GMP Health Supplements Nutraceuticals
GMP Health Supplements Nutraceuticals
GMP Health Supplements Nutraceuticals
Health Supplements
and Nutraceuticals
Guidance Document on
Good Manufacturing Practices
April 2018 I Version 1.0
A. Manufacturing Process 4
B. Pre-requisite Program 15
C. Sub-Contracting Operations 51
D. Stability Programme 54
E. Botanicals 57
G. References 76
Preface
This Guidance Document on Good Manufacturing Practices for Health Supplements/
Nutraceuticals is prepared with an intent to provide general guidance to small and medium
manufacturers of Health Supplements/ Nutraceuticals and Ingredients to ensure that food
safety related aspects are addressed during the manufacturing process.
This guidance document should be read with the Food Safety and Standard Act 2006, Rules and
Regulations 2011 in force or as amended from time to time.
It is to be noted that this guidance document does not intend to replace any legal provisions
required by law as applicable from time to time. Further, wherever the provision of this document
conflicts with Schedule IV of (regulation 2.1.2) of Food Safety Standards (Licensing and
Registration of Food Business Operators) Regulations or any other regulations, for that matter,
the provision given in the regulations shall prevail.
ReCHaN TEAM
1
Scope
This GMP Guidance Document covers
the entire manufacturing process of
Health Supplements/ Nutraceuticals
in the form of Powders, Tablets,
Capsules, Soft Gel Capsules and
Liquids starting from procurement of
raw materials to despatch of finished
product. There are other approved
dosage forms like jelly or gels, semi-
solids etc. which have not been included
as a part of this GMP Guidance
document. It deals primarily on Good
Manufacturing Practices that can be
followed in the processing of Health
Supplements / Nutraceuticals.
2
Guidance to read
the document
This document is written with a purpose to guide small and
medium Health Supplements / Nutraceuticals
manufacturers, both existing and newly established
businesses. The document has two main sections.
3
Section A
Manufacturing
Process
Manufacturing Process
4. Sifting 3 Dispensing
6. Blending
10. PM Dispensing
8. Encapsulation, and/or Banding
passed through metal detector and
11. De-Cartoning
of bottles 9. Capsules Inspection
Shippers, and
B.O.P.P.Tape 16. Coding & Packing
20. Dispatch
Note: Other forms of packaging of capsules can be strip packaging, blister packaging or alu-alu packaging
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Health Supplements and Nutraceuticals
Guidance Document on Good Manufacturing Practices
3. Dispensing
4. Sifting
5. Blending
11. De-Cartoning
of bottles 8. Coating
12. Bottle
Cleaning 13. Bottle filling & Weighing
20. Dispatch
Note: Other forms of packaging of tablets can be strip packaging or blister packaging
6
Manufacturing Process
3. Dispensing
4. Material Sieving
5. Blending
19. Dispatch
Note: Other forms of packaging for powders could be sachets, pouches, HDPE Containers etc.
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Health Supplements and Nutraceuticals
Guidance Document on Good Manufacturing Practices
2. Material storage at
1. Material received control temperature
from Vender. and RH
Gel Preparation
3.Dispensing
Mixing
13. PM Dispensing
8. Encapsulation and Drying
14.De-
Cartoning
of bottles 11. Capsules Inspection
15.Bottle
Cleaning 12. Bottle filling
Shippers, and
18. Coding & Packing
B.O.P.P.Tape
22. Dispatch
Note: Other forms of packaging of soft gel capsules can be strip packaging or blister packaging
8
Manufacturing Process
2. Material storage at
1. Material received control temperature
from Vender. and RH
3. Dispensing
4. Sifting/ Filtration
6. Syrup/Suspension/Emulsion
Preparation
Containers, Closures,
Labels, Shippers, and
B.O.P.P. Tape 7. Addition of Active Ingredients
10.PM Dispensing
8. V olume Makeup
11. De-Cartoning
of containers 9. Final Filtration & Metal Detection/Metal Grill
12. Container
Cleaning 13. Bottle/ Container Filling & Weighing
Shippers, and
B.O.P.P. Tape 16. ContainerLabelling, Coding & Packing
20. Dispatch
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Guidance Document on Good Manufacturing Practices
ii. The sampling of the ingredients is done in a sampling booth within the warehouse
which has a controlled environment.
Industry best practice for air quality is ISO 8 with RLAF ISO 5 for a dispensing
room.
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Manufacturing Process
3. Health Supplements/Nutraceuticals
Processing
i. The Health supplement/ Nutraceuticals processing is carried out in an enclosed
area which has a controlled environment.
The industry best practice for air quality and controlled environment in this area
is ISO 8, temperature NMT 25 degrees Celsius and RH 60% +/- 5% or as per product
manufacturing guidelines if there are some stringent conditions required.
ii. The raw material/ ingredient/ packing material enter the process area through a
double door air lock facility which is equipped with air curtains.
iii. Dust control systems are employed during the mixing, sifting, blending,
compression and coating operations to avoid any cross contamination.
A Capsule processing
• Dispensing of raw material/ ingredients/ packing material– This is a check to
assure the materials entering the manufacturing area for weighing/ quantity check
are released as indicated on the batch sheet.
• Sifting/ Sieving is a simple and convenient technique of separating particles of
different sizes. It is done to remove any kind of impurity like dust, foreign matter etc.
