QS-101

Complaints

Section QS — Quality System Revision 6 13 pages

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1.0 Purpose 
 
 The purpose of this procedure is to provide a uniform method of receiving, documenting,
 evaluating, reporting and investigating complaints in a timely manner. It is intended to ensure
 
 compliance to FDA Dietary Supplement and Nonprescription Drug Consumer Protection Act and
 
 21 CFR Part 111 Subpart O, 21 CFR Part 211 Subpart J and 21 CFR Part 117 Subpart G.
 
 2.0 Scope 
 
 This procedure is applicable to any product sold, manufactured or distributed by Ion Labs, Inc.
 
 3.0 Responsibility 
 
 3.1 It is the responsibility of Quality Management or designee to implement and maintain this
 
 procedure. 
 
 3.2 ‘It is the responsibility of QA to ensure each complaint is logged, acknowledged,
 
 investigated, and corrective/preventive action is implemented and closed per this
 procedure. 
 
 3.3. Personnel who may interact with a customer or may receive a complaint are trained on
 
 this procedure. 
 
 3.4 Any person receiving information from a customer or product user that meets the
 
 definition of a complaint is responsible for complying with this procedure.
 
 4.0 Definitions 
 
 4.1 Adverse Event — any health-related event associated with the use of a dietary
 
 
 

[SOP 

 Standard Operating Procedure SOP No | Rev 
 Complaints 
 QS-101 | 6 | Page2of11 
 
 supplement, cosmetic or OTC that is adverse 
 
 4.2 Product complaint — any communication that contains any allegation, written,
 
 electronic, or oral, expressing concern, for any reason, with the quality of a dietary
 supplement, OTC or cosmetic that could be related to current good manufacturing
 
 practice. Examples: Foul odor, off taste, illness or injury, skin irritation, disintegration
 
 time, color variation, tablet size or size variation, under-filled container, foreign material
 in a container, supplier issue, improper packaging, mislabeling, or dietary supplements or
 
 OTC that are superpotent, subpotent, or contain the wrong ingredient, or contain a drug or
 other contaminant (e.g., bacteria, pesticide, mycotoxin, glass, lead).
 
 4,3 RPAN — Returned Product Authorization Number 
 
 44 Serious Adverse Event — any event resulting in a death, life-threatening experience, in-
 
 patient hospitalization, a persistent or significant disability or incapacity or congenital
 anomaly or birth defect or requires, based on a reasonable medical judgment -a medical
 
 or surgical intervention to prevent the outcome as described above
 
 4.5 OTC — Over the Counter; Drugs that have been found to be safe and appropriate for use
 without the supervision of a health care professional such as a physician, and they can be
 
 purchased by consumers without a prescription 
 
 4.6 Cosmetic — Articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced
 
 into, or otherwise applied to the human body, for cleaning, beautifying, promoting
 attractiveness, or altering the appearance (FD&C Act, sec. 201(1) 
 
 4.7 QA — Quality Assurance 
 
 4.8 COMP number- traceable number provided for each complaint issue 
 
 4.9 DC — Document Control 
 
 4.10 CAPA — Corrective and Preventative action 
 
 
 

[SOP 

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 Complaints 
 
 5.0 References 
 
 5.1 C-502, SOP, Record Storage, Retention and Destruction 
 
 5.2. E-501, SOP, Procedure for Returned Products 
 
 5.3 QS-101-F1, Form, Complaint Report Form 
 
 5.4 QS-102, SOP, Adverse Events 
 
 5.5 QS-108, SOP, Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) 
 
 5.6 QS-112, SOP, Core Quality Systems and Quality Events 
 
 5.7 QS-112-F1, Form, Quality Event Extension Request 
 
 5.8 Health Canada - Canada Consumer Products Safety Act (Section 14) and the Food and
 
 Drug Act 
 
 6.0 Overview 
 
 6.1 Complaints are one of a number of quality systems governed by SOP QS-112 Core
 Quality Systems and Quality Events. SOP QS-112 Core Quality Systems and Quality
 
 Events manages the following aspects of all quality events: 
 
 6.1.1 Assignment of unique event numbers 
 
 6.1.2 Logging of events with DC 
 
 6.1.3 Assignment of event due dates 
 
 6.1.4 Event due date extensions 
 
 6.1.5 Event cancellations 
 
 6.1.6 Monitoring of open events 
 
 
 

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 Complaints 
 
 6.1.7. Record retention instructions 
 
 7.0 General Requirements 
 
 7.1 All complaints are processed in accordance with the flow chart in Figure 1.
 
 Figure 1 
 
 complaint Recipient 
 Customer Complaint Is the Product Obtain RPANF per 
 Acknowledges & 
 Reported Gathers Info being returned? SOP £-502 
 
 OA initiates O5-102- Adverse Event? Forward complaint 
 Fi/slogs complaint info ta QA 
 
 x 
 aa reviews for 
 failure to meet Evaluate per SOP 
 specs or compliance 5-102 
 requirements 
 
 Investigation OA reviews 
 investigate? Assign. investigator Performed investigation 
 
 issue Resolved? 
 
