Introduction to SQF Certification

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SQF Certification Scheme • Safe Quality Food, SQF The SQF System is a Food Safety Management System (FSMS) • • • Requirements for integrated processes that work together to control and minimize food safety hazards 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 www.22000-Tools.com

SQF Certification Scheme Safe Quality Food, SQF • • • • The certification program is managed by the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) • www.sqfi.com

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SQF Certification Scheme Safe Quality Food, SQF • • 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 www.22000-Tools.com

SQF Certification Scheme Safe Quality Food, SQF • • 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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SQF Certification Scheme • • Safe Quality Food, SQF A 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 www.22000-Tools.com

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SQF Certification Scheme SQF Documents SQF Documents can be downloaded at the SQFI Website and include: • • • SQF Code Guidance for Developing, Documenting and Implementing SQF Additional guidance documents www.22000-Tools.com

SQF Certification Scheme Initial Certification to SQF • • • • • • Choose an accredited certification body Document Review On-site Audit Correct Nonconformances Certification Surveillance Audits www.22000-Tools.com

SQF Certification Scheme • • • 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 www.22000-Tools.com

SQF Certification Scheme The SQF Certification Audit • • • • • Minor Nonconformity: 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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SQF Certification Scheme The SQF Certification Audit • • • • • Major Nonconformity: 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 www.22000-Tools.com

SQF Certification Scheme The SQF Certification Audit • Critical Nonconformity: • • • 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 Falsification of records Suspension of Certificate www.22000-Tools.com

SQF Certification Scheme 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 Based on performance and SQF System rating at the certification audit www.22000-Tools.com

Certification: Costs and Benefits www.22000-Tools.com

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 diligence www.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 • Coke, Danone, Cargill, Nestle, Heinz, Kraft, Mars, Pepsi www.22000-Tools.com

Benefits of 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 worldwide www.22000-Tools.com

Costs to Consider • Costs • • • Internal Consultant/Tools Certification Audits and accreditations www.22000-Tools.com

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 www.22000-Tools.com

SQF Practitioner

•SQF Practitioner

• Responsibilities and Qualifications www.22000-Tools.com

SQF Practitioner Required Qualifications • • • • • The practitioner must be a company employee Have demonstrated knowledge and experience Understand the requirements of the SQF code Have completed HACCP Training www.22000-Tools.com

SQF Practitioner Roles and Responsibilities • Lead the development and implementation of: • • • Food Safety Fundamentals - GMPs or Prerequisite Programs Food Safety Plans - HACCP Plans www.22000-Tools.com

SQF Practitioner Roles and Responsibilities • • • Lead the SQF System implementation • Ensure the maintenance and integrity of the SQF System • Communicate essential information to personnel

SQF Practitioner Roles and Responsibilities • • • • 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

•SQF Implementation

• Steps and Techniques

SQF Implementation Steps 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

SQF Implementation Steps • Step 2 - Plan Plan your project. • Tool: Complete the tutorial and exercise modules available in our SQF All-in-One Packages: • Creating your Project Plan • Conducting your Gap Analysis

SQF Implementation Steps • Step 3 - Document your processes Tool: Complete the tutorial and exercise modules available in our SQF All in-One Packages: • Documenting SQF Procedures • Developing and implementing programs Food Safety Fundamentals (Pre requisite Programs) • Creating a Food Safety Manual

SQF Implementation Steps 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

SQF Implementation Steps Step 5 - Train your Internal Auditors Tool: Assign Online Internal Auditor Training Sessions to your employees included in our SQF Premium All-in-One Packages

SQF Implementation Steps Step 6 - Schedule your Registration Audit

SQF Implementation Steps Step 7 - Celebrate