Standard Operating Procedure for Semi-Solid Product Storage in Bulk Containers
Department | Creams |
---|---|
SOP No. | SOP/CRM/069/2025 |
Supersedes | SOP/CRM/069/2022 |
Page No. | Page 1 of 6 |
Issue Date | 21/01/2026 |
Effective Date | 26/01/2026 |
Review Date | 21/01/2027 |
1. Purpose
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) defines the procedure for storing semi-solid cream products in bulk containers. Proper storage ensures the quality, stability, and safety of semi-solid products before they are transferred to packaging or used in further production processes. This SOP ensures that all semi-solid products are stored according to regulatory standards and best practices to prevent contamination, degradation, or any quality deviations.
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all semi-solid cream products stored in bulk containers within the Creams Department. It covers the procedures for receiving, storing, monitoring, and managing bulk containers containing semi-solid products. The scope also includes monitoring environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and container integrity.
3. Responsibilities
- Warehouse Personnel: Responsible for receiving and transferring bulk containers of semi-solid products into the storage area, ensuring proper labeling, and monitoring container conditions.
- Quality Control (QC): Responsible for conducting periodic inspections of stored semi-solid products, ensuring they meet quality standards and verifying that storage conditions
4. Accountability
The Head of Creams Manufacturing is accountable for ensuring the correct implementation of this SOP for all semi-solid product storage operations. The QA Manager is responsible for overseeing the overall compliance with GMP standards and reviewing storage conditions periodically.
5. Procedure
5.1 Pre-Storage Preparation
- Verify that all semi-solid products have passed quality control checks and are cleared for storage.
- Ensure that bulk containers are appropriately labeled with batch numbers, product names, manufacturing dates, and expiration dates.
- Inspect the storage containers for cleanliness and integrity. Ensure that they are free from contamination and suitable for storing semi-solid products.
- Verify that the storage area is clean, dry, and well-ventilated. Confirm that temperature and humidity levels are within the required range for the specific product.
5.2 Transfer to Storage
- Upon clearance, transport bulk containers to the designated storage area using clean equipment, such as forklifts or pallet jacks.
- Ensure that containers are stored in a manner that prevents any physical damage. Place containers in an organized manner to facilitate easy identification and retrieval.
- Store semi-solid products at the appropriate temperature, as specified by the product’s storage requirements. For example, store heat-sensitive products in refrigerated or climate-controlled areas.
5.3 Environmental Monitoring
- Regularly monitor the storage environment for temperature and humidity. Ensure that these are maintained within the specified range for the product’s stability.
- Record the environmental data in the Environmental Monitoring Log (Annexure-1).
- If the storage conditions deviate from the acceptable range, notify the QA team immediately and initiate corrective actions.
5.4 Storage Maintenance
- Inspect storage containers for any signs of leakage, damage, or degradation. Any damaged or compromised containers should be segregated and reported to QA for further investigation.
- Periodically check the integrity of the storage containers. Ensure that seals, lids, or closures are intact and that the products are protected from contamination.
5.5 Documentation and Record Keeping
- Complete all relevant documentation related to the storage of semi-solid products, including batch numbers, storage conditions, and dates.
- Use the Bulk Storage Log (Annexure-2) to document the transfer of semi-solid products to storage.
- Maintain records of environmental monitoring data (temperature and humidity) in the Environmental Monitoring Log (Annexure-1).
- Ensure that all records are reviewed by QA for compliance with SOPs and GMP standards.
5.6 Final Approval for Release
- Once the product has been stored for the required period and no deviations are found, the QA team will review the records and approve the batch for release.
- The release authorization must be documented in the Release Authorization Log (Annexure-3).
6. Abbreviations
- GMP: Good Manufacturing Practices
- QC: Quality Control
- QA: Quality Assurance
- PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
7. Documents
- Annexure-1: Environmental Monitoring Log
- Annexure-2: Bulk Storage Log
- Annexure-3: Release Authorization Log
8. References
- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Guidelines – 21 CFR Part 211
- International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) Q7 – Good Manufacturing Practice for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
- FDA Guidelines for Cosmetics Manufacturing
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | |
---|---|---|---|
Signature | |||
Date | |||
Name | |||
Designation | |||
Department |
11. Annexures
Annexure-1: Environmental Monitoring Log
Date | Time | Temperature (°C) | Humidity (%) | Operator | Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
21/01/2026 | 09:00 AM | 22°C | 50% | John Doe | Conditions are within specifications |
Annexure-2: Bulk Storage Log
Batch Number | Storage Location | Transfer Date | Operator | Storage Conditions |
---|---|---|---|---|
12345 | Storage Room 1 | 21/01/2026 | Jane Smith | Temperature 22°C, Humidity 50% |
Annexure-3: Release Authorization Log
Batch Number | Authorization Date | Authorized By | Comments |
---|---|---|---|
12345 | 21/01/2026 | John Doe | Approved for release |
Revision History:
Revision Date | Revision No. | Revision Details | Reason for Revision | Approved By |
---|---|---|---|---|
01/03/2024 | 1.0 | Initial Version | New SOP Creation | QA Head |
01/03/2025 | 2.0 | Format Revision and Updates | Standardization of Document | QA Head |