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Specialty Foods (Gluten-free, Vegan, etc.) Inspection Checklist and Template

Specialty foods, such as gluten-free and vegan products, have gained immense popularity in recent years. These subcategories cater to individuals with specific dietary requirements or preferences. When sourcing from Asian manufacturing countries like China, India, and Thailand, it is crucial to prioritize quality and user experience. While these countries offer competitive pricing, there are potential quality risks. Thorough Quality Control and Due Diligence are essential to ensure that the products meet the desired standards. Buyers and QC professionals must conduct rigorous inspections and audits to mitigate any quality issues and maintain the trust of consumers.

Specialty Foods (Gluten-free, Vegan, etc.) Inspection

What to look for when inspecting Specialty Foods (Gluten-free, Vegan, etc.)?

Ingredients check
Allergen declaration check
Nutritional information check
Packaging integrity check
Labeling accuracy check
Seal check
Texture check
Taste test
Color check
Smell test
Cooking instructions check
Storage instructions check
Expiry date check
Foreign objects check
Weight check
Packaging design check
Logo (position, colors, appearance)
Quantity check
Shelf life check
Certifications check (e.g. gluten-free, vegan)
Product consistency check
Texture check
Moisture content check
Quality of packaging materials check
Presence of any contaminants check

32+ Checkpoints for inspection used by top retailers.

Step-by-step instructions for performance and mechanical tests

99.7% fully satisfied customer with over 200+ clients

Nancy Wan

Senior Supervisor at QCADVISOR, based in Chongqing, China. Nancy has deep expertise in toys and hardware categories, providing detailed and accurate inspection standards. Her hands-on experience ensures quality benchmarks reflect current manufacturing realities, effectively minimizing risks during production.

General Inspection Process

Check the overall appearance of the product. Ensure it looks fresh and appealing.
Examine the packaging for any signs of damage or tampering.
Verify that the product is properly labeled with all necessary information, including ingredients, allergens, and nutritional facts.
Inspect the product for any visible signs of contamination or foreign objects.
Check the color and texture of the product. It should be consistent with its description.
Assess the aroma of the product. It should be pleasant and in line with its intended flavor.
Examine the product for any signs of mold, spoilage, or discoloration.
Ensure that the product is properly sealed and airtight to maintain freshness.
Check for any leaks or spills in liquid or semi-liquid products.
Verify that the product is within its expiration date or has a reasonable shelf life.
Assess the consistency and viscosity of sauces, dressings, or other similar products.
Inspect the product for any signs of freezer burn or ice crystals in frozen items.
Check the texture and firmness of baked goods or snacks to ensure they are not stale or overly soft.
Verify that the product is suitable for the intended dietary requirements (gluten-free, vegan, etc.).
Assess the portion size and quantity of the product to ensure it matches the packaging claims.
Check for any signs of cross-contamination in facilities that handle allergens.
Inspect the product for any signs of damage during transportation or storage.
Verify that the product is properly stored at the correct temperature, if applicable.
Assess the ease of use or preparation instructions provided with the product.
Check for any additional certifications or quality seals that indicate the product meets specific standards.

Compliance & Lab Standards for Specialty Foods (Gluten-free, Vegan, etc.)

When importing Specialty Foods (Gluten-free, Vegan, etc.) from suppliers in China, Asia, or other global regions, making sure your products meet the right compliance standards and lab testing requirements is critical. Failing to comply with U.S., EU, or international regulations can result in customs delays, product recalls, or serious damage to your brand reputation. As your boutique QC partner, we help you think ahead.

Below are the key mandatory and recommended standards to keep your shipments compliant, safe, and trusted.

United States

Mandatory

FDA Labeling Requirements: Must comply with nutritional, ingredient, and allergen labeling standards.
Gluten-Free Labeling Rule: Products labeled gluten-free must contain less than 20 ppm of gluten.
USDA Organic Certification: Required for products labeled as organic.
Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA): Compliance with preventive controls and supply chain programs.
Vegan Labeling: Must comply with FDA guidelines and avoid misleading claims.

Recommended

Non-GMO Project Verification: For products claiming to be non-GMO.
Kosher/Halal Certification: For products targeting specific religious groups.
Allergen Testing: Regular testing for major allergens to ensure safety.
Sustainability Certifications: For market appeal and environmental responsibility.

