Råvarekontrol

Råvarekontrol, or raw material control, is a quality assurance process used in manufacturing to verify that incoming raw materials meet defined requirements before they are used in production. The process covers activities from supplier qualification through release of materials for production, and it typically includes defining material specifications and acceptance criteria, planning sampling, performing analytical or physical tests, and maintaining documentation such as certificates of analysis. The objective is to ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and consistency of the final product.

Scope and application: Råvarekontrol is applied across industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and consumer goods. In food safety contexts, it is integrated with HACCP, GMP, and allergen controls. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, it aligns with GMP, pharmacopoeial standards, and traceability requirements. Key elements are supplier evaluation, clear specifications, approved suppliers, and a documented test regime.

Process: When a batch of material is received, it is typically quarantined until it has passed the required checks. A sampling plan determines how many units are tested; the material is tested for physical, chemical, microbiological properties as needed, and inspected against the specification. If results meet the criteria, the material is released to production; if not, it is rejected or reworked, and disposition is documented.

Documentation and traceability: Records include certificates of analysis, material safety data sheets or material data sheets, batch/lot numbers, and supplier information. These enable traceability and support audits and recalls if necessary.

Benefits and challenges: Effective råvarekontrol reduces the risk of contaminated or non-conforming inputs, protects product quality and safety, and aids regulatory compliance. Challenges include supplier variability, testing costs, lead times, and keeping specifications up to date.