Hi Norma,
You do not need to do your traceability and recall tests 4 times a year each, I would reduce that to a couple of times a year unless you are picking up issues.
Also, the traceability test can be done as part of the recall test providing you are conducting a full traceability in your recall test (for example, from supplier/raw materials to finished packaging & customer not just tracing finished packaging to customer).
So, if your audits, systems and previous tests are showing no issues with recall or traceability then I would reduce your number of tests from 8 in total to 2 recall tests per year but ensure that you include full traceability in the recall tests.
Relevant BRCGS Global Standard for Packaging Materials Issue 6 requirements and guidance are outlined below:
3.11.4
The traceability procedure and system shall be tested at a predetermined frequency, at least annually, ….
3.13.7
The product withdrawal procedure shall be tested, at least annually, …..
3.13.7 Interpretation
The test of the withdrawal procedure must include verification of the decision-making process, traceability of raw materials through to finished product, verification of contact details and timings of key activities.
Kind regards,
Tony