GUIDELINES FOR IMPLEMTING GMP IN FOOD PROCESSING
2.Storage Facilities
2.1 Use of off site facilities - are they controlled
2.1.1 Where the manufacturer commissions the services of (or contracts to) off site facilities e.g,airport
coldroom,for storage purposes,which are directly related to the handling of his products,he must be
satisfied that the facility used is well organised,clean and capable of providing the service,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Contract Review
Audit Review
Conformance to agreed standards within contracts
Audit schedule and reports for storage and suppliers etc,
2.1.2 Whether raw materials,work in progress materials,finished product,equipment or packaging are
stored off site,the responsibility of the off site facility must be clearly identified and adhered to at all
times,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Product Identification and
Traceability
Records of product identification
Clear labelling system to enable traceability through records
2.1.3 The same principles apply to the hygienic control and housekeeping of off site facilities,as in-house
facilities,There should be access around all stored items to effectively implement cleaning,pest
control and maintenance,In cases where temperature control and humidity are important to the
product,storage layout must be well controlled to ensure good ventilation,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Factory plan and layout Compliance to safety and requirements of cleaning,production and process
are achieved through effective implementation and records for each activity –
pest,cleaning,product activity and ventilation
2.1.4 The manufacturer should make provision to vet the off site storage facility prior to commencing the
contract,and at regular intervals thereafter,Formalised reports of the vetting inspections should be
forwarded to the off site facility with any recommendations for corrective action and a photocopy held
on file in-house,This also applies to vehicles used,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
External Audit and Contract
Review
Audit Reports for storage requirement assessment
Identification of corrective actions and evidence that they are being actioned
Agreements in contractual obligations
2.2 Adequate segregation and storage disciplines
2.2.1 It is recommended that all materials should be stored off the floor on clean pallets at least 20cm
away from the wall to facilitate adequate cleaning,pest control and product ventilation,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Storage,Handling and
Packaging
Conformance to procedure
Cleaning records and pest control activity monitored and frequent
2.2.2 It is recommended that stacking of pallets of raw materials or finished product is in a controlled
manner to prevent the damage risk and or cross contaminaiton through encouragement of pests
through product leakage,spillage and taint (particularly sacked product),
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Storage,Handling and
Packaging
Product Traceability
Conformance to procedure
First In First Out Stock rotation policy in operation with records
2.2.3 Incoming materials,work in progress and finished product must be clearly identified and stored in
separate designated areas of the factory,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Identification and
Traceability of Product
Records of incoming goods and outgoing finished products are maintained
and product is traceable through the system
2.2.4 Incompatible materials must be completely segregated e.g,aromatic cleaning materials,incoming
and finished products,to prevent the risk of cross contamination,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Product Handling,Storage
and Packaging
Storage records and segregation of product to meet minimum food safety
requirements
2.2.5 Packaging materials should be stored in a separate area which is dust free and pest proofed with the
same detail as other areas of the factory,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Packaging Materials Records of packaging suppliers and storage of product in clean environment
2.2.6 Non food chemicals such as cleaning compounds and agricultural chemicals,should be stored in
separate,secure areas,together with their associated application equipment,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Storage of Non-food
material
Location of storage facility within the factory
Separation of possible ‘lethal’ combinations
Assigned responsibility
2.2.7 The quality manager should complete a verification e.g,approved,correct type,amount,and
container,of relevant chemicals to be brought on site,Appropriate measures can then be taken to
ensure the safe use and storage of them in compliance with relevant legislation,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Risk Assessment Criteria Risk Assessment Criteria established for evaluation of chemicals
Identification of measures to ensure safe use and storage
Assigned by responsible company member
2.2.8 Where non-food chemicals are decanted into containers for use,the containers must be clearly and
unmistakably identified with their contents,If possible,they should be colour coded and dedicated to
that sole use,Old or redundant food ingredient containers are strictly forbidden for this purpose,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Product Identification and
Traceability
Identification of containers,whatever their use,by clearly labelled and where
also possible by colour coding,including on-site information completed on
relevant records
2.3 Sealed/proofed loading areas
2.3.1 All loading areas should be sealed and proofed against pests and birds to prevent contamination of
product packaging during the loading operation,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Incoming and Outgoing
Materials
Housekeeping Methods
Site Maintenance and
Inspection
Records for all incoming and outgoing product