European Union

Mandatory

EU Food Information Regulation (FIR): Compliance with labeling, including allergens and nutrition.
Gluten-Free Regulation (EC) 41/2009: Defines gluten-free as less than 20 ppm.
Organic Certification (EU Organic Regulation): Required for organic claims.
Vegan Labeling: Must not contain ingredients of animal origin.

Recommended

Non-GMO Certification: To support non-GMO claims.
BRC Global Standard for Food Safety: To demonstrate food safety management.
Fair Trade Certification: For ethical sourcing claims.
Eco-Cert Certification: For environmental and social responsibility.

United Kingdom

Mandatory

UK Food Information Regulations: Must comply with labeling and allergen requirements.
Gluten-Free Standard: Products must contain less than 20 ppm of gluten.
Organic Certification (UK Soil Association): Necessary for organic labeling.
Vegan Society Trademark: Must not contain animal-derived ingredients.

Recommended

Red Tractor Assurance: For food safety and traceability.
Sustainable Palm Oil Certification: For products containing palm oil.
Free-From Certification: For products targeting specific dietary needs.
MSC Certification: For sustainable seafood sourcing.

Canada

Mandatory

Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Labeling Requirements: Compliance with ingredient and allergen labeling.
Gluten-Free Labeling: Must meet the less than 20 ppm standard.
Organic Certification (Canada Organic Regime): Required for organic claims.
Vegan Labeling: Must not mislead consumers about animal-derived ingredients.

Recommended

Non-GMO Certification: To support claims of non-GMO ingredients.
BRC or SQF Certification: For enhanced food safety credibility.
Kosher/Halal Certification: For access to specific consumer groups.
Carbon Footprint Labeling: For environmentally conscious consumers.

Australia

Mandatory

Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code: Compliance with labeling and safety standards.
Gluten-Free Standard: Products must be free of detectable gluten.
Organic Certification (Australian Certified Organic): Required for organic claims.
Vegan Labeling: Must not contain animal-derived ingredients.

Recommended

HACCP Certification: To demonstrate food safety management.
Non-GMO Certification: For non-GMO product claims.
Rainforest Alliance Certification: For sustainable sourcing.
Health Star Rating: For clear nutritional information.

Gulf Countries

Mandatory

Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO) Labeling Requirements: Compliance with regional food labeling standards.
Halal Certification: Mandatory for all meat and many processed foods.
Gluten-Free Labeling: Must adhere to less than 20 ppm standard when labeled as such.
Vegan Labeling: Must ensure no animal-derived ingredients.

Recommended

ISO 22000 Certification: For food safety management systems.
Non-GMO Certification: For markets sensitive to GMO content.
Eco-Cert Certification: For environmental responsibility.
Ethical Sourcing Certification: For consumer trust and marketability.

Singapore

Mandatory

Singapore Food Regulations: Compliance with labeling and food safety requirements.
Gluten-Free Labeling: Must meet the less than 20 ppm standard.
Halal Certification: Required for products targeting Muslim consumers.
Vegan Labeling: Must ensure no animal-derived ingredients.

Recommended

HACCP Certification: For food safety assurance.
Non-GMO Certification: To support non-GMO product claims.
Organic Certification: For organic product credibility.
Green Label Certification: For sustainability and environmental impact.

Hong Kong

Mandatory

Hong Kong Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) Regulations: Compliance with labeling and safety standards.
Gluten-Free Labeling: Must meet international standards for gluten-free labeling.
Organic Certification: Required for organic claims.
Vegan Labeling: Must not contain animal-derived ingredients.

Recommended

ISO 22000 Certification: For enhanced food safety management.
Non-GMO Certification: To support claims of non-GMO content.
Fair Trade Certification: For ethical consumer appeal.
MSC or ASC Certification: For sustainable seafood sourcing.

Need more details on Specialty Foods (Gluten-free, Vegan, etc.) Checklist?

What is inside this checklist

Gluten-free test
Vegan test
Allergen test
Nutritional analysis test
Shelf-life test
Microbiological test
Pesticide residue test
Heavy metal test
GMO test
Food safety test

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