or SQF require a separate storage areas for Raw Materials (Vegetables) and Finished Goods?

Both are Chilled and there is no risk of Allergen Contamination.

 

Thanks

Which vegetables ? What kind of "Finished Goods" ?

How are the raw materials packed ?

Are any of the items intrinsically allergenic ?

PS - Welcome to the Forum ! :welcome:

Hi,

Mostly Sweet Potatoes and Beetroots. And Finished goods a Sealed in Pouch Acidified Products. 

Raw Materials are in Bulk Bins/Octobins.

None are Intrinsically allergenic.

Thanks

Hi,

 

Our company is looking to establish a new storage area onsite.

 

I am wondering if BRC or SQF require a separate storage areas for Raw Materials (Vegetables) and Finished Goods?

Both are Chilled and there is no risk of Allergen Contamination.

 

Thanks

I only deal with SQF, can't help with BRC but here goes...

It depends on what your finished product is, how it is packaged, etc.  Allergens present in product and possibly packaging, etc.

In general separation is required, a sep. room is great, if not practical however separation by some other means, so there is no comingling.

Risk analysis is normally undertaken to determine best course.

Hi Adam,

:welcome:

Welcome to the IFSQN forums.

In an ideal world, you would have separate storage areas. Based on your posts it would seem that the risk of cross-contamination will be minimal and segregated areas would be acceptable.

If you do go down the route of segregated storage in the same storage area, I would also consider environmental monitoring. If vegetables (raw materials) are soiled & possibly contaminated with pathogens, is this contained or are they liable to contaminate the area?

The requirements of BRC and SQF are:

BRC Requirements

4.15 Storage Facilities

4.15.1 Procedures to maintain product safety and quality during storage shall be developed on the basis of risk assessment, understood by relevant staff and implemented accordingly.

Considerations:

Segregation of products where necessary to avoid cross-contamination (physical, microbiological or allergens) or taint uptake

Storing materials off the floor and away from walls

Specific handling or stacking requirements to prevent product damage

What the SQF Code says

11.6.1 Storage and Handling of Goods

11.6.1.1 The site shall document and implement an effective storage plan that allows for the safe, hygienic storage of raw materials (i.e., frozen, chilled, and ambient), ingredients, packaging materials, equipment, and chemicals.

Kind regards,

Tony

Hi,

 

Our company is looking to establish a new storage area onsite.

 

I am wondering if BRC or SQF require a separate storage areas for Raw Materials (Vegetables) and Finished Goods?

Both are Chilled and there is no risk of Allergen Contamination.

 

Thanks

Thks yr details Post 3.

As per Post5, the 2 Standards do not prohibit co-located storage of raw materials/finished products.

I assume the finished goods are packed in master cartons.

If there are (1) validatably no allergenic considerations involved and (2) the bulk bins are utilised in a fashion such that you can validate there is no risk of BPC cross-contamination, I personally see no fundamental problem.although it would be logical to geographically separate the 2 items.

In practice, IMEX, contamination issues often do arise due to the specific handling/utilisation of stored bulk materials.

Thank you for your prompt replies.

The information helped solidify what i already thought.