 QA documents 
 rationale 
 
 ¥ 
 (x— _p—ro—v—i_d—e4s Erespoense to
 | Account Mansger/Customer.
 sae completes Q5-101-F1, 
 ma 
 document: rationale/closes
 complaint. 
 8.0 Complaint Handling 
 
 
 

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 Complaints 
 
 8.1 Complaint recipient will acknowledge and gather complaint information.
 
 8.2 Complaint information will be provided to QA by email, but no later than one business
 
 day from receipt of complaint. A reason is required if complaint is not provided as
 expected. 
 
 8.3 At a minimum, the following complaint information is needed: 
 
 8.3.1 Mode of receipt 
 
 8.3.2 Date and time of complaint 
 
 8.3.3 Name of complainant/Company 
 
 8.3.4 Phone number of complainant 
 
 8.3.5 Product name and formula identification number 
 
 8.3.6 Batch number 
 
 8.3.7 Brief description of the alleged product problem 
 
 8.3.8 Is the complaint product being returned? 
 
 8.4 If the information received alleges an adverse event, the following information must be
 obtained (if available): 
 
 8.4.1 The patient or product user’s name affected by the adverse event
 
 8.4.2 The name of the person that initially reported the event (user, doctor, etc.)
 
 8.4.3 Identity and contact information for the responsible person, if other than Ion Labs
 (i.e., the manufacturer, packer, or distributor) 
 
 8.4.4 A description of the serious adverse event 
 
 
 

[SOP 

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 Complaints 
 
 8.5 If the customer is requesting to return the product, follow SOP E-501 Procedure for
 Returned Products. Provide the RPAN to the customer to reference on incoming
 
 paperwork (if possible). 
 
 8.5.1 Returned product will be evaluated for defect(s) as it pertains to the complaint.
 
 This may require one or more of the following steps: 
 
 8.5.1.1 Examination of product for conformance to finished specifications.
 
 8.5.1.2 A review of historical records (i.e. lot production/batch records) to
 
 identify anomalies or errors relevant to the complaint.
 
 8.5.2 The analysis for the product may be reviewed (when applicable) to determine
 
 whether a new hazard has been identified. 
 
 8.6 If a customer is returning one or a few complaint bottles, it will be documented on QS-
 
 101-F1 Complaint Report Form. No RPAN will be necessary unless circumstances
 change. 
 
 8.7 In the event that the physical product was not returned with the complaint, it will be
 
 clearly indicated. 
 
 8.7.1 In such case, the investigator may review historical records (i.e. lot production,
 batch records, reserve samples) to identify anomalies or errors relevant to the
 
 complaint. 
 
 8.8 Where a complaint represents an adverse event, the complaint is promptly reviewed,
 evaluated, and reported as per SOP QS-102 Adverse Events, when required.
 
 9.0 Complaint Processing 
 
 9.1 QA will complete Section 1 of form QS-101-F1 Complaint Report Form, documenting as
 much information as is available regarding the details of the product deficiency or user
 
 
 

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 Complaints 
 
 experience. All initial and continual correspondence should be recorded here and
 documented appropriately. 
 
 Due If the complainant provides their company complaint report form or other document, that
 assigned number will be added to form QS-101-F1 Complaint Report Form, under the
 
 complaint description. 
 
 9.3 QA will request a COMP number from Document Control for each complaint issue,
 whether it is for a complaint category or batch number. For example:
 
 9.3.1 Customer complaint for broken tablet and no seal for same batch. DC will assign
 two separate COMP numbers: 
 
 9.3.1.1 Broken Tablet 
 
 9.3.1.2 No Seal 
 
 9.3.2 Customer complaint for broken tablet and no seal, same issues but for two
 batches. DC will assign four COMP numbers: 
 
 9.3.2.1 Broken tablet for Batch 1 
 
 9.3.2.2 Broken seal for Batch 1 
 
 9.3.2.3. Broken tablet for Batch 2 
 
 9.3.2.4 Broken seal for Batch 2 
 
 9.4 DC will maintain a log of each COMP number per SOP QS-112. 
 
 9.5 Complaints are processed in a timely manner, with a goal of 45 business days to closure
 (includes notification to customer, if required). Should closure exceed 45 business days, a
 CAPA may be initiated following SOP QS-108 Corrective and Preventative Action, at the
 
 discretion of the Senior Quality Management. The customer is to be notified of the
 
 extension and reason. 
 