• Blending is the process of dry mixing of ingredients to get a uniform consistency of
nutrients in the mix as claimed by the organisation. Time, temperature and the
blending RPM are key parameters that are monitored. Different kind of blenders
include Plough blender, Ribbon Blender, Bin Blender, Cone Blender and V Blender.
• The bulk material is checked for quality and then unloaded and transferred into silos.
• The next process is Encapsulation which is to carefully include the powder formulation
in the capsule. In case of Liquid formulation ensure Banding after encapsulation.
• The capsules are polished and pass through a metal detector.
• Empty Capsule Sorter or Mini Capsule sorter can be provided to remove the empty
capsules / damaged capsules before primary packaging.
• The primary packing material i.e. bottles are cleaned by filtered air.
• The printed capsules are then inspected and filled in bottles followed by capping in a
packing machine.
• The filled bottles are then labelled, coded and finally packed in secondary packaging
and palletized and transferred to the warehouse.
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Guidance Document on Good Manufacturing Practices
C Tablet processing
• After raw material/ ingredients/ packing material dispensing, sifting and blending
operations as explained above, the bulk formulation is unloaded in Silos after quality
release.
• Compression is a process of making the tablets by pressing the bulk formulation
granules in a die with lower and upper punch. The basic principle behind the tablet
compression machine is by hydraulic pressure across the dies. Compression is
done in separate cubicles and compression machines are provided with effective
dust control systems to avoid cross contamination.
• Tablets are then collected into clean and labelled containers after inspection for the
next process of coating.
• Coating is a covering that is applied to the surface of the tablet. Coating is applied
using polymers on tablets for organoleptic and protection purposes. Coating pans
are supplied with filtered air for drying purposes.
• The coated tablets are then printed with edible grade colours and inspected for
quality and passed through metal detector.
• The primary packing material i.e. bottles are cleaned by filtered air.
• The printed tablets are filled in bottles followed by capping, labelling, coding and
final packing in secondary packaging, palletized and transferred to the warehouse..
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Manufacturing Process
E Liquid processing
• After raw material/ ingredients/packing material dispensing and sifting operations
as explained above, the syrup/suspension/emulsion etc. Preparation is done in
Silos.
• Active ingredients are added to the syrup and volume make up is done to get the
final syrup formulation which is then filtered through appropriate seive.
• The primary packing material i.e. bottles are cleaned and inspected.
• The final syrup formulation is then pass through maganetic grill before filling in
bottles followed by capping. The filled bottles undergo a final physical inspection.
• The filled bottels are then labelled, coded and finally packed in secondary
packaging, palletized and transferred to the warehouse.
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14
Section B
Pre-Requisite
Program
Health Supplements and Nutraceuticals
Guidance Document on Good Manufacturing Practices
1. Establishment – Design
and Facilities
1.1 Location of Establishment
i. The Health Supplement/ Nutraceuticals facility shall be situated away from
environmentally polluted areas like open sewage, drain, public lavatory or any
factory which produces disagreeable or obnoxious odour, fumes, excessive soot,
dust, smoke, chemical or biological emissions to avoid risk of contamination from
external environment. In case it is already existing, appropriate control measures
shall be taken.
ii. The site boundaries shall be clearly identified with appropriate access control to
prevent the chances of theft and sabotage. Dogs, cats or other pet animals should
not be allowed to enter the premises.
iii. The manufacturing premise shall not have direct access to any residential area.
iv. The manufacturing premises shall be located away from flood prone area. Where
the premises are located in areas prone to flooding, it is recommended that height of
the manufacturing area should be suitably elevated to prevent the risks due to
flooding.
v. The surrounding areas of the establishment shall be kept in good order. Roads,
yards, parking lots outside the factory building should be free of debris and refuse,
and from any source of pollution.
vi. There should not be any stagnant water surrounding the facility. Where buildings
are surrounded by grassed or planted areas, a clear space should be provided
between the grassed planted areas and the building. Such grassed/planted areas
should be regularly tended and maintained.
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Pre-Requisite Program
products, personnel and to the extent that is practicable physical separation of raw
from processed area to prevent any cross-contamination.
ii. Sufficient space and proper placement of equipment’s as is necessary for the
maintenance of sanitary operations.
iii. The plant should have a proper space for inward and outward vehicle movement.
Openings intending for transfer of materials shall be designed to minimize any
cross contamination from foreign matter, pests, etc.
iv. The manufacturer should demonstrate adequate controls (in terms of segregation
of area) where there is manufacturing of products like Pre & Probiotics.
1.2.2 Internal Structures
i) Walls and Partitions
• They shall be soundly constructed of materials that are durable, cleanable,
impervious to food, grease and water with no toxic effect in intended use. For
example: emulsion oil paint (which is easily cleanable by wiping); tiles (which are
less porous and causes less crevices).
• Premises shall be free of flaking paint and plaster to prevent the accumulation of
dust, minimise condensation, and shredding of particles.
• Wall floor joints should be curved in processing and packaging areas to facilitate
cleaning.
• Wall and pillar guards (SS) should be used to avoid daily wear and tear of the
surfaces.
ii) Ceilings and overhead fixtures
CEILINGS
• Shall be maintained in sound condition and constructed of materials that are
durable, cleanable, impervious to food, grease and water with no toxic effect in
intended use.
• Shall be sealed to prevent the entry of dirt, dust and pests.
• Shall be free from flaking paint or plaster.