Ensure trained and responsible staff ensure suitable pest proofing in place
Records of inspections and maintenance available to demonstrate
housekeeping methods in control
2.3.2 In the case of chilled or frozen products,where temperature control is a critical factor in food
preservation,loading of delivery vehicles must take place through sealed docks,from a temperature
controlled environment,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Transport and Delivery of
Products to and from site
Temperature Control Records
Evidence to ensure freshness and quality of product on arrival and out of
factory
2.3.3 All loading areas must be kept clean,tidy and well maintained to discourage pest ingress,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Transport and Delivery
Loading Bays
Cleaning Schedule
Pest ingress and completion of housekeeping records
In-coming / Outgoing product assessment
Cleaning Records
2.3.4 Fork lift trucks used within storage and loading areas should be battery driven to prevent fume
contamination,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Maintenance and Inspection
Design Specification
Maintenance and Inspection Schedules with records of repair
Design criteria met to meet Health & Safety Requirement and prevent fume
contamination
2.4 Separation/separate finished goods facilities
2.4.1 Packed finished product should be checked and approved by the Quality Assurance department prior
to releasing to the finished goods storage facility,It must be clearly labelled,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Finished / Final Product Product identification and quality records
HACCP Records
Non-conformance and corrective action reports
2.4.2 Approved batches of finished product should be stored in separate areas,under the appropriate
conditions of temperature and as agreed in the finished product specification,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Handling,Storage and
Packaging
Traceability and Identification of finished and raw products
Temperature Records
Finished Product Specifications
2.4.3 Intermediate storage must be provided where delays in the process are unavoidable (e.g,through line
stoppage,equipment breakdown)
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Storage
Equipment maintenance
and process control
Temperature Control
Process Control Records
Maintenance and Inspection records
2.4.4 Defective batches of finished product which do not meet the required specification should be
quarantined,labelled clearly and held in a specific area pending investigation,to avoid their accidental
use,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Finished Product
Quality Audit Review
Identification and
Traceability
Quarantine Procedure
Product Specifications
Internal Audit Review and HACCP records
Non-conformance / corrective actions and preventative measures
Product labelling and coding with records
Storage in appropriate areas and stores
2.4.5 The company must demonstrate a strict regime on quarantined stock which,is either to be reworked,
or disposed of,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Quarantine Procedure Policy for quarantine and records of management of quarantined product
with appropriate disposal records
2.4.6 If a batch of approved finished product is temporarily stored unlabelled,to be labelled and coded at a
later date,extreme care must be taken in guaranteeing its exact identity,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Product Identification and
Traceability
Records of product and batch
Coding and labelling system in place
2.5 Segregation of returned or damaged goods
2.5.1 Batches of finished product which,have been recalled or returned,should be so identified and
physically segregated,preferably in an entirely different storage facility,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Finished Product
Returned Product
Product Specifications
Product Identification and Traceability
Storage Conditions
Storage / Disposal Procedures
Audit Revi ew procedure
2.5.2 Damaged goods should be stored in a designated area of the warehouse as they occur or are
discovered,Extreme care must be taken not to expose other products within the storage facility to
contamination or infestation,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Product Specifications
Handling,Storage and
Packaging
Inspection and Maintenance of Storage facility
Storage conditions and records – Temperature Records etc
Pest Control Records and development
2.5.3 Where disposal of damaged goods is necessary,all labelling should be removed,even for products
going to staff sales,to prevent the products re-entry into the distribution chain,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Disposal Procedures Disposal Records and removal of labelling
Preventative measures to stop re-entry to factory
2.5.4 Effective management procedures to safeguard against suspect,returned or damaged finished
product being accidentally despatched,must be implemented
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Finished Product
Dispatch and Transport
HACCP and Process Control Records
Records of dispatch approval and transportation
2.5.4 Where damaged product is accepted onto a vehicle also carrying,sound” product,it must be clearly
labelled,kept separate and handled in a manner which will eliminate the risk of contamination or
infestation to other products on the vehicle,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Finished Product
Product Identification
Handling,Storage and
Packaging
HACCP and Process / Production Records
Product identification and labelling
Product Storage and handling
2.5.5 The company should have a formalised procedure to deal with the consequences of accidents or
damage during storage and distribution,e.g,the rescue or condemnation of goods damaged in a road
traffic accident,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Transport and Distribution Audit Reports and Non conformance / corrective action reports
