Control the environment and the package
- Store in a cool, dry, clean area within the supplier's labelled conditions.
- Keep packages closed, intact and protected from floor contact and wall condensation.
- Separate from strong odours, chemicals, allergens and contamination sources.
- Avoid direct sunlight, hot roofs, steam lines and rapid temperature cycling.
- Use first-expired, first-out rotation and preserve the original lot identity.
Inspect at receipt before the material enters stock
| Check | Acceptable evidence | Escalate when |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle and load | Clean, dry, protected, no incompatible cargo | Water, pests, odour or contamination is visible |
| Packaging | Seals and liners intact | Tears, wetness, puncture or broken seal |
| Identity | Grade and lot match order and documents | Label, CoA and delivery record disagree |
| Shelf life | Remaining life meets agreement | Dates are missing or below the agreed minimum |
| Condition | Powder or granules appear normal for the approved grade | Caking, unusual odour, colour or foreign material appears |
Treat an opened bag as exposed material
After opening, protect the remaining gelatin from humidity, dust, foreign material and lot confusion. Use clean, dry tools; minimise exposure time; reseal using a controlled method; and label the remaining quantity with product, lot and opening status. Follow the site's risk assessment for maximum open-container time.
Good handling continues into hydration
- Use the specified water quality and verified weights.
- Disperse to avoid dry clumps and allow adequate hydration time.
- Control heating so gelatin dissolves without unnecessary thermal exposure.
- Protect prepared solution from contamination and excessive hold time.
- Record deviations when prepared solution is held outside the validated process window.
Investigate abnormal material before use
Caking does not by itself prove the material is unsafe, but it can indicate moisture exposure and can change handling or dissolution. Isolate the affected units, preserve lot information, photograph the condition, review storage records and contact the supplier. Do not blend abnormal material into production to make the issue disappear.