Random BRC Compliance Questions
Who, in your facility, preforms Pre-Op inspections? (Production worker, super, QA/QC, etc.)
Who performs metal detection checks?
Do posters need to be controlled documents? or just dated?
I'm sure I'll have more questions later.
In our facility, QA manager does pre-ops. In their absence, production manager does it.
Metal detection checks are performed by trained staff members in relevant area.
What type of posters?
What type of posters?
GMP type posters. Hand washing, what is/isn't allowed in production, order of PPE.
We don't have them as controlled docs and no one has ever said anything. So your call...
Who, in your facility, preforms Pre-Op inspections? (Production worker, super, QA/QC, etc.)
It could be anyone. I think you will find that it can be a mix of quality, production operator, or supervisor depending on facility.
Who performs metal detection checks?
It could be anyone. I think you will find that it can be a mix of quality, production operator, or supervisor depending on facility.
Do posters need to be controlled documents? or just dated?
Neither are needed. They would normally not be a controlled document. there is also no need to date them.
I'm sure I'll have more questions later.
If they are company policy type documents or Food safety, quality culture type then they should be controlled, otherwise no date or controlled.
Pre-Op: sanitation team does 'pre' Pre-Op. QA Team members do final official Pre-Op before releasing the lines
Metal Detection: QA Team members conduct verification
Posters: we have them dated, but never been controlled; should be dated to ensure changes to programs are reflected in the posters; not been questioned by BRC auditors
Critical to the monitoring/verification is not the assigned department so much as who is trained/competent and not prone to data falsification to cover for themselves or their friends, or to make sure the line doesn't stop. A comprehensive food safety culture program addresses these concerns.
KTD
Edit: Just realized this was a BRC topic. I'm all SQF background so feel free to ignore but I'll leave my post in case it's helpful.
First plant I worked we required our "line leads" that were running the lines to perform the pre-op checklist and then get either myself (QA Supervisor) or the plant manager to sign off before starting the line or resuming the run from a previous shift. Metal detection tests were performed by line leads (all had our training on MD's). Issues reported to plant manager or QA supervisor. My various in-house made signs and posters were not controlled, but SOP did state they should not be hung or placed near feed hoppers for our equipment.
Plants I oversee now have a final sanitization check by the sanitation supervisor/manager, who hands the lines over to the production supervisors who perform a separate pre-op form which gets approved by a QA supervisor or manager prior to operations starting. MD tests are done by the QA teams. No clue what their programs state on posters or signage.
Hi Miss Frankie,
Pre-ops fall under clause 6.2.2 Documented checks of the production line shall be carried out before commencing production and following changes of product….etc.
BRC Guidance:
Line checks are usually the responsibility of the line manager or supervisor. Evidence that checks have been carried out (e.g. line check sheets) and guidelines on the checks to complete should be available.
A reliable senior operator with knowledge/training/experience would also be acceptable IMO.
MD Checks are referred to in Clause 4.10.3.3: The site shall establish and implement procedures for the operation and testing of the metal detection or X-ray equipment. This shall include, at a minimum:
Metal Detection again could be carried out by anyone with knowledge/training/experience including a reliable senior operator, the line manager or supervisor or a senior engineering technician but typically I have used QA for MD checks.
Note that BRC Guidance states:
The procedures will identify the individuals authorised to adjust the system as well as those responsible for completing system tests.
Note that clause 6.1.2 (equipment settings) applies to metal detectors and X-ray detectors, and good practice is to restrict the adjustment of the systems to a limited number of trained, authorised staff, to ensure that any changes are completed and documented correctly and in a controlled manner.
Normally I would only be allowing trained Senior Engineers/Maintenance staff to make those adjustments but it could be a Line Manager or Supervisor with the appropriate experience/knowledge.
Posters don’t typically need to be controlled but only authorised people should be putting them up after checking they actually reflect company policy.
Kind regards,
Tony
Hi ;)
Who, in your facility, preforms Pre-Op inspections? - Trained Section Leader
Who performs metal detection checks? - Trained team leaders
Do posters need to be controlled documents? or just dated? - none.
;)