OVERHEAD FIXTURES
• Shall be suitably protected so that they do not act as contaminants in case of
breakage.
iii) Floors
• Shall be non-slippery, sloped appropriately, to allow adequate drainage. The
drainage shall flow opposite to the flow of manufacturing process flow.
• shall be maintained in good repair with no cracks and crevices
• Shall be made of materials that are durable and easy to clean such as Epoxy
coated floors or PU flooring or any other suitable flooring. Wet cleaning should
be avoided. This causes slippery. Sweeping and mopping is more appropriate
and cost effective
iv) Doors
• Shall have smooth, non-absorbent surfaces. Wooden doors are not
recommended as it promotes mould growth, termites with ageing.
• shall be easy to clean
• Shall be close-fitting and with suitable precautions to prevent entry of pests.
• Gaps if any between the door and the floor should be closed with suitable
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Guidance Document on Good Manufacturing Practices
iv. Manufacturing vessels, pipework, and material handling equipment are well bonded
and smooth to prevent material build up and promote sanitary conditions. Hygienic
design features may include:
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Pre-Requisite Program
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Guidance Document on Good Manufacturing Practices
vi) Recycled water used in processing or as an ingredient shall not present risk of
contamination. It shall be of the same standard as potable water.
vii) Non potable water (for use in, for example, steam production, firefighting &
refrigeration equipment and other similar purposes where it will not contaminate
food) shall have a separate system. Non-potable water systems shall be identified
and shall not connect with, or allow reflux into, potable water systems.
viii) The material of construction of pumps, valves, storage and distribution skids shall
be non-reactive, non-corrosive, non-leaching and sanitary in design,
ix) Water lines (used in internal Cleaning & as an ingredients) shall be clearly separated
and identified from others. Colour coding of separate pipelines for potable water
and non-potable water is recommended.
1.4.3 Air Quality and Environment conditions
i)Air quality and environment conditions recommended for various areas:
• Material sampling / dispensing – ISO 8 with RLAF ISO 5, Temperature should not
be more than < 25° C and Relative Humidity (RH) < 60%+/- 5% or as
recommended by the supplier
• Material / product contact area – ISO 8; Temperature should not be more than <
25° C and RH < 60%+/- 5% or as per product requirement.
• Process equipment washing area – Should be negative pressure with respect to
processing area.
• Process equipment storage area - ISO 8; Temperature should not be more than <
< 25 and RH < 60+/-5%
• Input material storage area – environment conditions as per recommendations
of the supplier
• Finished product storage area – as per the established stability studies
• Microbiology Lab (inoculum handling) – ISO 8 with LAF ISO 5 (Dedicated AHU
provided for Microbiological Lab); Temperature < 25° C and RH 60+/-5%.
• Other Microbiological Testing Areas – ISO 8; Temperature < 25° C and
RH 60+/-5%
• Analytical Laboratory – Temperature < 25° C & RH < 60+/-5%
NOTE: Adequate gradation of the surrounding area shall be designed to maintain
the integrity of the targeted class.
ii. The air shall not flow from contaminated to clean areas, the ventilation systems
shall be so designed.
iii) Adequate Differential Pressure shall be maintained between different classified
areas. Systems shall be accessible for cleaning, filter changing and maintenance.
Recommended differential pressure in adjacent areas should be min 0.5 mm of
Water Column (5-10 psi).
iv) Air filters, exhaust and air intake ports shall be examined periodically for physical
filter integrity.
v) Periodic air quality monitoring shall be in place.
vi) Ventilation systems, natural and/or mechanical, including Heating, Ventilation and
Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems or air-conditioning, air filters, exhaust fans,
wherever required, shall be designed and constructed so that pre-decided
conditions are maintained.
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Pre-Requisite Program
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Health Supplements and Nutraceuticals
Guidance Document on Good Manufacturing Practices
c. Lavatories
• Lavatories shall be separate from other areas and shall not be directly connected
to the storage and manufacturing areas. Sufficient number and separate
toilets/urinals for male and female should be provided. Industry best practice , of
1:25 is followed for facility: employee ratio.
• Adequate supply of water should be provided in toilets and urinals. Potable water
should be used at the toilet wash basin stations, as the employees may need to
touch food items while in production areas.
• All toilet facilities should be clean and sanitized at all times of the working hours.
• Toilets should be so designed so as to ensure hygienic removal of waste matter.
• Toilets should be well lit and ventilated and should not open directly into food
handling areas.
• Lavatories shall be separate from other areas and shall not be directly connected
to the storage and manufacturing areas.
d. Changing facilities
• Suitable and sufficient facilities for persons working in the processing areas
should be provided for changing their clothes, keeping their personal belongings
and Street footwear.
• Separate areas should be provided for home personal clothes and company
uniforms (in case there is a designated full uniform used by employees during
processing).
• Factory footwear should be cleaned periodically and not to be used fro external
purposes.
e. Rest and refreshment room
• Rest & Refreshment Rooms shall be separate from other areas. These areas
shall not lead directly to the manufacturing and storage areas.
• Staff canteens shall be managed to ensure hygienic storage of ingredients and
preparation, storage and serving of prepared foods.
• Employees’ own food shall be stored and consumed in designated areas only
away from Process & storage area. Tiffin’s and personal belongings also shall
not keep in Lockers.
Note: A display board mentioning’ Dos’ and ‘Don’ts’ for workers should be posted in a
prominent place inside the premises, in English or local language, for all to understand.
This will help all the employees to maintain their alertness on good hygiene practices.