 
 

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 Complaints 
 
 10.0 Complaint Evaluation 
 
 10.1 Upon confirmation of a product failure (including packaging) to meet any of its
 
 specifications or compliance with 21 CFR 111, 21 CFR 211 or 21 CFR 117 (applicable
 
 sections), an investigation must be performed. 
 
 10.2 A new investigation may not be necessary for a dietary supplement type product if a
 
 previous investigation was performed for the same batch number and reported deficiency;
 the root cause must have been identified and corrective and preventive actions
 
 implemented, if required. A reference to the complaint report containing the previous
 investigation is referenced as well as a documented rationale for applicability.
 
 10.3 All OTC/cosmetic product complaints will be investigated, regardless of previous
 
 investigation. Reference to the similar previous complaint report containing the previous
 investigation will be made in the respective complaint file. 
 
 10.4 If required, QA will assign an investigator based on the complaint category.
 
 10.5 Investigation activities may include: 
 
 10.5.1 An evaluation of the complaint sample and reserve sample, if available.
 
 10.5.2 Review of relevant documentation such as batch records, equipment logbooks,
 
 personnel training records, trends, etc. 
 
 10.5.3 Impact assessment to determine if the issue affects other batches, lots, ete.
 
 10.5.4 Assess impact on product quality and whether it might be attributable to the cause
 of the complaint. 
 
 10.5.5 Testing of the complaint sample and associated batch retained sample are
 performed per approved procedures, as applicable to the reported issue.
 
 10.6 Investigation details and any evidence, including test results, are attached form QS-101-
 
 F1 Complaint Report Form. 
 
 
 

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 Coniknis 
 
 11.0 Complaint Report and Closure 
 
 11.1 A decision is made as to whether corrective action is required, consulting with other
 
 functions as needed. If a CAPA has already been initiated for the issue, the CAPA
 
 number is referenced on the Complaint Report. A rationale is documented on the
 Complaint Report if a CAPA is not issued. 
 
 11.2 QA will review the investigation details and a complaint response is prepared. The
 response should include specific details of the investigation including any corrective and
 
 preventative action take and a root cause, as applicable. 
 
 11.3. A final review of the complaint is performed to ensure all requirements are met. Upon
 
 final review and closure, QA management may recommend additional corrective actions
 
 based on an assessment of the nature, frequency, and severity of the complaint, the
 presence of a confirmed defect or failure, and the potential for replication of a product
 
 defect or failure, which may lead to injury. Corrective action taken may include one or
 more of the following actions: 
 
 11.3.1 Training/Retraining 
 
 11.3.2 Modifications of procedures and/or equipment 
 
 11.3.3 Field correction or recall 
 
 11.3.4 Institution of a task force to study problems requiring long term analysis and
 
 corrective action 
 
 11.3.5 Update to the risk analysis for new hazard(s) identified by the complaint
 
 11.4 The complaint response is signed by QA and then either forwarded to the assigned
 account manager to send to the customer or sent to the Quality contact of the company. If
 
 the complainant provided their complaint report form to be completed, it must be filled
 
 out appropriately and returned. 
 
 
 

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 Complaints 
 
 11.5 Multiple complaint issues (COMPs) may be addressed in a Complaint Response. The
 complaint is closed once the letter has been provided. Complaints are traced by
 
 Closed/Report Dates. 
 
 11.6 Form QS-101-F1 Complaint Report Form is completed and reviewed/approved by QA
 
 Management. 
 
 11.7. If the decision is made to replace the product, a copy of form QS-101-F1 Complaint
 
 Report Form is submitted to Accounting for account adjustment and customer
 
 notification. 
 
 11.8 Trending reports will be provided for Management Review. 
 
 12.0 Records 
 
 12.1 Complaint reports associated with adverse events are maintained at least six years, as
 
 outlined in SOP C-502 Record Storage, Retention, and Destruction, regardless if the
 
 event is required to be reported to the FDA as per SOP QS-102 Adverse Events. These
 records should include, at a minimum, copies of the following: 
 
 12.1.1 The responsible person’s serious adverse event report to FDA on MedWatch
 Form 3500A, with attachments. 
 
 12.1.2 Health Canada Mandatory Reporting -Canada Consumer Products Safety Act
 (section 14) and the Food and Drug Act (adverse reaction/event). Natural Health
 
 Products marketed in Canada are reported in the MedEffect Canada reporting
 
 system. 
 
 12.1.3 Any new medical information about the serious adverse event received by the
 
 responsible person. 
 
