Managing Quality of the National Iodized Salt

Supplies

ICCIDD/IGN perspectives on QAQC:QMS for Salt Businesses and Regulatory Agencies

Assurance of Quality in Salt Factories

A Quality Management System aims to:• always produce salt products, that• satisfy the demand of customers, • comply with regulatory standards

The Benefit is:• the factory gets it right the first time,• with no or minimum need for rework,• continual improvement of business

Inspection of Quality: Food Authorities

A Quality Management System aims to:• maintain the agency’s expertise,• demonstrate independence, • exhibit impartiality

The Benefits are:• protection of public health and wellbeing, • industry collaboration in quality food supplies

Global Agreements on Standards

An existing umbrella arrangement among:– The World Trade Organization (WTO)– The International Organization of Standards (ISO)– The FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius

WTO members are duty-bound to promote the adoption of quality management standards of ISO and composition standards of Codex Alimentarius

ISO Quality Management Standards

In Salt Industries, ISO 9001:2008 aims to:• fulfill the expectations of customers, and• adhere to regulations from authorities, while• continuously improving a company’s performance

In Food Agencies, ISO/IEC 17020:2012 aims to:• promote the acceptance of inspections by clients• ensure concurrence from supervisory authorities

FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius: Composition

StandardCX-STAN 150-1985* for food-grade salt:• applies to consumer and food industry salt• NaCl shall be not less than 97% on dry basis• to be iodized in iodine-deficient areas• production shall be by reliable manufacturers• to be provided free of any hygienic risk• shall be appropriately labeled• below specified levels of contaminants

A. QMS Manual for Salt Companies

• Describes the quality management system in detail• Covers all the procedures and activities that

determine product quality 1. Management issues2. Product realization issues3. Supportive issues

• Contains1. The required Standard Operating Procedures

(SOPs)2. A set of practical guidelines

QMS based on SOPs in Salt Factories

Scope from entry raw salt to exit finished product:• Top management commitment and

responsibility• Product realization

o purchasingo manufacturing, packaging and storage

• Measurement, product review and

improvement• Documentation and record keeping

Detailed descriptions what workers must accomplish

Product realizationo Supplier selection and evaluationo Purchase and receipt of incoming goodso Control of production processeso Preventive maintenance

Measurements, review and improvemento Control of non-conforming producto Internal audito Corrective and preventive action

Documented results and record keepingo Control of documents and records

Standard Operating Procedures

Wet mixing

Iodized salt

Input salt

Packaging

Packed product

Storage, release

Activity Accountable SOP

KIO3 receipt and analysis Warehouse manager 7.3.3IVA.1.i

Preparing iodate solution Production manager 7.4.1.aIVA.1.ii

Recording mixing amounts Production manager 7.4.1.aIVA.1.ii

Sampling and analysis Quality manager 7.4.1.aIVA.1.iii

Sampling and analysis Quality manager IVA.1.iii

Fortificant

QMS iodization Steps/Stages

Practical Guidelines on Production and Storage of

Iodized SaltReceipt, storage and handling of KIO3• to verify that KIO3 meets specification• to maintain an adequate stock position of KIO3

Manufacturing and packaging of iodized salt• to ensure that equipment is functioning properly• to continuously realize adequately iodized packed salt

Salt iodine measurements during production and storage• to ensure that the product always meets standards

ISO/IEC 17020:2012Published in May 2012

Why ISO/IEC 17020:2012? Inspection bodies must be competent• Sufficient expertise (incl. in accredited authorities)• With suitable facilities and equipment• Adequate measurements, documents and records• Professional communications

Inspection activities must be impartial and consistent• Free of external influence on conduct and result• In conformity with required, objective procedures

Thus, the organization must commit to quality management

B. QMS Manual for Food Authorities

• ISO/IEC 17020:2012 as a model template• Made specific to inspections of iodized salt supply• The manual describes an Agency’s QMS in detail• It covers all aspects that affect the quality of inspections:

o Agency’s management and organizational standardso Standards of conduct and delivery of inspectionso Required support systems

• The QA/QC document contains• The required standard operating procedures (SOP’s)• Practical guidelines (suggestions for adoption/application)

The Quality Management System

Scope:• National supplies (producers, import, traders, users)• Management commitment and responsibility• Includes subcontracting arrangements (Accreditors)• Inspections of facilities, processes and products• Sampling, analysis and improvements• Documentation and record keeping• Professional communications

Standard Operating Procedures

Describe what workers need to accomplish in:• Management and organization• Selection and review of suppliers• Purchase and verification of purchased products• Preventive maintenance, training

• Performing inspection services• Sample receipt, identification and handling• Identification and control of non-conformities• Internal audit, preventive and corrective actions

• Communication• Documentation and record keeping

Practical Guidelines for Inspections

• Salt iodization facilities (salt factories)• Sales outlets (wholesale and retail)• Ports of entry (borders)• Food processing industries and food services• Audit of inspectorate services (Accreditors)

GAIN-UNICEF Partnership with ICCIDD/IGN 2011-14• Initial countries

High burden of IDDLagging USI recordAfrica: Egypt, Ethiopia,

Ghana, Niger, SenegalAsia: Bangladesh, China,

India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Philippines

CEE/CIS: Russia, Ukraine

• Final countries (QAQC)– Bangladesh– Egypt– Ethiopia– Ghana– (Indonesia)– Pakistan

Strategic focus on mid-sized salt companies

In conclusion• GAIN is conducting large end-line surveys• Set of generic QAQC manuals/guidelines for

both industry and government available• Takes systemic approach to quality issues• Based on agreed-upon global umbrella

arrangement: WTO, ISO and Codex Alimentarius• Applies to all salt industries and food authorities• Evidence is waiting for proof of concept