1.4.7 Drains and Waste Disposal
i. Adequate drainage and waste disposal systems and facilities shall be designed and
constructed so that the risk of contaminating food or potable water supply is
avoided.
ii. Drains shall be designed to meet expected flow loads, constructed so as to prevent
accumulation or back flow of waste water. Drains should be located so that they can
be easily and effectively cleaned and inspected.
iii. All Health supplement/ Nutraceuticals waste and other waste materials shall be
removed from time to time from the places where food is handled, or processed or
packed.
iv. A waste bin should be placed in all appropriate places with a proper cover and shall
be emptied regularly. The design of the waste bin shall be such that no hand touch is
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Pre-Requisite Program
required. This avoids cross contamination chances. They shall be washed daily with
a disinfectant and dried before next use.
v. Drains shall be equipped with appropriate traps to effectively capture
contaminants.
vi. Wherever existing, scrap stores/yards are to be designed and managed in such a
way as to enable them to be kept clean and free form animals and pests.
vii. Segregation of non-biodegradable waste like plastics /metals / glass materials,
bags, containers should be done, before disposal.
viii. Waste disposal shall be done in accordance with specific requirements of the
Factory Act / State Pollution Control Board requirements.
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Health Supplements and Nutraceuticals
Guidance Document on Good Manufacturing Practices
2. Establishment – Design
and facilities
2.1 Supplier Approval and Food receipt
i) Supplier Quality Development Programme laying down the criteria for selection,
approval, review and ongoing approval should be implemented.
ii) All raw material, process aids, ingredients consignments shall be procured from
internally approved suppliers who are FSSAI /FDA/ Ayush licensed/ registered or
licensed from other regulatory authorities. An approved supplier should be
evaluated as per the quality supplied, and other relevant factors.
iii) Raw materials received shall be according to the storage and processing capacity
of the processing plant.
iv) All raw materials and ingredients, wherever applicable, shall conform to all
Standards laid down under the relevant regulations.
v) All raw materials, ingredients and packing material and process aids, wherever
applicable, shall be inspected and sorted before processing. The manufacturer shall
have procedures in place to confirm that the incoming materials meet the
documented specifications through certificate of analysis, visual inspection,
laboratory testing, review of label for allergens etc.
vi) Records of raw materials or ingredients or any other material used in processing as
well their source of procurements shall be maintained for traceability.
vii) It is recommended to have food grade certificates for applicable food processing
aids from suppliers.
viii) All bulk tankers/containers receipt if any shall be checked for seal integrity/ previous
cargo/inspection checklist at the time of receipt (Suggested in Annexure 1).
ix) All packaged raw materials shall be checked for ‘expiry date’/’best before’/’use by
date’, packaging integrity and storage conditions.
x) The incoming vehicles that bring the raw materials, shall be checked for cleanliness
and hygiene i.e. the trucks are clean, with no pests or dirt, with no strong odour other
than that of the raw material.
i. The buildings, grounds fixtures and equipment of product storage areas and
vehicles loading & unloading bays shall be designed, constructed, adapted and
maintained to facilitate the operations carried out in them and to prevent damage.
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Pre-Requisite Program
ii. Raw materials, ingredients, packing material and finished goods shall be stored in
clean, dry, well ventilated spaces protected from dust, condensation, fumes, odours
or other sources of contamination. Materials and product shall be suitably stacked
with due regard given to safety.
iii. Aisles should be kept clear and not used for temporary storage of materials.
iv. Receiving and dispatch bays shall be provided for receiving of material and
dispatching of finished product from the storage areas. These shall be designed to
protect materials and products from the weather. Receiving areas shall be equipped
to allow containers of incoming materials to be cleaned where necessary.
v. Adequate spacing should be maintained between pallets to ensure sufficient
ventilation.
vi. Periodic visual checks should be made of all pallets, racks and other storage
infrastructure , w.r.t structural integrity and infestations.
vii. There should be a separate sampling & dispensing area in the warehouse.
viii. Raw material and ingredients shall be stored as per the storage conditions
mentioned on the label or as specified by the vendor. Printed packaging materials
shall be stored in safe, separate and secured manner.
ix. All materials and product should be clearly marked with their relevant
Identification/Lot Number, to maintain the traceability.
x. The identification marking should be easily accessible/visible even when the
material or product is stacked.
xi. Storage area temperatures shall be monitored.
xii. In case Fresh material of botanical origin is used as a raw material, it shall be stored
in a separate dedicated area with appropriate controls.
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Guidance Document on Good Manufacturing Practices
iii. Products which have been recalled or returned, and lots which have been
rejected for re-working or recovery of materials or disposal should be so marked
and physically segregated and identified .
iv. Records for such returned or recalled materials shall be properly maintained as per
the FSSR recall regulation 2017.
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Pre-Requisite Program
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Health Supplements and Nutraceuticals
Guidance Document on Good Manufacturing Practices
3. Compressions (Tablets)
i. For each compression run and in case of multiple compression
points in a compression machine, sufficient individual tablets shall
be examined at fixed intervals to ensure that a tablet from each
compression station or from each compression point has been
inspected for suitable pharmacopeia parameters like appearance,
weight variation, disintegration, hardness, friability and thickness.
