The compliance challenge
Certification standards require documented supplier approval based on risk, ongoing performance monitoring, and specifications for every raw material and packaging item.
In practice, many sites have an approved supplier list with no risk basis, out-of-date certificates, and specifications that do not match what is actually received.
About this service
Supplier assurance work builds a defensible approval process: raw materials assessed for risk, approval requirements set according to that risk, and evidence collected and kept current.
Performance is then monitored through agreed measures — complaint rates, non-conformances, certificate currency and where required, testing or audit.
Scope of support
- Approved supplier procedure development
- Raw material and packaging risk assessment
- Supplier approval criteria based on risk
- Supplier questionnaires and documentation packs
- Certificate of analysis and certification currency tracking
- Raw material, packaging and service specifications
- Finished product specification alignment
- Supplier performance monitoring and scorecards
- Supplier non-conformance management
- Outsourced processing and co-manufacturer controls
- Supplier audit planning and second-party audit support
- Imported raw material and broker controls
- Traceability linkage from supplier to finished product
How the consultancy works
- 1
Material mapping
List every raw material, packaging item and outsourced service in scope.
- 2
Risk assessment
Assess each material for food safety, fraud, allergen and regulatory risk.
- 3
Approval framework
Set approval requirements and evidence needed by risk category.
- 4
Documentation
Develop procedures, specifications and supplier records.
- 5
Implementation
Collect evidence, close gaps and load the supplier register.
- 6
Monitoring
Establish review frequency, performance measures and escalation.
Relevant standards
- Supplier approval clauses in BRCGS, FSSC 22000 and SQF
- Food Standards Code traceability and labelling obligations
- Retailer supplier approval requirements
Who this suits
- Manufacturers with complex or imported raw material supply
- Importers and brand owners relying on contract manufacturers
- Sites with audit findings on supplier approval or specifications
- Businesses adding new suppliers or changing sourcing
Compliance and operational benefits
- A risk-based, defensible approved supplier program
- Current specifications for every material received
- Early visibility of supplier performance issues
- Stronger evidence at certification and customer audits