Auditing in an Evolving Food Safety Industry

March 12, 2012 by SQFI

Several high-profile incidents highlighted problems associated with food safety auditing in 2011. The media – and even consumers – are closely scrutinizing the food industry’s practices. The recent case includes Jensen Farm, whose cantaloupes were implicated in the listeria monocytogenes outbreak that killed 30 people and sickened 115. The facility received a top score of 96 percent from its auditor just six days before the first person fell ill. The facility used a non-certified, non-accredited audit program that was not benchmarked by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).

SQF Institute believes in robust auditor training programs and places a priority on continually revisiting requirements and criteria to ensure the integrity of not only the standard but also of auditors themselves. In addition to working closely with GFSI to provide feedback on its newly created GFSI Auditor Competency Model, SQF Institute released revised rules for both new and existing auditors on Feb. 8, 2012 – outlining necessary training, education and experience requirements to continue to ensure that high standards are upheld. One major change is the requirement that auditors undergo 40 hours of lead auditor training.

In 2011, SQF Institute developed three subcommittees to further address the area of auditor competency: the Witness Audit Template Subcommittee, Alternative Auditor Development Template (academic) Subcommittee and Auditor Criteria (skill sets) Subcommittee.

To view the revised requirements for SQF auditors, visit www.sqfi.com.

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Ask the SQF Expert

March 12, 2012 by SQFI

In this feature, we’re tackling common questions received from our stakeholders about the SQF program, with answers provided by our very own SQF Expert.

Q: What is required of a supplier if they use contract manufacturers?

A: The following sections of the SQF 2000 Code refer to contract manufacturers:

4.3.5.1 The methods and responsibility for ensuring all agreements relating to customers’ product requirements and its realization and delivery are specified and agreed shall be documented and implemented.

4.3.5.2 The supplier shall:

i. Verify all customer requirements are being met at all times; and

ii. Ensure changes to contractual agreements are approved by both parties and communicated to relevant personnel.

A contract manufacturer is a supplier who may be outside the direct control of the SQF 2000 certification program, but who is contracted to manufacture a product to fulfill a customer order. These products may be similar to or completely different from those produced by the SQF supplier. Outside manufacturing facilities must be able to follow company product safety and quality requirements and meet customer specifications. It is not the intent of the SQF Institute to certify contract manufacturers; however, a customer may mandate SQF certification as a means to reduce risk and ensure compliance with specifications. The clause also implies that an SQF supplier may have co-packers producing product that is covered by their SQF registration and certification, provided that they comply with this code requirement. The guidance states that the SQF supplier must provide evidence that its contract manufacturers follow the SQF supplier’s product safety and quality and meet customer specifications.

Auditors would expect to see all contract manufacturers under the approved supplier program (6.10), which should include as a minimum the eight key elements under 6.10.2.1. In an SQF supplier’s policy manual, there should be a procedure on how to identify contract manufacturers and establish a verification schedule to ensure that they are meeting the supplier and customer specifications. If an SQF supplier has a strong and acceptable Approved Supplier Program, the majority of the requirements for contract manufacturers should be adequate. It is the responsibility of the SQF supplier to document and prove that controls are in place to meet all specifications.

It is important to note that under Ed. 6, this requirement is only applicable at Level 3. Under Ed. 7, contract manufacturers will be applicable to both Levels 2 and 3.

Q: What type of training should staff conducting internal audits attend?

A: All personnel conducting internal audits must be trained on internal audit procedures, including planning and scheduling of internal audits. Individuals responsible for training staff should attend formal training to understand the principles of conducting internal audits, as well as following up on non-conformities and corrective actions.

To submit questions for the next eNewsletter, email them to info@sqfi.com.

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Industry Update: Dealing with Non-Conformances

March 12, 2012 by SQFI

Gary M. Smith, vice president of certification and supply chain solutions at The Steritech Group, recently spoke at the 2011 SQF International Conference about the challenges and practical solutions to avoiding common non-conformances during desk and facility audits.

After reviewing a year’s worth of data from SQF 2000 Level 2 and Level 3 audits, Smith found that nine out of the 10 most-missed elements were similar. By exploring the root causes for these common infractions, he suggests that facility managers can effectively manage and ideally prevent these similar non-conformances.