The results shall be recorded in the batch manufacturing record.
ii. Weighing equipments shall be calibrated for in-process
monitoring of tablet weight variation. Procedures shall be in place
for detecting out-of-limits tablets.
iii. Tablets shall be de-dusted and shall be monitored for the presence
of foreign materials besides any other defects.
iv. Tablets shall be collected into clean, labelled containers.
v. In-process control shall be employed to ensure that the products
remain within specification.
vi. Dust control systems shall be installed for tablets compression to
avoid cross-contamination. Each compression machine shall be
installed in separate cubicles unless the same product is being
made on each machine or unless the compression machine itself
provides its own enclosed air controlled environment.
vii. During compression, samples of tablets shall be taken at regular
intervals of not greater than 30 minutes or as appropriate to ensure
that they are being produced in compliance with specified in-
process specification. The tablets shall also be periodically
checked for additional parameters such as appearance, weight
variation, disintegration, hardness, friability and thickness and
contamination by lubricating oil.
viii. Labelling shall be done of all the in-process material, granules and
tablets to prevent any mix up during compression process.
ix. Rejected or discarded tablets shall be isolated in identified
containers and their quality recorded in the Batch Manufacturing
Record.
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Pre-Requisite Program
4. Coating (Tablets)
i. The preparation and use of coating solution shall be documented
and recorded. Coating solution shall be freshly made to minimize
the risk of microbial growth.
ii. Air supplied to coating pans for drying purposes shall be filtered air
and of suitable quality. The area shall be provided with suitable
exhaust system and environmental control (temperature,
humidity) measures.
5. Encapsulation - Capsules (Powder & Liquid Filled)
i. Capsules shall be stored under adequate environmental
conditions which shall ensure their safety from the effects of
excessive heat and moisture.
Industry best practice for environment conditions of this area are
Temperature 19-23 Degrees Celsius and RH < 60%+/- 5%-or as per
the product requirements.
6. Printing (Tablets and Capsules)
i. Tablets and capsules after printing shall only be released after
approval from quality control.
ii. Edible grade colours and suitable printing ink shall be used for such
printing.
iii. Special care shall be taken to avoid product mix-up during any
printing of tablets and capsules. Where different products, or
different batches of the same product, are printed simultaneously,
the operations shall adequately be segregated.
This section can be shifted to Vendor Management section. Guidance
required for edible grade color.
7. Packaging
i. Packaging material shall be tested and released prior to
dispensing.
ii. Line clearance shall be done before dispensing of packing material
and before a new packing operation starts. It shall the ensured that
all tablets, capsules or foils of the previous batch are removed
before a new packaging operation starts. An independent check of
the packaging equipment before operation is commenced can be
maintained.
iii. Integrity of individual package shall be subjected to vacuum test or
other suitable methodology, periodically to ensure leak proof seal
integrity and records shall be maintained.
iv. Uncoated tablets shall be packed on equipment designed to
minimize the risk of cross-contamination. Such packaging shall
be carried out in an isolated area.
v. The package coming out of the machine shall be inspected for
defects such as misprint, Nofill, cuts on the foil, missing tablets
and improper sealing.
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Guidance Document on Good Manufacturing Practices
3. Manufacturing
i. Manufacturing personnel shall wear non-fibre shedding clothing
to prevent contamination of the product.
ii. Mixing and filling processes shall be specified and monitored. Care
shall be taken at the beginning of the filling process, after stoppage
due to any interruption and at the end of the process to ensure that
the product is uniformly homogenous during the filling process.
iii. The maximum period of storage conditions of the liquid shall be
specified in the Master Formula. The maximum period of storage
time of a product in the bulk stage shall be validated.
iv. The homogeneity of emulsion shall be maintained by use of
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Pre-Requisite Program
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Guidance Document on Good Manufacturing Practices
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Pre-Requisite Program
2.5.2 Warehousing
i. All packed goods shall be stored 18 inch away from walls and shall be stored on
pellets or other similar raised platforms (like racks, cupboards) and not stored
directly on floor.
ii. The warehouses shall be kept clean, ventilated and under hygienic condition to
avoid pest infestation, dirt, dust, smell.
iii. Where specified for a particular Health Supplement/ Nutraceuticals, temperature
and humidity control systems shall be introduced and carried out with calibrated
recording equipment with appropriate maintenance of records.
iv. Pallet matrix to be added. (annexure 1)
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Pre-Requisite Program
nutraceutical products that may cause a potential threat to public health and enable
the complete, rapid recall of the implicated lot of the product from the market.
iii. Where a product has been recalled because of an immediate health hazard, other
products which are produced under similar conditions which may also present a
hazard to public health shall be evaluated for safety and may need to be recalled.
iv. Recalled products shall be held under supervision until they are destroyed, used for
purposes other than human consumption, determined to be safe for human
consumption, or reprocessed/reworked in a manner to ensure their safety.
v. The effectiveness of the Product recall procedure should be internally tested and
documented at least once in a year. A recommended good practice is a Mock
Recall. Manufacturing records systems, distribution records systems and the
marking of outer cartons and of individual packs shall be designed in a way that will
facilitate effective withdrawal or recall, if necessary.
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ii. Validated methods should be used for testing of material / product. Analytical
method verification should be carried out for the compendia / pharmacopeia
methods. Scientifically valid test methods published internationally (e.g. AOAC,
BAM, USP, FCC etc.) can also be used for testing and the manufacturer should affirm
that the tests are accurate, precise and specific for its intended purpose.
