These guidance documents have been designed to provide suppliers interpretations on how to design, develop, document, implement, and maintain an SQF System for a general food processing operation (modules 2 and 11) and to assist SQF registered auditors in auditing the SQF Code, edition 7.

The guides are intended to support the SQF Code, but do not replace it. They are not auditable documents, nor are they definitive and applicable in every situation. Suppliers, consultants, and auditors are required to understand the food safety (and quality, where applicable) risks in a given industry sector and are able to apply the SQF Code to effectively control those risks.

The SQF Institute is grateful for the assistance provided by the SQFI Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and other SQF stakeholders for their assistance in finalizing both documents.

View the SQF Code, Ed. 7.1 Module 2 Guidance Document.

View the SQF Code, Ed. 7.1 Module 11 Guidance Document.

Last week, SQF received the executive summary of the comparison and a cover letter from Dr. Acheson in which he stated, “that being SQF level 2 certified to today’s SQF Code is a very strong start” to being in compliance with the new requirements of the proposed Preventive Controls rule.

On April 9th, 2013, the complete SQF Code Level 2 and Preventative Controls proposed rule comparison report was received, and provides side-by-side comparison between the SQF Code Level 2 and FDA’s Preventative Controls proposed rule. The comparison report specifies where SQF Level 2 certification exceeds the regulations of FDA’s proposed Preventative Controls rule and also defines where there is a difference.

In response to the comparison, SQFI Senior Vice President Robert Garfield stated, “In the next few months the SQF Institute will take the findings provided by Leavitt Partners and help close remaining gaps that may exist between the current SQF Code and the FDA rule.”

To download the comparison report in full, click here.

The SQF Institute will further communicate how SQF certification can assist supplier’s efforts to comply with new FDA rules, and enhance food safety management within each facility, by offering eight Information Days across the United States, Canada, and Mexico during 2013. Information Days will be intensive, one-day information seminars on food safety management, the SQF Code, the assessment process, and training. The cost of attending is $50 USD prior to the event, and $100 USD at the door.

For more information about the Information Day locations and registration, please visit the Information Day program website.

For questions concerning the Leavitt Partners full comparison report of the SQF Code Level 2 and the FDA Preventative Controls proposed rule, please contact us.

Last week, SQF received the executive summary of the comparison and a cover letter from Dr. Acheson in which he stated, “that being SQF level 2 certified to today’s SQF Code is a very strong start” to being in compliance with the new requirements of the proposed Preventive Controls rule. The executive summary provides a table defining, element by element, the similarities and differences between the SQF code, Level 2 and the proposed controls rule. The executive summary also proposes how SQF certified facilities regulated by FDA can effectively meet the requirements of both SQF and FDA in the future.

In response to the comparison, SQFI Senior Vice President Robert Garfield stated, “In the next few months the SQF Institute will take the findings provided by Leavitt Partners and help close remaining gaps that may exist between the current SQF Code and the FDA rule.”

To view the executive summary assembled by Acheson’s team, click here.

To further communicate how SQF certification can assist supplier’s efforts to comply with new FDA rules, and enhance food safety management within each facility, the SQF Institute is offering eight Information Days across the United States, Canada, and Mexico during 2013. Information Days will be intensive, one-day information seminars on food safety management, the SQF Code, the assessment process, and training. The cost of attending is $50 USD prior to the event, and $100 USD at the door.

For more information about the Information Day locations and registration, please visit the Information Day program website.

For questions concerning the Leavitt Partners executive summary, please contact us.

Here, a few of the more significant changes, are highlighted.

• The addition of the feed and pet food modules (modules 3 and 4) and the Harmonized produce standard (module 7H).
• The requirement for auditors to review the entire facility, regardless of the scope of certification (Part A, 2.7).
• The addition of a requirement for facilities to report all regulatory warning letters to SQF (Part A, 5.3).
• An addition of an element that requires the facility to follow the requirements of Appendix 3: SQF Quality Shield and Logo Rules of Use (2.4.4.2).

Edition 7.1 will become effective on July 1st, 2013, to which the new modules will be available for use at that time. It is recommended that certified suppliers consult their certification body in order to gain a better understanding as to how this version of the code will apply within their facility.

SQF is in the process of submitting the feed, pet food, and the Harmonized produce to GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) for benchmarking. The SQF Institute will be sure to keep stakeholders informed of this progress.