Smith indicated that a more comprehensive understanding of the SQF standard can alleviate many non-conformances, and that it’s important to have your SQF practitioner attend an SQF systems training course to deepen his or her understanding of the standard’s content. Additionally, implementing a strong internal audit system can catch many issues before an auditor becomes involved. Smith advocated being tough on yourself during internal audits – going beyond the standard Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) audit to improve overall outcomes.

Lastly, Smith said that successful SQF compliance can be achieved through diligence, awareness and commitment from all levels of the organization. Involving more employees from multiple facets of the company can increase support for the program. By alleviating widespread non-conformances, facility managers can better focus on moving facilities forward.

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SQF Institute Gives Outstanding Achievement Award

March 12, 2012 by SQFI

SQF Institute recognized six recipients of its 2011 Quality Achievement Award for demonstration of superior dedication and support to help endorse and improve the SQF program around the globe at the 2011 SQF International Conference.

The winner of the Outstanding Achievement Award was Rena Pierami, division vice president of Silliker Global Certification Services (SGCS) Pty. Ltd. Pierami was honored due to her continuous dedication and leadership within the SQF program.

“Since embracing the scheme in 2006, her leadership, personal drive and commitment has been pivotal in positioning the SQF certification program as a premier certification service to U.S., multinational and global clients,” said Mike Wallace, certification manager at SGCS.

In her current position, Pierami has global accountability for the growth of certification-based auditing services in SGCS and works closely with auditing and certification teams throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe, India, China and Australia.

Pierami’s knowledge of the auditing process cannot be understated. With almost 30 years of experience in the food industry, she has earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues and continues to encourage technical and auditing team members to excel at every part of the process.

“Our Outstanding Achievement Award winners are examples of the type of partnerships to which all of our stakeholders can aspire in assuring safety of the food supply,” said Robert Garfield, senior vice president of SQF Institute. “Retailers can only succeed in business if they put the health and wellness of their customers first by selling food products that meet rigorous, credible food safety management systems, like SQF Institute’s program.”

Pierami holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences from Drexel University and a Master of Science degree in food science from Michigan State University. In addition to her work with SQF Institute, Pierami is active in the GFSI technical working groups and the International HACCP Alliance.

A list of all SQF award recipients can be found on the SQF Institute website. Visit our Facebook page to view photos from the conference.

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Upcoming Events

March 12, 2012 by SQFI

April 2: 2012 Supplier SQF Code Ed. 7 Webinar, Online

April 3-4: 2012 SQF Code Ed. 7 Professional Update Webinar, Online

April 30-May 3: FMI 2012, Orlando, Fla.

May 7: 2012 Supplier SQF Code Ed. 7 Webinar, Online

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GFSI Benchmarked Programs Strengthen Food Safety

January 30, 2012 by Eveth

A recent study conducted by the University of Arkansas was highlighted in a press release from the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). The study showed that food suppliers that obtained certification from a GFSI benchmarked program, like SQF, required improvements to their food safety program that resulted in a safer product for consumers.

Read the full press release here.

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Final Guidance on the Egg Safety Rule Published by FDA

December 27, 2011 by Eveth

Today Food and Drug Administration published the final guidance for egg producers entitled: “Guidance for Industry: Prevention of Salmonella Enteritidis in Shell Eggs During Production, Storage, and Transportation“. The guidance provides specific recommendations and options for several of the measures outlined by the Egg Safety Final Rule and also addresses environmental sampling plans for all types of poultry houses.

For more information visit:

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SQFI Clarifies Sparboe Farms Certification

November 22, 2011 by Karen

The Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) is concerned over a November 16, 2011 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Warning Letter, which addresses significant food safety violations at five Sparboe Farms poultry house operations. None of the five poultry houses identified in FDA’s warning letter to Sparboe Farms is Safe Quality Food (SQF) certified, however, the egg processing facilities associated with the five poultry houses are SQF Level 3 2000 certified. None of the five SQF-certified egg processing facilities has been cited in the FDA letter.

