Has anyone used a co-packer?

[seadorin]

Need advise. I am looking for information on dealing with co-packer. Has anyone here worked with co-packer before? I am also trying to understand the rules for co-packing food products outside of the United States. Do you need to follow different regulations than you would with a domestic company and what are some of the things you need to watch out for when using an international co-packer?

 

[the5picygardenking]

If you're an international co-packer looking to ship to the US, you'll need to make sure you're registered with the FDA. It's also essential to check their certifications, like HACCP and BRC, among others. Some of the main considerations include maintaining transparency in the supply chain, conducting quality control visits, dealing with longer lead times, and managing currency fluctuations. Don't forget to look into import duties and labeling rules as well. If you can, start with domestic co-packers, it tends to be a lot simpler.

 

[pou_arcy]

Make sure your contract clearly defines the food safety, what happens if there's a recall, how intellectual property is protected, and the rules for labeling and packaging where you're selling. If I were in your shoes, I'd begin with a small test. Do a trial run before you go big.

 

[5555ltd]

You do need to follow different regulations when using an international partner. The biggest thing to know is that if you are importing a food product into the United States, you become the importer and are responsible for ensuring your supplier meets all FDA standards. This is a program called the Foreign Supplier Verification Program. You have to verify that your international co-packer is following the same safety protocols that a domestic one would and that their food is not adulterated or misbranded.

 

[seadorin]

Thanks guys! I got all the information I need. This forum is very helpful. I just don't know where to start and what certifications I will be needing.