Calibration and Verification of Measuring Equipment
Aligned with BRCGS Food Safety Issue 9 – Clause 6.4
Requirement Overview
BRCGS Food Safety Issue 9, Clause 6.4 requires the site to ensure that all measuring and monitoring equipment critical to food safety, legality, or quality is calibrated and verified at scheduled intervals.
Clause 6.4.1: “The site shall identify and control the measuring equipment used to monitor critical control points, product safety, legality and quality. A documented calibration and verification procedure shall be in place.”
Proper calibration ensures the accuracy and reliability of equipment used to control or verify food safety processes, helping to prevent false readings that could result in unsafe or non-compliant products.
Aligned with BRCGS for Storage & Distribution Issue 4 – Clause 4.3.1 & 4.3.3
Requirement Overview
BRCGS for Storage & Distribution requires that products moved via cross-docking are traceable and controlled at all times, even when they are not held in storage for extended periods.
Clause 4.3.1: “The company shall ensure that traceability is maintained at all stages, including during cross-docking operations.”
Clause 4.3.3: “Procedures shall be in place to ensure that all products handled, including those not stored on-site, remain under control and are not subject to contamination or substitution.”
Cross-docking operations must not compromise product traceability, safety, or integrity. Even with minimal handling and temporary presence, each product must be accurately identified, documented, and protected.
Key Compliance Objectives
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✓ Identify all equipment used for food safety and quality monitoring
✓ Ensure calibration is conducted by trained personnel or approved vendors
✓ Verify measuring equipment accuracy regularly
✓ Maintain calibration records and non-conformance procedures
Step-by-Step Compliance Implementation
1. Identify Critical Measuring Equipment
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Examples Include:
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• Thermometers, scales, metal detectors, pH meters, checkweighers
• Any device used to monitor CCPs or legal compliance
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Equipment inventory list with unique ID numbers
• Documentation linking equipment to CCPs or quality checks
• Equipment specification sheets
- • Thermometers, scales, metal detectors, pH meters, checkweighers • Any device used to monitor CCPs or legal compliance
- • Equipment inventory list with unique ID numbers • Documentation linking equipment to CCPs or quality checks • Equipment specification sheets
2. Define Calibration & Verification Procedures
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Procedure Should Cover:
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• Calibration frequency and acceptable tolerance limits
• Methods of calibration (internal or third-party)
• Required certifications or traceability to national standards
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Calibration SOPs
• Service provider certifications or traceability certificates
• Internal verification logs and methods
- • Calibration frequency and acceptable tolerance limits • Methods of calibration (internal or third-party) • Required certifications or traceability to national standards
- • Calibration SOPs • Service provider certifications or traceability certificates • Internal verification logs and methods
3. Schedule and Perform Calibration Activities
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Execution Requirements:
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• Based on equipment risk and usage frequency
• Performed only by trained or qualified personnel
• Out-of-tolerance equipment must be clearly tagged and removed from use
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Calibration schedule and status log
• Tagged or quarantined non-compliant equipment
• Completed calibration reports with pass/fail status
- • Based on equipment risk and usage frequency • Performed only by trained or qualified personnel • Out-of-tolerance equipment must be clearly tagged and removed from use
- • Calibration schedule and status log • Tagged or quarantined non-compliant equipment • Completed calibration reports with pass/fail status
4. Conduct Regular Verifications
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Verification Methods May Include:
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• Ice-point or boiling-point checks for thermometers
• Use of certified test weights for scales
• Internal performance checks for metal detectors
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Verification logs with date, method, and outcome
• Calibration/verification certificates signed and dated
• CAPA logs if equipment is found out of spec
- • Ice-point or boiling-point checks for thermometers • Use of certified test weights for scales • Internal performance checks for metal detectors
- • Verification logs with date, method, and outcome • Calibration/verification certificates signed and dated • CAPA logs if equipment is found out of spec
Common Audit Findings & Recommended Fixes
| Audit Finding | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| No calibration procedure in place | Develop and document a formal calibration & verification SOP |
| Inadequate calibration frequency | Adjust schedules based on risk and manufacturer recommendations |
| Missing or expired calibration certificates | Maintain a central log with updated records and supplier credentials |
| Equipment used despite failed calibration | Implement quarantine tagging and alternative equipment protocols |