Formal procedure for transport accident measures
2.6 No tainting risks - incompatible goods
2.6.1 Materials which may present a taint risk to other products e.g,label adhesive,cleaning chemicals,
alcohol based sanitisers should be stored separately,This is particularly important for raw materials
which,have been opened ready for use and for work in progress material in the system,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Segregation and storage of
contaminants
Traceability and
Identification
Specific stores and storage records for all non-food and food materials with
traceability
Product coding and segregation requirements as per safety standards
2.7 Goods removed rapidly from loading docks
2.7.1 Both incoming raw materials and outgoing finished product must be swiftly handled at the loading bay
to avoid temperature increase where relevant and to minimise the risk of contamination onto outer
packaging from external sources,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Incoming Raw Materials
Outgoing Finished Product
Records for incoming and outgoing produce with traceability
Temperature and handling records
Product and packaging assessment on entry / exit to factory
2.8 Standard of management control and instrumentation
2.8.1 The standard of management control evident in the storage areas should mirror that of other
responsible departments,Managers must fully understand and have the authority to discharge their
responsibilities effectively through their team of operatives,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Management Review and
Responsibility
Organisation Charts
Management Review records and meetings
Assign management responsibilities
2.8.2 Management controls must ensure that:-
i,all products are easily accessible for load assembly,
ii,aisles are kept clear and products stored in designated areas,
iii,movement around the storage area is unimpeded,
iv,products are released or used in proper stock rotation,
v,there is maximum utilisation of the available space,
vi,suspect product is identified,
2.8.3 Instrumentation used to record the internal conditions of storage areas must be regularly checked
and calibrated,to ensure that it is working accurately,This is particularly important for temperature
and humidity monitoring equipment,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Calibration and Equipment
Maintenance
Records of calibration and frequency
Test and Maintenance Frequency
Temperature and Humidity Records
2.9 Adequate chill storage
2.9.1 Sufficient chill storage must be available for products requiring temperature control,within the
specified temperature range,On no account must chilled product be held in ambient or frozen
storage areas through lack of space,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Process Control
Chill / Frozen and Ambient
Stores
HACCP and Process Control Records
Product Specifications and Storage Records
Batch and Production Planning Meetings and Records to manage store
2.10 Adequate distribution facilities including vehicles
2.10.1 Vehicles used for the primary distribution of chilled or frozen foods should be capable of maintaining
the specified temperature ranges,which have been agreed with the manufacturer,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Transport and Distribution Maintenance and inspection records
Temperature Records
Contract / Supplier Assurances met through recordkeeping
2.10.2 Temperatures at the point of despatch and during transit,must be monitored and recorded and must
comply with those agreed,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Temperature Control Temperature Control records
2.10.3 Loading of such vehicles must take place through sealed docks,from a temperature-controlled
environment,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Loading and Handling Loading Guidelines for products
2.10.4 Prior to loading,all delivery vehicles must be internally inspected to ensure that they are clean,free
from moisture,foreign objects and pests that could cause product contamination or damage to the
packages,This check should be recorded,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Delivery and Transport
Inspections
Cleaning and Maintenance records for all delivery trucks
Internal Inspection reports prior to loading
Non-conformances and corrective actions records
2.10.5 It is essential where vehicles are used to transport different products e.g raw material,final products,
and by products then the vehicles should be free from odours,which could cause taint problems,and
that this is checked and recorded,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Delivery and Transport
Inspections
Vehicle use records
Ideally look for single product / material use i.e,liquids only
2.10.6 Delivery of products must always be within closed vehicles to prevent contamination from external
sources,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Vehicle load and delivery Sealed containers and records to demonstrate
2.10.7 The driver of the vehicle must comply with relevant aspects of the GMP requirements at the factory
and at the depot or store,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Food Hygiene
Requirements
Supplier Assurance and
Contract Review
HACCP system and records of control
Supplier Assurance Records
2.10.8 The load should be evenly distributed and should ride satisfactorily in the vehicle,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Delivery and Product load Distribution of load to aid air flow
2.10.9 Where the services of a contract distribution company are commissioned their vehicles and
administrative procedures must be vetted and deemed acceptable prior to a contractual agreement
being made,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Service Contracts Audit reports for contracted services
Records of non-conformance and corrective action
2.Storage Facilities
2.1 Use of off site facilities - are they controlled
2.1.1 Where the manufacturer commissions the services of (or contracts to) off site facilities e.g,airport
coldroom,for storage purposes,which are directly related to the handling of his products,he must be
satisfied that the facility used is well organised,clean and capable of providing the service,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Contract Review
Audit Review
Conformance to agreed standards within contracts
Audit schedule and reports for storage and suppliers etc,
2.1.2 Whether raw materials,work in progress materials,finished product,equipment or packaging are
stored off site,the responsibility of the off site facility must be clearly identified and adhered to at all
times,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Product Identification and
Traceability
Records of product identification
Clear labelling system to enable traceability through records
2.1.3 The same principles apply to the hygienic control and housekeeping of off site facilities,as in-house
facilities,There should be access around all stored items to effectively implement cleaning,pest
control and maintenance,In cases where temperature control and humidity are important to the
product,storage layout must be well controlled to ensure good ventilation,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Factory plan and layout Compliance to safety and requirements of cleaning,production and process
are achieved through effective implementation and records for each activity –
pest,cleaning,product activity and ventilation
2.1.4 The manufacturer should make provision to vet the off site storage facility prior to commencing the
contract,and at regular intervals thereafter,Formalised reports of the vetting inspections should be
forwarded to the off site facility with any recommendations for corrective action and a photocopy held
on file in-house,This also applies to vehicles used,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
External Audit and Contract
Review
Audit Reports for storage requirement assessment
Identification of corrective actions and evidence that they are being actioned
Agreements in contractual obligations
2.2 Adequate segregation and storage disciplines
2.2.1 It is recommended that all materials should be stored off the floor on clean pallets at least 20cm
away from the wall to facilitate adequate cleaning,pest control and product ventilation,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Storage,Handling and
Packaging
Conformance to procedure
Cleaning records and pest control activity monitored and frequent
2.2.2 It is recommended that stacking of pallets of raw materials or finished product is in a controlled
manner to prevent the damage risk and or cross contaminaiton through encouragement of pests
through product leakage,spillage and taint (particularly sacked product),
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Storage,Handling and
Packaging
Product Traceability
Conformance to procedure
First In First Out Stock rotation policy in operation with records
2.2.3 Incoming materials,work in progress and finished product must be clearly identified and stored in
separate designated areas of the factory,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Identification and
Traceability of Product
Records of incoming goods and outgoing finished products are maintained
and product is traceable through the system
2.2.4 Incompatible materials must be completely segregated e.g,aromatic cleaning materials,incoming
and finished products,to prevent the risk of cross contamination,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Product Handling,Storage
and Packaging
Storage records and segregation of product to meet minimum food safety
requirements
2.2.5 Packaging materials should be stored in a separate area which is dust free and pest proofed with the
same detail as other areas of the factory,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Packaging Materials Records of packaging suppliers and storage of product in clean environment
2.2.6 Non food chemicals such as cleaning compounds and agricultural chemicals,should be stored in
separate,secure areas,together with their associated application equipment,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Storage of Non-food
material
Location of storage facility within the factory
Separation of possible ‘lethal’ combinations
Assigned responsibility
2.2.7 The quality manager should complete a verification e.g,approved,correct type,amount,and
container,of relevant chemicals to be brought on site,Appropriate measures can then be taken to
ensure the safe use and storage of them in compliance with relevant legislation,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Risk Assessment Criteria Risk Assessment Criteria established for evaluation of chemicals
Identification of measures to ensure safe use and storage
Assigned by responsible company member
2.2.8 Where non-food chemicals are decanted into containers for use,the containers must be clearly and
unmistakably identified with their contents,If possible,they should be colour coded and dedicated to
that sole use,Old or redundant food ingredient containers are strictly forbidden for this purpose,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Product Identification and
Traceability
Identification of containers,whatever their use,by clearly labelled and where
also possible by colour coding,including on-site information completed on
relevant records
2.3 Sealed/proofed loading areas
2.3.1 All loading areas should be sealed and proofed against pests and birds to prevent contamination of
product packaging during the loading operation,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Incoming and Outgoing
Materials
Housekeeping Methods
Site Maintenance and
Inspection
Records for all incoming and outgoing product