SQF certification of processing facilities (SQF 2000 code) requires control of all suppliers to be responsible for raw materials that impact finished product safety and quality, including the receipt of fresh shell eggs. The FDA letter brings into question whether Sparboe Farm’s egg processing operations applied adequate controls to their internal egg suppliers. SQFI and TUV SUD America, the certifying body that assessed the Sparboe egg processing operations, are taking action and investigating Sparboe Farms controls.  TUV SUD America is requiring Sparboe Farms to immediately provide all written procedures/processes describing controls over hen (poultry) house operations. Further, TUV SUD America intends to begin reassessment of Sparboe egg processing facilities in early December.

It is important to make the distinction that Sparboe egg processing facilities are SQF-certified facilities, Sparboe poultry house operations are not. As a voluntary program, SQFI realizes the company and buyers had the opportunity to, but did not elect to certify their poultry houses under SQF’s 1000 code – a HACCP-based supplier code for the primary producer. The SQFI 1000 code addresses farm operations such as poultry houses.

This is a significant issue for SQFI. SQFI is the only Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standard that covers the entire spectrum of food operations, from the farm through distribution. SQFI is committed to providing a rigorous, credible food safety management system throughout the food production chain.

For more information, please contact Robert Garfield, senior vice president, SQFI, Food Marketing Institute, at rgarfield@fmi.org or 202-220-0633.

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2011 Conference Presentations Now Available

November 21, 2011 by Eveth

The 2011 SQF International Conference presentations are now available to all conference attendees. Attendees will be required to enter their login information in order to access the conference presentations.

Presentations are only available in PDF format. SQFI was unable to procure the rights to distribute any presentations that are missing from the Conference website.

2011 SQF International Conference Presentations

Questions or concerns, please contact SQFI at info@sqfi.com.

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Quality Achievement Award Winners Announced

November 17, 2011 by Eveth

Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) recently recognized six recipients of its 2011 Quality Achievement Award, a demonstration of superior dedication and support to help endorse and improve the SQFI program around the globe.

 

Primary Producer of the Year – Lerinda Farms Pty Ltd

Since, working with SQF during its start in 1999, Lerinda Farms of Queensland Australia has stressed the importance of focusing on controlling food quality and safety even at the field packing level. Over a decade and many hurdles later, Lerinda Farms now carries a Level 3 excellent rating.

 

Manufacturer of the Year

Dairy Farmers of America – Fort Morgan Facility

The first of the two manufacturers of the year awards goes to Dairy Farmers of America-Fort Morgan Facility, a farmer owned company. The facility stresses the importance of the providing safe food for their consumers and understands that food quality and safety is driven by their employees, who are all involved in the support of their internal SQF program.

ConAgra Foods

The second manufacturer award goes to ConAgra Foods in Omaha, Nebraska. With over 24,000 employees and 40 plants certified by the SQFI program since 2008, it’s one of the earliest US companies to adopt the program. From CEO down, food safety culture is embraced throughout the entire organization.

 

Training Center of the Year – H-E-B University, Center for Manufacturing Excellence

H-E-B UNIVERSITY, Center of Manufacturing Excellence was established in 2008 for the purpose of offering a value-added licensed SQF course for sharing our approach to compliance with our industry and our company.  The University also currently offers HACCP, Advanced HACCP and QA Fundamentals courses to both their Partners and suppliers.  They have trained over 580 students since they opened their doors.

 

Certification Body of the Year – Eagle Registrations Inc.

Eagle Registrations Inc. has been providing value-added third-party registration and assessment services since 1994 and continues since joining SQF in 2009. In addition to their expertise in the assessment process, they take pride in their employees’ vast experiences which they use to strengthen businesses in their strategic processes and bottom line.

 

Outstanding Achievement Award

Mrs. Rena Pierami, division vice president, Silliker Global Certification Services Pty. Ltd. was honored due to her superior dedication and support to endorse and improve the SQFI program around the globe. Her knowledge of the auditing process cannot be understated. Since her involvement in 2006, she has earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues and continues to encourage technical and auditing team members to excel at every part of the process.

 

Read the FMI/SQFI press release here.

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