Introduction to SQF Certification (Use “Notes “ View in PowerPoint to see additional guidance)

Introduction to SQF Certification

(Use “Notes “ View in PowerPoint to see additional guidance)

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SQF Certification Scheme

Safe Quality Food, SQF• The SQF System is a Food Safety Management System

(FSMS)

• It is a set of requirements for integrated processes that work together to control and minimize food safety hazards

• You must implement processes such as - Management Commitment, Document Control and Records, Food Safety Fundamentals, Food Safety Plans, Verification and Validation, Product Identification and Traceability, Site Security, Allergen Management and Training

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Safe Quality Food, SQF

• The certification program is managed by the Safe Quality

Food Institute (SQFI)

• www.sqfi.com

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• The SQF System was designed to provide suppliers with a

recognized certification

• To be able to provide proof of a rigorous food safety management system

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• The SQF is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative, GFSI

• Providing worldwide recognition and acceptance by food manufacturers and retailers

• More detail on GFSI: www.mygfsi.com

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Safe Quality Food, SQFA supplier can choose from 3 Levels of certification

Level 1- Food Safety Fundamentals

• Level 2-HACCP (GFSI Recognition)

• Level 3-Integrated Food Safety and Quality

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SQF DocumentsSQF Documents can be downloaded at the SQFI Website and include:

• The SQF Code

• Guidance for Developing, Documenting and Implementing SQF

• Additional guidance documents

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Initial Certification to SQF

• Choose an accredited certification body. They will conduct:

• Document Review

• On-site Audit

• Surveillance Audits

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The SQF Certification Audit

• An SQF Auditor will examine your SQF System to determine:

• If the system has been implemented effectively

• If there is evidence of Management Commitment to the maintenance and improvement of the system

• If activities comply with regulatory, customer and SQF requirements

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• A Minor Nonconformity:

• Is a nonconformance to the documented system or to the SQF Code that does not cause an immediate food safety risk or indicate ineffective implementation of a system element.

• Must be corrected within 30 days of the finding and will be verified at the next audit.

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• A Major Nonconformity:

• Is a nonconformance to the documented system or to the SQF Code that could cause an immediate food safety risk or indicate ineffective implementation of a system element.

• Must be corrected and verified within 14 days of the finding

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• A Critical Nonconformity:

• Is a loss of control at a critical control point, prerequisite program or

other process step that could cause a significant risk and product

safety is compromised, or

• Falsification of records

• It will result in suspension of Certificate

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The SQF Surveillance Audit

• Once certified, your certification body will audit to ensure that

your organization continues to comply with requirements

• Frequency will be determined by your certification body and

based on performance and SQF System rating at the

certification audit

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Certification:

Costs and Benefits

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Benefits of Certification

• Greater opportunities and market access

• Reduces audit burdens from buyer audits

• Improves processes and efficiencies

• Savings from reduced recalls

• Recognized worldwide

• Promotes confidence

• Enhances image

• Manages risk

• Proof of due diligencewww.22000-Tools.com

Certification Trends

• Global food trade is expanding and driving demand for third party certification

• With diverse food safety regulations worldwide, certification provides common ground for food safety regulations

• SQF has thousands of registered companies worldwide

• ISO 22000 had 34% growth in 2010

• FSSC 22000 new in 2010 has over 900 certificates issued

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Benefits of GFSI

• SQF is GFSI Benchmarked (recognized by GFSI)

• GFSI is the result of collaboration between some of the worlds leading food safety experts from retailers, manufacturers and food service companies.

• GFSI benchmarked certifications are recognized worldwidewww.22000-Tools.com

Costs to Consider

• Costs• Internal

• Consultant/Tools

• Certification Audits and accreditations

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Ongoing costs to consider

• Ongoing employee time for:

• Internal Audits

• Training

• Verification activities

• Food safety team meetings

• Change control

• Management review

• Document control

• Corrective Actions

• Supplier evaluations and corrections

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SQF Practitioner

•Responsibilities

and Qualifications

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SQF Practitioner

Required Qualifications

• The practitioner must be a company employee

• Have demonstrated knowledge and experience

• Understand the requirements of the SQF code

• Must complete HACCP Training

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SQF Practitioner

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of:

• Food Safety Fundamentals - GMPs or Prerequisite Programs

• Food Safety Plans - HACCP Plans

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SQF Practitioner


• Lead the SQF System implementation

• Ensure the maintenance and integrity of the SQF System

• Communicate essential information to personnel

SQF Practitioner


• The SQF Practitioner is responsible for Validation and Verification

activities

• Validate and verify Food Safety Fundamentals

• Validate and verify Food Safety Plans (HACCP Plans)

SQF Implementation Steps

•Steps and

Techniques


Step 1 - Learn

• Learn about SQF. Complete the training modules:

• Introduction to SQF System Elements

• Food Safety Fundamentals: GMPs for Food Processors

http://www.22000-tools.com/sqf-online-training.html


Step 2 - Plan • Plan your project.

• Tool: Complete the tutorial and exercise modules:

• Creating your Project Plan

• Conducting your Gap Analysis

• Available in our SQF All-in-One Packages.

• http://www.22000-tools.com/sqf-all-in-one.html


Step 3 - Document your processes• Tool: Complete the tutorial and exercise modules:

• Documenting SQF Procedures

• Developing and implementing programs Food Safety Fundamentals (Pre-

requisite Programs)

• Creating a Food Safety Manual

• Available in our SQF All-in-One Packages


Step 4 - Train your Employees

Food Safety Fundamentals

PRP’s they are responsible for

General Requirements of SQF

Tool: Assign Online Training Sessions to your employees included in our SQF Premium All-in-One Packages


Step 5 - Train your Internal AuditorsTool: Assign Online Internal Auditor Training Sessions to your employees included in our SQF All-in-One Packages


Step 6 - Schedule your Registration Audit


Step 7 - Celebrate

Introduction to SQF Certification (Use “Notes “ View in PowerPoint to see additional guidance)

Documents

Transcript of Introduction to SQF Certification (Use “Notes “ View in PowerPoint to see additional guidance)