 12.1.4 Any reports to FDA of new medical information related to the serious adverse
 
 event. 
 
 
 

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 12.1.5 Communications between the responsible person and the initial reporter, or any
 other person(s) who provided information related to the adverse event.
 
 12.2 Any new medical information which is received later than one year after the serious
 adverse event report and therefore does not have to be reported, must be kept in the file
 
 on the serious adverse event for six (6) years because it is a record related to the serious
 
 adverse event report. 
 
 13.0 Revision History 
 
 Revision Date Description of Changes CCR# By 
 Replaces I-101: revised complaint number format to accommodate
 recent direct-to-consumer sales, implementation of tracking database,
 01/23/14 14-0034 L. Derrick 
 clarification of adverse event requirements, and changed primary
 responsibility to Director QA/RA. Revised document format. 
 Added steps for trending, management review, and complaint 
 05/17/14 14-0405 S. Millar 
 acknowledgement. 
 Added additional information including preventive action and impact
 12/03/14 14-0856 D. Popp 
 assessment, as continuous improvement measure. 
 03/01/16 Revised SOP to reflect current practices and responsibilities. 15-0993 S. Millar
 11/29/16 Add reference to OTC and cosmetic products 16-1090 S. Millar
 Revised SOP to include reference to 21 CFR Part 117. Revised 
 closure time requirements. Revised Flow to ensure event is logged.
 Revised Form QS-101-F1 to include reference to secondary 
 05/13/19 reviewer/approver and By/Mfg regarding date associated with 19-0332 S. Millar
 product. Removed serious adverse event detail description of event,
 and remove Complaint Receipt section referencing person receiving
 complaint. 
 Revised entire procedure to reflect current practices. Updated logo
 01/16/23 CC-23-0048 C. Horelle 
 and formatting. 
 
 
 

[SOP 

 JON LABS Form: QS-101-F1 CCCRoNmop.l aiCnCt- 2R3e-p00o4r8t Form Revision: 5
 
 Complaint Number: 
 
 Mode of Receipt: O Phone O E-mail O Letter O Fax © Other: 
 
 Name of Complainant/Company: Phone No.: 
 Address: 
 
 Date Received: Batch No.: Mfg Date: 
 Product Name/Description: Product Formulation: 
 
 Product Type (Supplement, OTC, Cosmetic): Dosage/Strength: 
 Packaging Configuration: Mfr: o Ion Labs o Other 
 
 Complaint Description: 
 
 Did an adverse event occur? o No o Yes, Name of Person affected: 
 If yes, initial reporter name (user, doctor, etc.): 
 If yes, and a serious adverse event occurred, provide a detailed description of the event, if provided:
 
 Will sample be returned? No o Yes (RPNA #, Other) (attach final copy) 
 Recorded By: Date: 
 
 Date Person Contacted Details Contacted by 
 
 

[SOP 

 IAN LABS Complaint Report Form 
 
 Form: QS-101-F1 CCRNo. CC-23-0048 Revision: 5 
 
 Complaint Number: 
 
 Complaint Group & Categories 
 C1 Adverse Event: 
 0 Adverse Event 1) Adverse Event (Serious) 
 C) Foreign Material: 
 O Identified O Unidentified 
 CO) Product: 
 C Appearance 0 Clumping/Hard 0 Damage/Broken/Leaking 0 Disintegration Time 1) Odor O Other O Performance 01 Size O Strength
 O Taste 0 Unapproved Supplier 0 Weight 
 C] Primary Package: 
 C Appearance 1] Damage O Desiccant Problem O Functionality 0 Label Problem 0) Missing Components 1) Other O Open Exposed
 Product 0 Open Exposed Components 0 Print Problem 0 Quantity Wrong 0 Seal Problem
 C Secondary Package: 
 O Appearance C1) Damage 0 Label Problem 0 Missing Components 1 Open Exposed Contents 0) Other O Print Problem 0 Quantity
 Wrong C] Seal Problem 
 C) Tertiary Package: 
 1 Appearance C1 Damage 0 Label Problem 0 Missing Components 1 Open Exposed Contents 0 Other O Print Problem 0 Quantity
 Wrong O Pallet Problem 0 Seal Problem 
 
 Affects other product or batches?_o Yes _o No Explain: 
 Is investigation required? 0 Yes o No, justification: 
 
 If yes, assigned to: 
 
 Conclusion: 0 Complaint is substantiated 0 Complaint is not substantiated 
 
 CAPA Required? o No o Yes: CAPA # 
 
 Product Replacement: O No oO Yes 
 
 Complaint Response Completed By: Closed/Report Date 
 * Attach Complaint Response and supporting documentation 
 
 Complaint Reviewed/Approved by: Date: 
 
 Comments: