FAQ
FAQ
| Section | Question | Reply |
| General | What is the NVWA? | The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) is the agency that monitors companies and institutions for compliance with laws and regulations. |
| General | What exactly does GFSI producer certification mean? | GFSI stands for Global Food Safety Initiative. The initiative was born out of the need to create recognised standards for food safety and for continuous improvement of food safety management systems. The certification is recognised internationally. GFSI certifications include BRC, FSSC 22000 and IFS standards. |
| General | How is a declaration of conformity different from a product specification? | A declaration of conformity differs from a product specification in that it focuses on a batch of products. This declaration of conformity says that the products in that delivered batch comply with applicable legislation (including microbiological safety, country of origin ect.). |
| General | How is the shelf life of a product determined? | The shelf life of a product depends on several factors: microbiological (e.g. salmonella), physical (e.g. moisture absorption) and chemical ( e.g. enzymatic browning) factors. Each product has a different shelf life due to one or more of these factors. |
| General | Why is product traceability important? | Product traceability is important if a recall is required. Traceability means that the product batch history can be traced throughout the production chain. Being able to trace products properly is important when trying to get products back to the manufacturer because something is allegedly wrong with them. Traceability is therefore important for a company's safety, perspiration and reliability. |
| Management | As a food company, are we registered with NVWA? | At the start of the cooperation with SupSuppliers regarding the quality system, this was an action item. In document HMS-100, the number was noted |
| Management | Do I have a quality system? | Yes, I have a tailor-made, proprietary quality system |
| Management | How is the quality manual structured | The system consists of 3 chapters: 1. The management system. This contains information about the company, its products and its trading process 2. HACCP: the assessment of hazards and risks and their control 3. Procedures on implementing the quality policy. As a complement and output to the quality system, a number of documents have been and will be made available showing that risks are secured. |
| How do I stay informed of developments | Via SupSuppliers | |
| HACCP | Where is the HACCP risk analysis reflected in the system? | This can be found in Chapter 2, document HACCP-200 |
| Secure procurement product | How do I manage risks related to the purchased products? | Through the declarations of conformity provided by the supplier or by conducting an annual audit of the supplier. |
| Secure procurement product | Is risk management of products based on a declaration of conformity sufficient? | Yes. Information sheet 65 gives the option that a declaration by the supplier regarding the safeguarding of specific hazards is sufficient for safeguarding hazards. This option is also sufficient because the product remains closed during the purchasing and further trading process. As a trader, you cannot add hazards to the product, so further safeguarding by the trader is not necessary. A statement regarding safeguarding by the supplier is sufficient in this case. |
| Secure procurement product | How do I ensure product quality through a supplier audit? | By visiting the supplier and assessing the supplier via the BL-3002 audit form. This lists specific hazards where the supplier must be able to show proof of assurance. E.g. because the supplier has had analyses performed on the finished product or through the assurance of raw material suppliers. |
| Securing logistics | How do you manage risks related to the outsourced logistics process? | Through having a survey completed. The survey (BL-3001) is in the system and must be completed and returned by the external party |
| Securing product information | How to prove that the label contains the correct indications and statements | The label is prepared in cooperation with the supplier. Both parties carry out verification. |
| Verification | How can I assess my own system? | Through internal verification. A form for this is included in the quality system. You can complete this form and submit it to SupSuppliers for review. SupSuppliers, as an independent auditor, assesses the findings. |
English 
Dutch 
German 
French