Three Things BSM Partners’ FSQAR Team Can Do for YOU

When navigating the waters of quality assurance and food safety, it is always beneficial to have an ally who can navigate through the murkiness or lend a helping hand to the oncoming “shark attack”. BSM Partners’ Food Safety, Quality Assurance and Regulatory (FSQAR) Team has over 50 years of combined industry knowledge to help clients get where they want or need to be. Here are three things the group can support clients with.

1. Audits

No one is immune from audits. Audits come in many forms—supplier surveys, internal audits, integrity-preserved audits (i.e., organic, or non-GMO), customer audits/2^nd-party audits, and/or 3^rd party audits. Standards for each of these audits can range from 6 pages to over 50 pages, which can be overwhelming, and many questions can be derived simply from reviewing the standards. BSM Partners is well-versed in evaluating current statuses and identifying any gaps. Identifying gaps can provide a place to begin the execution of all changes with the intention of always streamlining and making the program(s) as simple as possible, all while reducing human error. If an employee is required to write the same information in three different places the likelihood of errors increases. Helping the client get the information they need while making things as simple and streamlined for everyone involved is a top priority. Another skill useful during audits is expertise in designing programs and all the required documentation to fit the needs of the standards, all while working cohesively with what is already in place to keep a facility’s momentum flowing. Then reviewing all implementation to further address areas that need additional corrective actions and preventative measures to encourage the continued momentum is next to follow.

Verification of the programs and systems in place—for adherence to not only audit standards, but also regulatory standards. This step closes the gap to audit readiness and then the client will feel confident to lead their audit. Once all this is complete, then create a system of evaluation that ensures all programs are moving forward as required. It is always better to be proactive on this side rather than reactive. Creating a strong culture of food safety and quality can help a client’s business in the long run. Demonstrating food safety and quality can elevate a business to the next level.

Lastly, navigating the realm of auditors and the process of auditing. The audit process can be overwhelming. Here for guidance to best practices and guiding clients through the process, whether in person, virtually, or off-site. Audit etiquette can lend a positive note to audits and can help the client be at ease as they have the information readily available. This reduction of stress and trepidation can make anyone see audits in a whole new light! 

2. Regulatory Affairs

Have you ever read something and wondered if it was actually written in English? Navigating through the world of regulatory affairs seems like this sometimes. Like many industries, food safety and quality have adopted the use of acronyms.

HACCP - Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point

SCAR - Supplier Corrective Action Request

MOA - (no, not Mall of America) but rather the Ministry of Agriculture (and Rural Affairs of the People’s Republic of China)

The use of acronyms helps keep the conversations flowing—but not knowing the acronyms can put a client at a disadvantage. We speak this language and will share our knowledge.

Additionally, exporting to various countries helps expand a business, but one must properly wade through the regulations. Some of the regulations are simple while others are more complex. BSM Partners is versed in all countries and can help successfully navigate these ever-changing waters.

Lastly, well-versed with regulatory agencies such as the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). While these agencies can seem looming and imposing, we understand their requirements and can help to either demonstrate how a client is complying or get them to where they are complying through program changes, for example. Through these lessons, we have developed many relationships with governing officials. We are here to lend all we have learned to help navigate the regulatory process. Dealing with many different scenarios makes us a solid partner!

3. State Registrations

State registrations are a time-consuming, but necessary activity one must endure. The benefit of having BSM Partners’ FSQAR team complete this can alleviate time constraints and allow the review of all information submitted. This review includes labels! Review that all labels are compliant with AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials). Keen eyes help us to catch all the small things that tend to get overlooked by other reviewers. Some of our “catches” can give the customer more space on the bag for additional artwork. This may be a small thing to some, but what if that small added graphic is what caught a potential customer’s eye?

Additionally, our team has a dedicated employee just for submitting state registrations. This would unburden the team and allow them to focus on other important things to grow the business. 

BSM’s Food Safety, Quality Assurance & Regulatory (FSQAR) Team, and our over 50 years of combined industry knowledge, are here to help and serve clients through the murky waters of food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory, with no project or question is too small or great.

 

Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest updates on all things happening here at BSM Partners.

About the Author

Jennifer Longbine has industry experience with FSQAR since 2002, in both human and pet foods. She formerly served as Director of Food Safety at BSM Partners.