QUALITY ASSURANCE IN THE SALT INDUSTRY BY BRIAN T DANGERFIELD

OBJECTIVE Definition of QA Overview of QA methodology & procedures required to deliver quality Focus on QA w.r.t salt iodization

QA is a wide-ranging concept which covers all matters which individually or collectively influence the quality of a product. It applies to equipment, product design, supplies and logistics, management and human resource development, and all elements designed to ensure that products are of the quality required for their intended use.

TOPICS TO BE COVERED Dispersion Iodizing plant capability Production lot size & sampling plans Monitoring product quality – Interpretation of QC results – Criteria for acceptance Communication & information flow Documentation Customer Service

DISPERSION

DISPERSION DUE TO VARYING SALT FLOW

TYPICAL IODIZING UNIT

IODIZING PLANT CAPABILITY Validation of Process – Minimum of 5 sample means from repeated tests – Variance < 2% – Relative Standard Deviation < 3% Range of iodine < mandatory limits

Typical Process Control Chart

PRODUCTION LOT SIZE & SAMPLING PLAN Suitable for non-homogeneous bulk material Production lot size  daily output of packed product – truck size, no. of bags etc. Minimum of 3 to 5 samples per production lot for analysis of iodine Erroneous results from 1 sample/batch

SALT BAGGING LINE

MONITORING PRODUCT QUALITY Frequency of sampling Handling of composite samples Recording of samples Analysis of samples Acceptance Criteria - statistical –   U - Ks or   L + Ks Acceptance Criteria - range

COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION FLOW Short channels - small producers Routing of QC report – Record corrective action Use of packaging – Production lot no. – Nominal iodine content

DOCUMENTATION Available for review Record of QC data by sample no./dates/production lot Holding of samples QC Reports - larger producers – Indicate acceptance/rejection

CUSTOMER SERVICE Customer confidence builds business Complaints handling procedure – Promotes supplier responsibility Open house relationship

SUMMARY OF QA PRINCIPLES Set quality standards Validate Plant Capability & Maintain Delegate responsibility for performance Measure output against standards Apply acceptance criteria Define corrective action for non-compliance Focus on quality

INCREASING AVAILABILITY OF IODIZED SALT Information required re current status by country – Problem of no or low monitoring – Lack of government resources Surveys required to determine current status – Contract out if necessary – Example of RSA Formulate action plan to bring non-iodizing companies