A specification is an explicit set of requirements to be satisfied by a material, product or service. Should a material, product or service fail to meet one or more of the applicable specifications, it may be referred to as being out of specification.
Finished product specifications of ingredient/product manufacturers are more easily established because the manufacturer should develop the internal specification and provide it to the user in order to enable their compliance to the product purchased.
Nonconforming materials and products may be considered any material or product that does not meet specifications or that for whatever reason (damage, leaking, code date, etc) is not acceptable for use or shipment to the customer.
These items must be clearly labeled as hold and stored in a segregated area that protects them from inadvertent use or shipment.
Specifications in food safety program
