SQF Online Training and Exams
Posted October 15, 2008
In response to the many enquiries regarding online training, please be advised that the E-Learning Program, currently in its final development phase, will be available online in March 2009. The program will allow interested parties to enroll in and complete a comprehensive training course for SQF 1000 and SQF 2000 Systems and to take an online exam.
Prior to the release of the program, the online exam will be available on our website in November 2008 for students wishing to validate their knowledge of SQF Systems. Further information will be forthcoming. In the meantime, if you are interested in participating in classroom courses, please view our SQF training schedule or contact a licensed SQF Training Center.
Draft Guidance Document for Egg Shell Processing
Posted October 15, 2008
SQFI has developed a draft guidance document for egg shell processing. The guidance document aims to assist the shell egg industry in the development and implementation of SQF 2000 Systems and provide guidance to certification bodies in the assessment of SQF 2000 within this food sector category.
The draft guidance has been developed by a working group from the United Egg Producers at the request of the SQF Technical Sub-Committee for Food Sector Category 12 - Guidance for Shell Eggs. The sub-committee is currently reviewing the document and revising as necessary. Industry comments are welcome and will be reviewed by the sub-committee members. The final document is set to be delivered to the SQF Technical Advisory Council by December 15th. Download a copy of the draft document. Download the draft document.
Release of Edition 6 of the SQF 2000 Code
Posted August 20, 2008
SQFI is pleased to announce the release of Edition 6 of the SQF 2000 Code. This is the most comprehensive review of the code since its development in 1995. The new code went into effect August 18th, 2008. There is a 2 month transition period for facilities seeking SQF 2000 certification for the first time. During this time such facilities may opt to be audited against either the old (5th) or new (6th) edition of the code. On and after October 18th all new facilities will be assessed against the 6th edition.
For existing facilities that have SQF certification, there will be a 6 month transition period. For all re-certification audits that take place between August 18th and February 18th, 2009, the facility may choose to be audited against either the 5th or 6th edition of the code. On and after February 18th, 2009 all audits will be conducted using the 6th edition only.
Click here to download a FREE copy of the code. A comparison of Edition 5 and 6 is provided outlining the changes. Click here to download the document.
Key updates and changes in the new SQF 2000 6th edition include:
- Audit frequency will be based on facility performance. Facilities receiving a "good" or "excellent" rating are subject to only one certification audit per year
- Inclusion of all food safety fundamentals and pre-requisite programs for the SQF system
- Additional elements on product identification (traceability) and identity preserved foods (organic, kosher etc.)
- Additional elements covering preservation of hermetically sealed processing (aseptic packaging)
- Simplification and clarification of the requirements for practitioners, auditors and consultants
- Inclusion of information on certifying SQF systems
- Explanation of the multi-site certification protocol
- Discussion of the SQFI eAudit Management System
- Revision and expansion of the food sector categories
SQF Quickfire Audit Managagement and Certification System Update
Posted August 18, 2008
The SQF Institute has commissioned the development of an audit management and data capture solution (SQF Quickfire) with the goal of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of SQF audits and containing the costs thereof. This innovative technology represents significant progress in how audit data is captured, managed and made available, and sets the SQF Program apart from similar schemes. Click on the links below to discover more about the scope and milestones of the project and how to get involved in the pilot testing.
Wiley-Blackwell Announces New Benefits for SQF Members
Posted March 19, 2008
Wiley-Blackwell Publishers has announced the following valuable benefits for SQF members:
- Free one year subscription to the print edition of Food Quality Magazine to all North American members
- Free one year subscription to the digital edition of Food Quality Magazine for all members outside North America
- Free one year subscription to Food Quality E-Newsletter for all members
- 15% discount on Wiley-Blackwell Food Science books
|