2.9.5 Analysis
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Pre-Requisite Program
i. Written procedures shall be in place for the preparation of the reagents to be used in
the analysis.
ii. Reagents and Reference standards shall be clearly labelled with the following
information:
• date of receipt or preparation,
• their concentration,
• standardisation factor,
• shelf life
• storage conditions
iii. Reference standards and any secondary standards prepared from them should be
stored, handled and used according to instructions.
iv. Validation shall include the following parameters
• Specificity / selectivity;
• Recovery;
• Precision;
• Linearity and range;
• Accuracy;
• Limit of Detection (LOD) / Limit of Quantitation (LOQ)
v. Validation details shall be recorded and retained. Results of any sample analysis
should be within the validated range of the methods used.
vi. Samples shall be analysed according to written procedures, using test methods
which are either legally required or are internationally accepted, or other methods
that have been scientifically validated for the required sample matrix.
• Retention samples of key raw materials and finished products should be stored in
appropriate conditions and quantity.
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Pre-Requisite Program
3. Establishment - Maintenance
and Sanitation
3.1 Cleaning and Sanitation
3.1.1 Cleaning and Sanitation
Cleaning and sanitizing programmes shall be established at facility to ensure that the
food-processing equipment and environment are maintained in a hygienic condition to
prevent contamination of food, such as from metal shards, flaking plaster, food debris
and chemicals and records of the same shall be maintained. The programme should
ensure that all parts of the establishment are appropriately clean, and shall include the
cleaning of cleaning equipment.:
a. Master sanitation schedule shall be maintained for overall facility through
checklists which includes:
• Areas, items of equipment and utensils to be cleaned;
• Responsibility for particular tasks;
• Cleaning method and frequency of cleaning; and
• Monitoring arrangements for checking effectiveness of cleaning
• Person responsible for cleaning
• Persons responsible for monitoring & verification of effectiveness of cleaning
• In case of any deviation what correction & corrective actions being taken.
• Where ever chances of microbial risk with product air count & swab test being
recommended.
b. Cleaning and disinfection chemicals shall be food grade wherever chances of it may
come in direct or indirect contact through equipment’s or plant surfaces, handled
and used carefully and in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions, for
example, using the correct dilutions, and stored, where necessary, separated from
food, in clearly identified containers to avoid the risk of contaminating food.
c. Cleaning shall remove food residues and dirt and it can be carried out by the
separate or the combined use of physical methods, such as heat, scrubbing,
turbulent flow and vacuum cleaning or other methods that avoid the use of water,
and chemical methods using appropriate cleaning agents.
d. These facilities should be constructed of corrosion resistant materials, be easy to
clean and shall have adequate supply of hot and cold potable water, where
appropriate. It is recommended to have different colour for hot and cold pipes.
e. A validation mechanism should be in place for all cleaning programme.
f. Cleaning procedure should generally involve:
• Removing gross visible debris from surfaces.
• Applying a detergent solution to loosen soil and bacterial film (cleaning)
• Rinsing with water (hot water where possible) to remove loosened soil and
residues of detergent.
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• Dry cleaning or other appropriate methods for removing and collecting residues
and debris and
• Where necessary, cleaning should be followed by disinfection with subsequent
rinsing.
g. Designated area with lock & key provision should be allocated for cleaning
equipment’s & chemicals.
h. Where ever necessary & applicable CIP procedure should be defined for
equipment’s cleaning.
3.1.2 House keeping
i. A housekeeping schedule covering manufacturing and storage areas shall be
maintained.
ii. The surrounding areas including roads, parking lots and drains should be well-
maintained.
iii. Walls and floors should be maintained neat and clean. Ceilings and light fixtures
should be easy to clean.
iv. Drains should be sufficiently sized and well sloped. Drains should have removable
grates installed for ease of cleaning.
v. For 3rd party (contract) cleaning companies, the supplier should define clear scope,
details of services and responsibilities.
vi. Waste storage areas should be clearly marked and waste shall be disposed of in a
timely manner.
3.2 Maintenance
Maintenance workshops shall be separate and away from production areas. Whenever
spares, changed parts and tools are stored in the production area, these shall be kept in
dedicated rooms or lockers. Tools and spare parts, for the manufacture of products
which are susceptible to microbial contamination, shall be disinfected before these are
carried inside the production areas.
• Preventive maintenance of equipment and machinery shall be carried out regularly
as per the instructions of the manufacturer.
• The preventive maintenance programme shall include all devices used to monitor
and/or control food safety hazards and cover the maintenance procedure,
frequency and identification of the person (and/ or external agency) responsible for
maintenance activity.
• Internal & External calibration schedule for critical food safety equipment shall be
maintained.
• Corrective maintenance shall be carried out in such a way that production on
adjoining lines or equipment is not at risk of contamination and post maintenance
verification shall be done.
• Temporary fixes that put product safety at risk shall be removed / permanently
fixed in a timely manner.
• Lubricants, heat transfer fluids or any other similar material shall be food grade
where there is no risk of direct or indirect contact with the product.
• Plant equipment’s breakdown records shall be maintained.
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Pre-Requisite Program
• Loose items control policy (Nut & bolts, Nails broken pieces or smaller parts of
machines) shall be followed to prevent any contamination with product or
packaging material.
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iv. Incase of insect infestation area, appropriate fumigation shoud be done as per Plant
quarantine Rules.
