Control of Quantity (Weight/Volume)
Aligned with BRCGS Food Safety Issue 9 – Clause 6.2.1
Requirement Overview
BRCGS Food Safety Standard Clause 6.2.1 requires that procedures are in place to ensure that products meet declared label quantities (weight or volume), preventing underfilling and ensuring regulatory and customer compliance.
“Where products are labelled with a declared weight or volume, the site shall have a documented procedure to ensure that the label weight or volume is accurate, complies with legal requirements and, where applicable, the requirements of the customer.”
Accurate fill control is essential for legal metrology compliance, brand reputation, and customer satisfaction.
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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✓ Ensure declared weights and volumes are met
✓ Prevent underfills and consumer deception
✓ Maintain calibration and verification of weighing/dispensing equipment
✓ Provide records for regulatory, customer, and audit review
Step-by-Step Compliance Implementation
1. Establish Quantity Control Procedures
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Procedures Should Include:
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• Defined target weight/volume per SKU
• Tolerances based on legal and customer requirements
• Verification methods for each production run
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Quantity control SOP
• Target and tolerance documentation by product
• Verification protocol and frequency schedule
- • Defined target weight/volume per SKU • Tolerances based on legal and customer requirements • Verification methods for each production run
- • Quantity control SOP • Target and tolerance documentation by product • Verification protocol and frequency schedule
2. Calibrate and Maintain Equipment
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Equipment Must Be:
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• Calibrated at defined intervals by qualified personnel
• Maintained to prevent drift or inaccurate dispensing
• Identified with calibration status
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Calibration certificates
• Preventive maintenance logs
• Equipment ID and calibration status labels
- • Calibrated at defined intervals by qualified personnel • Maintained to prevent drift or inaccurate dispensing • Identified with calibration status
- • Calibration certificates • Preventive maintenance logs • Equipment ID and calibration status labels
3. Conduct Regular Checks During Production
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Checks Should Cover:
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• Random weight/volume checks per shift or batch
• Use of statistical sampling where applicable
• Actions for out-of-spec results (e.g., product hold, equipment check)
Evidence to Maintain:
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• In-process check logs
• Non-conformance records for quantity deviations
• Corrective actions and adjustments made
- • Random weight/volume checks per shift or batch • Use of statistical sampling where applicable • Actions for out-of-spec results (e.g., product hold, equipment check)
- • In-process check logs • Non-conformance records for quantity deviations • Corrective actions and adjustments made
4. Train and Authorize Personnel
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Personnel Should:
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• Understand the criticality of quantity control
• Be trained to use equipment, conduct checks, and interpret results
• Be authorized to adjust settings or escalate issues
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Training records for line staff and QA
• Authorization matrix for equipment adjustments
- • Understand the criticality of quantity control • Be trained to use equipment, conduct checks, and interpret results • Be authorized to adjust settings or escalate issues
- • Training records for line staff and QA • Authorization matrix for equipment adjustments
5. Review, Trend, and Improve
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Analysis Activities Include:
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• Trending overfills/underfills and equipment deviations
• Reviewing customer complaints related to short weight
• Updating procedures based on findings
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Quantity control trend reports
• Review meeting minutes
• Revised SOPs or work instructions
- • Trending overfills/underfills and equipment deviations • Reviewing customer complaints related to short weight • Updating procedures based on findings
- • Quantity control trend reports • Review meeting minutes • Revised SOPs or work instructions
Common Audit Findings & Recommended Fixes
| Audit Finding | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| No documented quantity control process | Create and implement SOP with targets and tolerances |
| Inaccurate weighing equipment | Calibrate regularly and log all actions |
| Missing in-process quantity checks | Conduct and record weight/volume checks during each production |
| Untrained operators managing equipment | Provide formal training and documented authorization |