Quality Assurance Requirements and Procedures

Supplier Expectation Manual

All suppliers should read and be familiar with Safeway’s Quality Assurance Supplier Expectation manual "A Bridge to Quality". It can be found on the iCiX™ web-site and is designed to provide a general overview of the functional programs that to Safeway are expected to have implemented at the plant level. The book is not meant to provide a detailed or definitive outline for the establishment of quality/safety systems, but is meant to prepare the supplier in the event of a Safeway QA Certification audit. Ask your Corporate Sourcing contact

Packaging Samples

1. SCHAWK CSR will request samples for printed labels (35 eaches) when they release final material to a printer.
2. Printed samples should be sent to Safeway Inc, Attn: Schawk CSR, 5918 Stoneridge Rd, Pleasanton, CA 94588
3. Schawk CSR will scan, approve and distribute labels to the Safeway category teams.
4. The Schawk shop will coordinate print standards with all printers.

The reasons for sending printed samples are as follows:

1. UPC code scans (checked by Schawk SCR).
2. QA check on print quality done by Schawk.
3. Used to create print standard for every label.
4. Samples distributed to packaging coordinator, packaging file, and category team.
5. Label is needed for new item set up.
6. Two labels are needed for Safeway legal department to file for trademark registration.
7. Some labels are used for display cases.

Packaging General Specifications

The supplier will be contacted by a member of our package engineering group regarding specifications. A specification spreadsheet will be sent to the supplier applicable to the packaging the supplier is providing. The supplier will be asked to fill out the spreadsheet and return it to the package engineering group. Information requested on the spreadsheet includes to following:

1. Product description.
2. Material type, size, dimensions, tolerances, and tests.
3. Applicable performance characteristics and tolerances / tests.
4. Printing specifics and tests.
5. Applicable regulatory requirements for the materials.
6. Shipping / palletization information.

Suppliers will also be asked to provide dimensional part drawings. The preferred method is an electronic CAD file. File types include: ".dwg", ".dxf", and ".eps".

Pallet Label Requirements

The purpose is to ensure consistency in the display of item code, UPC, product identity, quantity, lot code, production date, and bar code formats, to aid in accuracy and speed of receiving and warehousing activities.

All pallets of finished goods, ingredients, and packaging must include a label to identify the material. A minimum of one label per pallet per item is required. The following pages specific a recommended design layout along with an example. Pallet labels shall be 4" by 6" or a half sheet of letter size paper.

Acceptable bar code symbologies include; Code 39, Code 128, UPC, or I2 of 5. Contact Wayne Steffen (phone 925 944-4516) for approval to use another symbology. The bar code of the Adage item code or UPC must be scannable from a distance of eight feet. Bar codes for dates and lot numbers shall be scannable from three feet. Labels may include other information as long as all Safeway required information is displayed in the proper position on the label.

We expect compliance to these requirements within 90 days. If, after 90 days, pallets of Ingredients, Packaging or Finished Goods do not have the required labels the product will be rejected and this may result in you receiving a handling charge.

If you have further questions, please contact your Corporate Sourcing Contact who is your normal Safeway contact either in Pleasanton or at the plant.

Product Changes

No formulation, labeling, or packaging changes may be made without prior approval from Safeway. Suppliers wishing to change production facilities must notify via email their Safeway Corporate Sourcing Contact and the technical Services Manager. Product Changes is also referred to under the Notification of Suppliers Changes Section.

Product Recall or Withdrawal

In the event of a recall or withdrawal, the supplier should immediately notify in writing the Manufacturing Plant and the Corporate Sourcing Contact with the following information:

1. Plant affected
2. Product affected
3. Lot Code / Print Date
4. Delivery Date
5. Reason for the recall
6. Company Contact, phone number, e-mail address

Minimum Acceptable Shelf Life at time of delivery to the Manufacturing Plants

A bill of lading should accompany each shipment. The supplier should identify the lot number(s) and corresponding quantity(ies) of each lot comprising the shipment on the bill of lading. The shipment shall be comprised of a single lot or as few lots as is possible and practical and will be shipped to Safeway on a FIFO basis. Suppliers shall provide the date of manufacture for all materials shipped to Safeway locations. Materials should have at least 50% of the shelf life, when stored at optimal conditions, as stated in the Shelf Life and Storage Requirements section of this specification, remaining when received at a plant. Those materials with less than 50% remaining will be accepted at the discretion of the plant Quality Assurance Department. Any other questions should be directed to your Corporate Sourcing Contact.

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