Visitor and Contractor Controls
Aligned with BRCGS Food Safety Issue 9 – Clause 7.4
Requirement Overview
BRCGS Food Safety Issue 9 requires that all visitors and contractors entering the production, storage, or food handling areas are subject to strict control procedures to prevent contamination, protect product integrity, and support site security.
Clause 7.4.2: “All visitors and contractors shall be made aware of and shall adhere to the site’s procedures to prevent contamination of products. This shall include instructions to report any illness or symptoms.”
Uncontrolled access by external individuals is a potential food safety and security risk. Proper management of visitors and contractors demonstrates a strong food safety culture and commitment to maintaining a controlled production environment.
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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✓ Restrict unauthorized access to production and storage areas
✓ Ensure all visitors and contractors follow hygiene and safety procedures
✓ Maintain logs and approval records for traceability
✓ Prevent contamination or disruption caused by external personnel
Step-by-Step Compliance Implementation
1. Establish a Visitor & Contractor Entry Procedure
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Requirements Include:
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• Advance authorization or appointment required
• Sign-in procedure with ID verification
• Health status declaration (e.g., illness, open wounds)
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Visitor and contractor policy (SOP)
• Health screening and sign-in logs
• List of approved personnel allowed access
- • Advance authorization or appointment required • Sign-in procedure with ID verification • Health status declaration (e.g., illness, open wounds)
- • Visitor and contractor policy (SOP) • Health screening and sign-in logs • List of approved personnel allowed access
2. Provide Safety & Hygiene Orientation
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Briefing Must Cover:
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• Site hygiene requirements (e.g., handwashing, PPE use)>
• Restricted areas and movement control>
• Procedures for reporting illness or food safety incidents
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Orientation checklist or briefing form
• “Read and understood” acknowledgment
• Issued PPE log
- • Site hygiene requirements (e.g., handwashing, PPE use)> • Restricted areas and movement control> • Procedures for reporting illness or food safety incidents
- • Orientation checklist or briefing form • “Read and understood” acknowledgment • Issued PPE log
3. Control Access to High-Risk Areas
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Control Measures Include:
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• Escorts for visitors and contractors
• Limited access to high-risk zones (e.g., open product, allergen zones)
• Visual identifiers (e.g., colored vests or badges)
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Area access logbook
• Escort assignment records
• PPE issuance and return documentation
- • Escorts for visitors and contractors • Limited access to high-risk zones (e.g., open product, allergen zones) • Visual identifiers (e.g., colored vests or badges)
- • Area access logbook • Escort assignment records • PPE issuance and return documentation
4. Monitor and Record All Activities
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Recordkeeping Must Include:
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• Time of entry and exit
• Reason for visit or work performed
• Sign-off from host or supervisor
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Visitor and contractor access logs
• Task completion forms (for contractors)
• Incident report logs (if applicable)
- • Time of entry and exit • Reason for visit or work performed • Sign-off from host or supervisor
- • Visitor and contractor access logs • Task completion forms (for contractors) • Incident report logs (if applicable)
Common Audit Findings & Recommended Fixes
| Audit Finding | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Visitors entering without hygiene briefing | Require orientation and acknowledgment form before entry |
| No log of contractor activities | Maintain detailed logs and sign-offs for all contractor visits |
| Inadequate PPE provided to external personnel | Keep PPE stocked and available for all visitor types |
| No illness declaration form | Include health checks as part of the sign-in process |