High risk supplier approval

Hi all,

My question is in relation to BRCGS clause 3.7.2 and how to proceed with a high risk supplier.

I work in the cardboard packaging industry. For some of our customers, we actually buy in the cardboard from a sheetfeeding plant and convert it ourselves - So I have classed this particular supplier as high risk (they also do not have BRC or any GFSI accreditation).

Should I actually be visiting their plant to carry out an audit (I am trained!) or will a questionnaire suffice – providing that it includes product safety, traceability, HARA review and good manufacturing practices. The obstacle I have is that they are actually a competitor of ours and are reluctant for me to visit.

Thank you

The obstacle I have is that they are actually a competitor of ours and are reluctant for me to visit..........

 

Yes, that can be dicey.

 

I would suggest either your company orders up a 3rd party audit and your company pays for it or you split cost it with your supplier and they order up the audit and then they can take out (redact) the parts that are not food safety related and send it on to you.

Hi J.osh,

 

They certainly aren’t low risk and questionnaires are only appropriate for low risk suppliers. An audit or BRCGS/certification to an appropriate GFSI benchmarked standard is required. 

 

From BRCGS Guidance:

The acceptable methods of supplier approval will depend on the raw material and the risks associated with it and will include one or more of the following activities:

Certification to the relevant BRCGS scheme, such as the Global Standards for Packaging Materials; Storage and Distribution; Agents and Brokers; or another of the GFSI-benchmarked schemes……..

A supplier audit covering at a minimum product safety, traceability, hazard and risk analysis, and good manufacturing processes. Such an audit must be completed by an appropriately experienced and competent auditor………

The completion of a supplier questionnaire (with a focus on product safety and quality) where a risk assessment has indicated that a supplier is low risk (e.g. because of a history of trading with the site or the nature of the raw materials traded)…..

 

If they don't want you to visit for an audit then I would offer them 2 choices:

a. Get an appropriate certification

b. Get delisted

 

Kind regards,

 

Tony

Thank you both, that's clarification for me. I've laid out the options to the supplier, it looks like we'll be going down the route of sourcing a different supplier which, to be honest, will make my life a little bit easier :)