Should there are any questions, please contact us.

Highlighted in this post is Hogan Lovells’ memorandum that overviews the preventive controls proposed rule, or more specifically, the “Current Good Manufacturing Practice and Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food.” Hogan Lovells later released their memorandum on the second FDA proposed rule, produce safety.

Of the ten key take-aways listed in the January 9th preventive controls memorandum, GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) and the SQF Institute are specifically mentioned. The fourth key take-away of the memorandum, Testing and Supplier Verification, describes an Appendix of the FDA proposed rule that further details the agency’s desired testing and supplier verification activities, in which the memorandum notes, “FDA cites the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) framework, and GFSI recognized certification schemes such as Safe Quality Food (SQF) 2000, as a valuable tool for supplier verification.”

To view the entire memorandum issued by Hogan Lovells, click here.

To view the pages of FDA’s preventive control proposed rule in which GFSI and SQF are described, click here.

To view the entire memorandum released Monday, click here.

Prior to his retirement in early 2012, Ross had a major influence on the food safety community; training, counseling, and auditing many individuals and businesses both in Australia and overseas. His positive impact on the industry will continue to be felt for years to come.

The management of SQFI extend our deepest condolences to Ross’s wife Debbie and the Peters family, as well as his many close friends and colleagues.

To review each recently issued facility registration guidance document per the December 12th Center for Food Safety and Nutrition (CFSAN) Constituent Update, click here.

To view the memorandum, released on December 6, 2012, click here.

To view the full text of the SFCA click here.

SQF Certification Body of the Year: EAGLE Food Registrations, Inc.

With over 100 years of experience in the food industry, EAGLE Food Registrations is focused on food safety and quality. This year, EAGLE has devoted a significant amount of time and effort towards revising the SQF Ethical Sourcing program. With representation on multiple committees, EAGLE has provided valuable knowledge and insight for the SQF Program as a whole. It is apparent that EAGLE is poised to position itself as a Certification Body fully committed to the SQF program. When selecting a Certification Body for the SQF certification process, a Supplier recently stated, “Throughout the selection process it became apparent that the philosophies and culture of Eagle Food Registrations aligned well with those of our company.”

SQF Training Center of the Year: Guelph Food Technology Centre (GFTC)

A global leader in the design and delivery of training courses for the agri‐food industry, Guelph Food Technology Center, or GFTC, boasts 15 years of experience in matters of food safety and quality. As a proud supporter of the SQF program for over 10 years, GFTC was one of the original approved training centers. In the past year, GFTC has delivered 63 SQF training courses to over 1,300 participants with an overall satisfaction rating of 97 percent for delivery of the programs based on course evaluations completed. With an expertise that covers all areas of the industry, GFTC continues to maintain an excellent reputation amongst returning and new clients.

SQF Manufacturer of the Year: FONA International

FONA International Incorporated is built on a commitment to excellence, dedicated to maintaining SQF certification providing customers the highest quality product that meets the highest standards of food safety. Setting the tone for the entire organization, FONA’s leadership and stakeholders are committed to abiding by the strictest standards of food safety. Maintaining an SQF Level 3 certification since 2009, FONA has engaged the entire organization through meetings, extensive trainings, and even internal marketing campaigns—all focused on teaching the vital importance of food safety to protect consumers. Today, FONA champions the SQF program to customers and potential customers, sharing its critical value and importance.

SQF Outstanding Achievement Award: Ms. Vanessa Lindsay, Gourmet Boutique, LLC

In 2008, Vanessa Lindsay navigated Gourmet Boutique LLC from the death grip of a listeria recall to successfully achieving their first SQF certification. With Vanessa’s tenacious and relentless leadership, Gourmet Boutique recovered their reputation and, more importantly, the respect of the industry. Proving her commitment to the SQF Program, it is said that Vanessa once walked onto the facility shipping dock with a crow bar and ripped off a door frame from the wall. With most of the frame torn out and hanging off the wall, Vanessa announced, “Now maintenance HAS to replace it!” Asked what the issue was, she answered, “It’s just too old and I wasn’t about to let some door hurt this facility!” Even today, Vanessa continues her commitment to the SQF program by placing Gourmet Boutique ahead of the pack of their competitors.

Congratulations to all of this year’s SQF Quality Achievement Award winners!