3.3.6 Pest control – 4 D method
• Seal all holes, • Avoid False sealing in • Store all foods and • Clean & disinfect pest
crevices at Ceilings, processing and condiments in sealed infested Places,
walls and floors storage area / covered containers clothing and
• Threshold clearances • Repair defects on • Floor free from food equipment
of doors <6mm, fix walls, floors, ceiling, remnants • Use Insectocuter -
metal kicking plates woodwork & other • Prohibit preparing food Place 4.5 to 6 m away
• Double door / air structure and utensils cleaning from foodhanding area
curtains / strip • Remove disused / at other places • Use low wall mounted
curtains / mesh obsolete articles from • Store refuse in Insectocutors
screen, self-closing food premises dedication closed • Clean Insectocutor
doors at appropriate container and discard every week
locations Missing / periodically to prevent
damaged gratings of • Cover all foods during
accumulation. pest control treatment
drains installed /
replaced • Surface channels and • Use glue pads inside
gratings clean and and rodent boxes
clear of food remnants outside the processing
areas
• Pest or chemicals
contaminated food be
discarded.
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Pre-Requisite Program
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ii. Where gloves are used for product contact, they shall be clean,food grade(like nitrile
etc) and in good condition.
iii. Health Supplement/ Nutraceuticals handlers must wear sufficient clean and
washable or disposable overclothing (including headgear, nose mask, shoe cover
and where appropriate, neck-covering and/or beard snood)
iv. A policy can be implemented to ensure that visitors and contractors are asked
whether they have suffered or been in contact with any recent illness that may be a
potential contamination risk to products, before they enter any manufacturing area.
v. The provision of clear information to all contractors of any hygiene requirements
specific to the manufacturing area in which they will be working,
vi. The implementation of 'return to work' procedures following illness or foreign holidays,
particularly in relation to diseases that may have been contracted while away.
vii. The implementation of a personal medication procedure to control personal
medicines that could be a potential contamination risk to the product,
viii. Protective clothing mandated for use in manufacturing areas or hygiene purposes
shall not be used for any other purposes.
ix. All people entering food processing, storage, distribution and handling areas shall
wash their hands with soap and potable water, followed by drying and sanitizing,
where required:
• before starting work;
• after handling chemicals;
• after handling incompatible food products (for example, raw versus cooked or
ready-to eat) or contaminated materials;
• after breaks;
• after coughing or sneezing or blowing their nose; and
• after using toilet facilities.
• after using telephone / cell phones,
• after smoking in designated areas etc.
x. Hand washing notices shall be posted at appropriate places.
xi. Fingernails shall be kept clean without nail polish and trimmed.
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Pre-Requisite Program
Personalized Female & Male Changing room and Lockers Courtesy of Amway
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ii. The Food Business shall have a system to handle product complaints with identified
person or people responsible for receiving, evaluating, categorizing, investigating
and addressing complaints. Complaints shall be accurately categorized according to
safety concerns and other regulatory concerns, such as labelling and shall be
investigated by appropriately-trained technical personnel Documented procedures
and trained personnel shall exist for customer complaint and AE (Adverse Event)
investigation and response.
iv. Regular complaint data analysis can be utilized to reduce future customer complaints.
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Pre-Requisite Program
6. Establishment - Training
and Management
6.1 Awareness and Responsibilities
i. All personnel shall be aware of their role and responsibility in protecting food from
contamination or deterioration. Food handlers shall have necessary knowledge and
skills to enable them to handle food hygienically.
ii. Those handling strong chemicals or potentially hazardous substances shall be
trained in safe handling procedures and techniques.
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Pre-Requisite Program
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50
Section C
Subcontracting
Operations
Health Supplements and Nutraceuticals
Guidance Document on Good Manufacturing Practices
2. Technical Agreement
A technical agreement is a useful method of clearly defining the responsibilities of
each party.
i. Attention shall especially be given to clarifying the responsibilities of each party in
relation to key/critical activities, such as:
ii. The scope of the instructions given by the Contract Giver to the Contract Acceptor,
• Approval and release of raw materials,
• Changes to the formulation and processes,
• Release specification,
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Subcontracting Operations
53
Section D
Stability programme
On-Going Stability Programme
The purpose of the stability programme is to monitor the product over its shelf life and to
determine that the product remains, and can be expected to remain, within specifications under
the labelled storage conditions.
i) The stability of the product shall be monitored according to a continuous
appropriate programme that will permit the detection of any stability issue
associated with the formulation in the marketed package.
ii) This mainly applies to the product in the package in which it is marketed / sold, but
consideration shall also be given to the inclusion in the programme of bulk product.
For example, when the bulk product is stored for a long period before being
packaged and/or shipped from a manufacturing site to a packaging site, the impact
on the stability of the packaged product shall be evaluated and studied under
ambient conditions. In addition, consideration shall be given to intermediates that
are stored and used over prolonged periods. Stability studies on reconstituted
product are performed during product development and need not be monitored on
an on-going basis. However, when relevant, the stability of reconstituted product
can also be monitored.
iii) The stability programme shall be described in a written protocol and results
formalised as a report. The equipment used for the stability programme (stability
chambers among others) shall be qualified and appropriately maintained.
iv) The protocol for an stability programme shall extend to the end of the shelf life
period and shall include, but not be limited to, the following parameters:
a) Number of batch(es) per strength and different batch sizes, where applicable
b) Relevant physical, chemical, microbiological and biological test methods,
stability indicating parameters, where applicable
c) Acceptance criteria
d) Reference to test methods
e) Description of the container closure system(s)
f) Testing intervals (time points)
g) Description of the conditions of storage
h) Other applicable parameters specific to the finished product
v) The protocol for the stability program can be different from that of the initial long-
term stability study as submitted in the marketing authorization dossier provided
that this is justified and documented in the protocol.
vi) The number of batches and frequency of testing shall provide a sufficient amount of
data to allow for trend analysis. Unless otherwise justified, at least one batch per
year of product manufactured in every strength and every primary packaging type, if
relevant, shall be included in the stability program (unless none are produced during
that year). Scientific justification has to be provided in the event that the principle of
bracketing and matrixing designs is applied.