Ensure trained and responsible staff ensure suitable pest proofing in place
Records of inspections and maintenance available to demonstrate
housekeeping methods in control
2.3.2 In the case of chilled or frozen products,where temperature control is a critical factor in food
preservation,loading of delivery vehicles must take place through sealed docks,from a temperature
controlled environment,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Transport and Delivery of
Products to and from site
Temperature Control Records
Evidence to ensure freshness and quality of product on arrival and out of
factory
2.3.3 All loading areas must be kept clean,tidy and well maintained to discourage pest ingress,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Transport and Delivery
Loading Bays
Cleaning Schedule
Pest ingress and completion of housekeeping records
In-coming / Outgoing product assessment
Cleaning Records
2.3.4 Fork lift trucks used within storage and loading areas should be battery driven to prevent fume
contamination,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Maintenance and Inspection
Design Specification
Maintenance and Inspection Schedules with records of repair
Design criteria met to meet Health & Safety Requirement and prevent fume
contamination
2.4 Separation/separate finished goods facilities
2.4.1 Packed finished product should be checked and approved by the Quality Assurance department prior
to releasing to the finished goods storage facility,It must be clearly labelled,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Finished / Final Product Product identification and quality records
HACCP Records
Non-conformance and corrective action reports
2.4.2 Approved batches of finished product should be stored in separate areas,under the appropriate
conditions of temperature and as agreed in the finished product specification,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Handling,Storage and
Packaging
Traceability and Identification of finished and raw products
Temperature Records
Finished Product Specifications
2.4.3 Intermediate storage must be provided where delays in the process are unavoidable (e.g,through line
stoppage,equipment breakdown)
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Storage
Equipment maintenance
and process control
Temperature Control
Process Control Records
Maintenance and Inspection records
2.4.4 Defective batches of finished product which do not meet the required specification should be
quarantined,labelled clearly and held in a specific area pending investigation,to avoid their accidental
use,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Finished Product
Quality Audit Review
Identification and
Traceability
Quarantine Procedure
Product Specifications
Internal Audit Review and HACCP records
Non-conformance / corrective actions and preventative measures
Product labelling and coding with records
Storage in appropriate areas and stores
2.4.5 The company must demonstrate a strict regime on quarantined stock which,is either to be reworked,
or disposed of,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Quarantine Procedure Policy for quarantine and records of management of quarantined product
with appropriate disposal records
2.4.6 If a batch of approved finished product is temporarily stored unlabelled,to be labelled and coded at a
later date,extreme care must be taken in guaranteeing its exact identity,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Product Identification and
Traceability
Records of product and batch
Coding and labelling system in place
2.5 Segregation of returned or damaged goods
2.5.1 Batches of finished product which,have been recalled or returned,should be so identified and
physically segregated,preferably in an entirely different storage facility,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Finished Product
Returned Product
Product Specifications
Product Identification and Traceability
Storage Conditions
Storage / Disposal Procedures
Audit Revi ew procedure
2.5.2 Damaged goods should be stored in a designated area of the warehouse as they occur or are
discovered,Extreme care must be taken not to expose other products within the storage facility to
contamination or infestation,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Product Specifications
Handling,Storage and
Packaging
Inspection and Maintenance of Storage facility
Storage conditions and records – Temperature Records etc
Pest Control Records and development
2.5.3 Where disposal of damaged goods is necessary,all labelling should be removed,even for products
going to staff sales,to prevent the products re-entry into the distribution chain,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Disposal Procedures Disposal Records and removal of labelling
Preventative measures to stop re-entry to factory
2.5.4 Effective management procedures to safeguard against suspect,returned or damaged finished
product being accidentally despatched,must be implemented
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Finished Product
Dispatch and Transport
HACCP and Process Control Records
Records of dispatch approval and transportation
2.5.4 Where damaged product is accepted onto a vehicle also carrying,sound” product,it must be clearly
labelled,kept separate and handled in a manner which will eliminate the risk of contamination or
infestation to other products on the vehicle,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Finished Product
Product Identification
Handling,Storage and
Packaging
HACCP and Process / Production Records
Product identification and labelling
Product Storage and handling
2.5.5 The company should have a formalised procedure to deal with the consequences of accidents or
damage during storage and distribution,e.g,the rescue or condemnation of goods damaged in a road
traffic accident,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Transport and Distribution Audit Reports and Non conformance / corrective action reports
