\n
1. Supplier Evaluation and Approval<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n- Pre-audit implementation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Review of quality control systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Approval based on defined criteria<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
OEM factories first screen raw material suppliers through pre-audits. They confirm whether suppliers meet the relevant standards in each country, such as Thailand\u2019s DLD requirements, New Zealand\u2019s MPI rules, Australia\u2019s AS5812, or Canada\u2019s CFIA \/ FeedAssure framework, and assess whether the supplier has appropriate GMP, HACCP, and traceability systems in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Only suppliers that pass this evaluation are placed on the approved supplier list. Contracts clearly specify prohibited ingredients and required documentation such as certificates of analysis and certificates of origin. Suppliers are also re-evaluated periodically, and if quality issues arise or regulations change, their approval status is reviewed immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/i><\/div><\/div>\n
2. Raw Material Receiving and Inspection<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n- Verification of supporting documents<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Visual inspection and sampling<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Testing as necessary<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
When raw materials arrive at the factory, the receiving team first checks documents such as COAs. In Thailand, for example, a slaughter inspection certificate may be required, while products intended for Canada may require proof related to BSE-safe status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Samples are then taken from each lot and tested either in an in-house laboratory or by an accredited external laboratory for microbiological hazards (such as Salmonella), mycotoxins (such as aflatoxin), nutritional content, and other criteria to confirm compliance with standards such as New Zealand\u2019s RMP requirements and Australia\u2019s AS5812.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/i><\/div><\/div>\n
3. Acceptance Decisions and Lot Management<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n- Pass\/fail determination and lot number assignment<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Segregation and return of non-conforming materials<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Creation of traceability records<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
If the documentation and test results meet the required standards, the lot is accepted and transferred to storage. Non-conforming lots are isolated and either returned or discarded. The lot number assigned at receiving is registered in the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) or MES (Manufacturing Execution System), where it is automatically linked to the relevant production batch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mock recall exercises are conducted every six months to one year to verify whether the scope of impact and shipment destinations can be identified within minutes in the event of an actual problem. This helps continuously strengthen the traceability system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/i><\/div><\/div>\n
4. Proper Storage and Use<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n- FIFO control<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Temperature- and humidity-controlled storage<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Reconfirmation before use<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
In storage, conditions such as temperature and humidity are controlled, and FIFO (first in, first out) is strictly enforced. Fat-rich ingredients with a high oxidation risk are protected using nitrogen flushing or light-shielding containers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before being fed into the production line, lot numbers are scanned again and reflected in the production records. If an out-of-spec issue is discovered during use, the line is stopped immediately and the affected lot is isolated. Production only resumes after corrective actions have been completed, thereby preventing the spread of hazards originating from raw materials \u062f\u0627\u062e\u0644 the factory.
\u3000<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Measures to Ensure Raw Material Safety<\/div>
\n
\n- Procurement only from reliable suppliers through supplier audits and an approval system.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Verification of supporting documents such as veterinary certificates, certificates of origin, and certificates of analysis.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Inspection and testing at receiving, including physical, chemical, and microbiological analysis as required.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Rejection of non-conforming materials and proper recordkeeping of such incidents.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Examples of Traceability in the Manufacturing Process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
To enable rapid identification and recall of affected lots in the event of a problem, traceability is indispensable in pet food manufacturing. Leading overseas OEM factories maintain consistent lot control and recordkeeping from raw materials through to final products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a basic practice, every raw material delivered to the factory is assigned a lot number or serial number, and during manufacturing, the lot information for each ingredient is linked to the final product lot. Finished products are assigned lot numbers along with information such as manufacturing date, line, and kettle or batch number. At shipment, records are kept showing which lots were shipped to which customers or markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, Thailand\u2019s 2003 regulation B.E. 2546 requires feed manufacturers to establish management and documentation systems that allow the tracing of raw material supply, manufacturing processes, and distribution history. Export-oriented factories comply with this requirement by maintaining detailed traceability records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One export-certified factory in Thailand has introduced an electronic traceability system that centrally manages data ranging from farm GAP certification information to ingredient lots and product shipment destinations. At this factory, operators can use a touchscreen to check raw material receiving records, production data, inspection results, and inventory. In the event of a recall, the affected lots and distribution channels can be identified within minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
New Zealand\u2019s RMP requirements also demand an advanced level of traceability. Specifically, both one-step-back traceability (raw material origin) and one-step-forward traceability (shipment destination of finished goods) must be maintained, and an immediate recall system must be in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Australia\u2019s AS5812 standard likewise includes requirements for product recall planning, and some companies conduct regular exercises to confirm the accuracy of their lot-tracing capability. In Canada, legal recall reporting obligations are more limited, but manufacturers are expected to issue consumer notifications and manage recalls responsibly on their own. This places importance on the company\u2019s ability to quickly identify and disclose affected lots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Examples of Practical Implementation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<\/div>
\n
\n- Lot number and barcode management:<\/strong>
Lot numbers are printed as barcodes or QR codes on raw material bags and product packaging, and each movement into and out of storage is scanned and recorded in the database. In some cases, handheld terminals are linked with the inventory system to allow real-time traceability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n- Electronic record systems:<\/strong>
ERP systems or dedicated traceability software are introduced to store linked lot data covering raw material receiving, manufacturing, and shipment. As in the Thai factory mentioned above, related records are digitized and stored on servers or in the cloud to improve searchability and retention. Even when paper records are still used, they may be scanned and archived electronically.<\/li>\n\n\n\n- Regular traceability testing:<\/strong>
Some OEMs conduct mock recalls every six months or once a year to verify the robustness of their traceability system. By tracing a specific lot from raw material receiving records through to finished product inventory, they can confirm whether the necessary information can be retrieved quickly and completely. This allows them to identify weaknesses in normal times and improve the system continuously.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nTraceability is also a source of reassurance for brand owners. If the outsourcing contract requires the OEM to provide raw material information and analytical results for each production lot, this will also be useful for the brand owner when assessing and managing any incident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Japan\u2019s Pet Food Safety Law also requires traceability, so overseas OEM partners should be expected to maintain at least an equivalent level of recordkeeping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ultimately, the ideal system is one in which it is immediately possible to determine when, where, and from what materials a product was made, and where it was shipped. Fortunately, in the countries discussed above, the importance of this is well recognized, and many factories have already established advanced traceability systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Checklist for Selecting an OEM Partner<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When selecting an overseas OEM manufacturer, it is important to evaluate quality management capability from multiple angles based on the points discussed above. Below is a checklist centered on HACCP-related criteria. Use these checkpoints to assess the quality management level of potential OEM partners from a broad perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The key is not simply whether the factory claims to be \u201cHACCP compliant,\u201d but whether it has developed a genuine culture of safety throughout the entire operation. In addition to reviewing certificates and documents, you should understand the actual situation through direct questions and, if necessary, on-site visits, so that you can choose a partner you can outsource to with confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In all of these countries, strong factories generally maintain rigorous quality management systems centered on HACCP and related controls. If they are properly evaluated, overseas OEM production can also be entrusted under a robust quality assurance framework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/i><\/div><\/div>\n
HACCP Certification<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Check whether the factory holds HACCP certification or international certifications such as ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, BRC, or SQF. Confirm the validity period and whether the certification scope explicitly includes pet food manufacturing.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
You should ask candidate factories to present third-party certification. For example, ISO 22000 is a food safety management standard that incorporates HACCP, so factories certified to ISO 22000 can generally be considered to have a strong ability to implement HACCP in practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/i><\/div><\/div>\n
Hygiene Management and GMP<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Check the factory\u2019s basic hygiene management systems, including cleaning schedules, employee hygiene training programs, and pest control measures.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Through a factory audit or review of audit reports, confirm whether GMP is being properly implemented. As seen in Thailand\u2019s DLD audits, personal hygiene and equipment sanitation are closely inspected, so it is important to select a factory that does not neglect these fundamentals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/i><\/div><\/div>\n
Raw Material Procurement and Inspection Systems<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Check the factory\u2019s supplier evaluation and management system, inspection items at raw material receiving, and whether it requires certificates of analysis (COAs).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Ask questions such as: Who are the main suppliers? What tests are carried out upon receipt? Are certificates of origin and certificates of analysis obtained? For example, in Australia, confirm whether raw material selection is handled in accordance with AS5812, and in New Zealand, whether only MPI-approved raw materials are used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/i><\/div><\/div>\n
