Seasoning Supplier Evaluation Checklist
Most seasoning supplier evaluations focus on unit price and turn into a race to the bottom. This checklist replaces price-first with 8 operational checkpoints. Use it in the RFP, in the plant visit, or in the annual supplier review.
1.Certification stack
Ask: What certifications does the supplier hold, and are they current?
Benchmark: FDA registration is the minimum for US import. FSSC 22000, SQF, or BRC is the food safety benchmark. FISA Lab: manufactured in an FSSC 22000 certified, FDA-registered plant in Monterrey.
2.Sample and reorder lead time
Ask: What is the stated lead time for initial samples and for reorders of approved formulations?
Benchmark: Ask for it in business days, not calendar days. FISA Lab: stated in writing with each brief and purchase order.
3.Clean label baseline
Ask: Is clean label the manufacturing baseline, or a separate tier with a separate price?
Benchmark: A supplier that formulates clean label only on request will treat it as an exception. FISA Lab: every SKU ships clean label with no artificial colors and no MSG at standard price.
4.Minimum order and pack size
Ask: What is the production MOQ per SKU and the pack size the buyer will actually receive?
Benchmark: MOQ that outpaces buyer velocity creates aged inventory. FISA Lab: 1 metric ton (2,205 lb) per order.
5.Formula ownership and IP
Ask: Who owns the developed formula? Can the buyer manufacture elsewhere in the future?
Benchmark: Some suppliers retain shared IP that locks the buyer in. FISA Lab: custom development transfers formula ownership to the buyer under the sample and development agreement. NDAs on request.
6.Documentation package
Ask: What documentation comes with each batch, and in which format?
Benchmark: A supplier that treats documentation as a special request will fail buyer audits. FISA Lab: a COA with every batch; the allergen statement, specification and similar documents on request; a certificate of origin when the blend qualifies under USMCA.
7.Batch consistency and CoA parameters
Ask: How does the supplier control batch consistency against the approved specification?
Benchmark: FISA Lab: with fixed raw material sourcing, formulation and production protocol per SKU, and a COA with every batch.
8.Business continuity plan
Ask: What is the supplier's plan for holiday windows, border delays, and single-source ingredient risk?
Benchmark: Silence here is the answer. FISA Lab: 30-day buyer safety stock recommendation.
Run FISA Lab through your checklist
Send the RFP or supplier questionnaire and FISA Lab returns documented answers against each of the 8 checkpoints on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why shouldn't seasoning supplier evaluation start with unit price alone?
A price-first evaluation becomes a race to the bottom. This checklist uses eight operational checkpoints instead: certification stack, sample and reorder process, clean label baseline, minimum order and pack size, formula ownership, documentation, batch consistency and business continuity.
What certification stack should buyers require for US seasoning supply?
FDA registration is the minimum for US import. FSSC 22000, SQF or BRC is the food safety benchmark. Ask which certifications the supplier holds and whether they are current, not merely planned. FISA Lab products are manufactured in an FSSC 22000 certified, FDA-registered plant in Monterrey.
How does FISA Lab answer on clean label and minimums?
Every SKU ships clean label with no artificial colors and no MSG. The minimum order is 1 metric ton (2,205 lb) per order. Compare them against what any other supplier asks.
What documentation and consistency commitments should buyers demand?
Ask what documentation comes with each batch and in which format. At FISA Lab a COA ships with every batch and other documents are available on request. Ask for the approved spec in writing and for the supplier's process when a batch deviates from it.
What business continuity questions belong in the RFP?
Ask for the plan covering holiday periods, border delays and single-source ingredient risk. Silence is a red flag. Ask how the supplier handles backup sourcing for critical raw materials and what inventory the buyer should hold at the receiving facility.
Last updated:
Questions about supplier evaluation? We're happy to help.
Talk to our team about your operation, volumes, and formulation needs.
Talk to a Formulator