Formal procedure for transport accident measures
2.6 No tainting risks - incompatible goods
2.6.1 Materials which may present a taint risk to other products e.g,label adhesive,cleaning chemicals,
alcohol based sanitisers should be stored separately,This is particularly important for raw materials
which,have been opened ready for use and for work in progress material in the system,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Segregation and storage of
contaminants
Traceability and
Identification
Specific stores and storage records for all non-food and food materials with
traceability
Product coding and segregation requirements as per safety standards
2.7 Goods removed rapidly from loading docks
2.7.1 Both incoming raw materials and outgoing finished product must be swiftly handled at the loading bay
to avoid temperature increase where relevant and to minimise the risk of contamination onto outer
packaging from external sources,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Incoming Raw Materials
Outgoing Finished Product
Records for incoming and outgoing produce with traceability
Temperature and handling records
Product and packaging assessment on entry / exit to factory
2.8 Standard of management control and instrumentation
2.8.1 The standard of management control evident in the storage areas should mirror that of other
responsible departments,Managers must fully understand and have the authority to discharge their
responsibilities effectively through their team of operatives,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Management Review and
Responsibility
Organisation Charts
Management Review records and meetings
Assign management responsibilities
2.8.2 Management controls must ensure that:-
i,all products are easily accessible for load assembly,
ii,aisles are kept clear and products stored in designated areas,
iii,movement around the storage area is unimpeded,
iv,products are released or used in proper stock rotation,
v,there is maximum utilisation of the available space,
vi,suspect product is identified,
2.8.3 Instrumentation used to record the internal conditions of storage areas must be regularly checked
and calibrated,to ensure that it is working accurately,This is particularly important for temperature
and humidity monitoring equipment,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Calibration and Equipment
Maintenance
Records of calibration and frequency
Test and Maintenance Frequency
Temperature and Humidity Records
2.9 Adequate chill storage
2.9.1 Sufficient chill storage must be available for products requiring temperature control,within the
specified temperature range,On no account must chilled product be held in ambient or frozen
storage areas through lack of space,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Process Control
Chill / Frozen and Ambient
Stores
HACCP and Process Control Records
Product Specifications and Storage Records
Batch and Production Planning Meetings and Records to manage store
2.10 Adequate distribution facilities including vehicles
2.10.1 Vehicles used for the primary distribution of chilled or frozen foods should be capable of maintaining
the specified temperature ranges,which have been agreed with the manufacturer,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Transport and Distribution Maintenance and inspection records
Temperature Records
Contract / Supplier Assurances met through recordkeeping
2.10.2 Temperatures at the point of despatch and during transit,must be monitored and recorded and must
comply with those agreed,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Temperature Control Temperature Control records
2.10.3 Loading of such vehicles must take place through sealed docks,from a temperature-controlled
environment,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Loading and Handling Loading Guidelines for products
2.10.4 Prior to loading,all delivery vehicles must be internally inspected to ensure that they are clean,free
from moisture,foreign objects and pests that could cause product contamination or damage to the
packages,This check should be recorded,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Delivery and Transport
Inspections
Cleaning and Maintenance records for all delivery trucks
Internal Inspection reports prior to loading
Non-conformances and corrective actions records
2.10.5 It is essential where vehicles are used to transport different products e.g raw material,final products,
and by products then the vehicles should be free from odours,which could cause taint problems,and
that this is checked and recorded,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Delivery and Transport
Inspections
Vehicle use records
Ideally look for single product / material use i.e,liquids only
2.10.6 Delivery of products must always be within closed vehicles to prevent contamination from external
sources,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Vehicle load and delivery Sealed containers and records to demonstrate
2.10.7 The driver of the vehicle must comply with relevant aspects of the GMP requirements at the factory
and at the depot or store,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Food Hygiene
Requirements
Supplier Assurance and
Contract Review
HACCP system and records of control
Supplier Assurance Records
2.10.8 The load should be evenly distributed and should ride satisfactorily in the vehicle,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Delivery and Product load Distribution of load to aid air flow
2.10.9 Where the services of a contract distribution company are commissioned their vehicles and
administrative procedures must be vetted and deemed acceptable prior to a contractual agreement
being made,
Auditor’s Recommendations,
Look At,Look For,
Service Contracts Audit reports for contracted services
Records of non-conformance and corrective action