HACCP Plan for the Manufacturing Process<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Check the factory\u2019s CCP settings, control standards, monitoring methods, and procedures for handling deviations.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Ask the factory to share an outline of its HACCP plan. What hazards are identified? Which process steps are designated as CCPs? How are they monitored, for example through metal detection or continuous heat-treatment temperature recording? It is also desirable that each CCP has clearly defined critical limits and procedures for isolating and discarding non-conforming product in the event of deviation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/i><\/div><\/div>\n
Testing and Analytical Capability<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Check whether the factory has its own laboratory, works with accredited external laboratories, and how frequently it conducts microbiological and nutritional analysis of products.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
A factory that performs microbiological testing, such as for Salmonella and total plate count, as well as nutrient analysis on a lot-by-lot basis is highly reliable. If possible, review part of the test history to assess compliance performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/i><\/div><\/div>\n
Traceability and Recall Response<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Check the lot management system, product tracking capability, and the status of recall plans and drills.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Ask questions such as whether lot numbers are printed on packaging, how long manufacturing and shipment records are retained, and whether any recalls or withdrawals have occurred in the past, including the causes and corrective actions taken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Canada, because companies are expected to disclose recall information on their own, the ability to respond responsibly to such events is also an important factor in evaluating a factory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/i><\/div><\/div>\n
Legal Compliance and Export Track Record<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Check the factory\u2019s compliance with local regulations and its export approvals and track record for Japan, Europe, North America, and other markets.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Compliance with local regulations is a basic prerequisite. For example, in Thailand, check whether the factory is listed as a DLD-approved export facility. In New Zealand, confirm whether it operates under an approved RMP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A strong export track record can also provide reassurance, since factories shipping to Japan, the EU, or North America are likely to have already passed importing-country audits. For example, Thai factories exporting to Japan or the EU often hold EU facility registration and have undergone audits by European inspectors for HACCP and facility standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/i><\/div><\/div>\n
Audit Reports and Continuous Improvement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Check third-party audit results, past non-conformities and corrective actions, and ongoing continuous improvement initiatives.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
If possible, request the most recent third-party audit report, such as a BRC audit rating. If that is not possible, at least ask about past non-conformities and the corrective actions taken, in order to evaluate whether the factory responds appropriately to issues and improves over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since HACCP is a system built on continuous improvement, it is ideal to confirm that regular reviews and training are being carried out.
\u3000<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key Safety Assurance Points for Overseas OEM Production<\/div>
\n
\n- Do not rely only on a factory\u2019s claim that it is \u201cHACCP compliant.\u201d Focus on actual implementation records and continuous improvement activities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Understand the regulatory system and business culture of each country, and incorporate requirements exceeding international minimum standards into the contract where appropriate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Maintain continuous communication through regular on-site audits and quality review meetings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Place special emphasis on raw material safety and traceability, and establish a system capable of responding quickly to unexpected incidents.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Related article<\/div>
Domestic vs. Overseas Pet Food OEM: A Strategic Comparison Guide<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
When outsourcing pet food production to an overseas OEM factory, it is essential to carefully assess whether the facility maintains appropriate quality and safety management systems. In particular, HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) is an internationally recognized approach to food and feed safety management. This article explains the legal requirements and practical implementation […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":40733,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-40731","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-foreign-trade-compliance"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/first-reach.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40731","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/first-reach.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/first-reach.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/first-reach.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/first-reach.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40731"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/first-reach.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40731\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":46734,"href":"https:\/\/first-reach.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40731\/revisions\/46734"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/first-reach.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40733"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/first-reach.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40731"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/first-reach.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40731"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/first-reach.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40731"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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