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vii) A summary of all the data generated, including any interim conclusions on the
programme, shall be written and maintained. This summary shall be subjected to
periodic review.
viii) For recommended good practice International guidelines like ICH, WHO,USP etc
may be referred to.
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Section E
Botanicals
Health Supplements and Nutraceuticals
Guidance Document on Good Manufacturing Practices
1 Origin of Botanicals
a. The origin of botanical i.e. Country, Region should be ascertained
b. The botanical shall be traceable by a Batch no. / Shipment ID
c. There shall be a written confirmation available for the relevant batches/lots to show that
cultivation/collection, harvest, storage and processing (as applicable) were in compliance
with the basic principles of good agricultural and collection practice, particularly in relation
to identification and traceability
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Botanicals
59
Section F
Annexure –
Forms Template
Annexure – Forms Template
Annexure I
Templates of documents and records required by Health Supplement/ Nutraceuticals
manufacturers
Some of the formats have been specified by FSSAI. Other below templates can be used as reference.
LIST OF TEMPLATES
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with food items has been carefully examined* by me on date.................................. Based on the
medical examination conducted, he/she is found free from any infectious or communicable
diseases and the person is fit to work in the above-mentioned food establishment.
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Annexure – Forms Template
Name of the Size of can / bottle/ Quantity Sale price Value Quantity
food product any other package in MT per Kg or exported/
manufactured/handled/ (like PP) per unit of imported
imported/exported. or bulk package packing in Kg
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
7. 8. 9. 10.
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Area Covered:
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Annexure – Forms Template
A. CIP Details
CIP Details
Equipment Name
Date Time Person responsible Remarks
B. Ingredient Details
Material Description
Remarks
Name Batch/Lot No.
D. Primary Packaging
Material Description
Remarks
Name Batch/Lot No.
E. Manufacturing Details
F. Analytical Details
G. Dispatch Details
Quantity Dispatched=
Date of Total produced- Dispatch
Invoice No. Dispatch (Rejected+Control Samples Destination Remarks
+Warehouse retaINED)
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Processing Area:
Date:
Inspected / Audited By:
Processing area incharge:
Non-conformance Observed
Date: Date:
Dept Incharge Dept Incharge
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Annexure – Forms Template
Customer Details
Customer Name:
Phone:
Address: City:
State/Province: Zip code:
Email:
Product Consumed
Product name:
Batch Code/Lot no.:
Package size:
Location purchased:
Date of purchase: Date consumed:
How was the product stored?
Nature of Complaint
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Date of Training:
Subject of Training:
Brief summary of the subject:
Effectivess can be based on: Improvement in quality of work, Improvement in work output,
Behavioural change, Overall usefulness of training, etc.
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Annexure – Forms Template
Visitor Record
Date of visit:
Time of entry:
Time of exit:
Name of visitor:
From (location):
Whom to meet:
Purpose of visit:
Type of visitor:
Please Tick:
Type I (Critical areas: Internal processing areas)
Type II (Outside processing areas)
Type III (Office areas)
Belongings description:
Signature of visitor:
Hand Overall
wash, Clean Infectious Hygiene
Clean Disease No Action Re-
sanitize Clean & No open No Covered outer Tobacco/ Status needed examination
Employee Employee Area of (and garments Shoes/ / Skin upon
S.No. trimmed infection/ Smoking/ examin status
Code name work Gloves Wounds Jewellery Hair /protective shoe on non-
Nails Allergy,
where clothing covers Chewing ation compliance (Yes/No)
necessary) if any (Yes/No)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
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Non-conforming Material/Product
(Template)
HOLD REJECT:
Material Type
Finished Product
Raw Material
In- process Product
Packaging Material
Material Name:
Date of Manufacturing / Receipt:
Quantity of Manufacturing Receipt:
Lot/ Batch No:
Quantity used:
Lot/ Batch No:
Quantity Hold:
Lot / Batch No:
Quantity Rejected:
Lot/ Batch No:
Corrective Action:
Preventive Action:
Remarks:
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Annexure – Forms Template
Temp. Specification
Actual Sign
S.No. Date Time Gauge / Range Remarks
Result
Number allowed
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Health Supplements and Nutraceuticals
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Authorized Singature
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Annexure – Forms Template
Location of
Name of Code/
Machine/ Identification Specification/ place of the
S.No. Supplier Machine/ Frequency of check Remarks
Equipment No. Equipment
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Health Supplements and Nutraceuticals
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Name of product:
Date of Manufacturing:
Time of Manufacturing:
Batch / Lot No:
Best Before / Expiry Date:
Quality Acceptance
Analytical
Microbiological
Sensory
Other, if any
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Annexure – Forms Template
Security lock
Authorized Singature
75
Section G
References
References
7) ISO 22000:2005
77
ReCHaN
Resource Centre Health supplements
for and Nutraceuticals
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However, any discrepancy, error, etc. found in this publication may please be brought to the notice of
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