Consuming safe food is a basic human right we all have and being in the food safety industry gives us all the opportunity to contribute to the strengthening of food safety requirements. According to the FDA, the “Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is the most sweeping reform of our food safety laws in more than 70 years…” We at SQFI realize the importance of this reform and have taken the necessary steps to create additional resources that will assist our stakeholders strengthen their food safety programs and meet the robust requirements of the FSMA PC rule. In response to FSMA, SQFI has developed a voluntary Preventive Control s audit checklist and guidance document for stakeholders to use as a guide for identifying the necessary steps to bridge any gaps between a company’s SQF Program and the PC rule.
SQF Preventative Control Audit Checklist Guidance Document
SQF Preventive Control Audit Checklist
It is important to note, however, that using these documents does not guarantee compliance – nor does it absolve the supplier from ensuring that they meet all aspects of the FSMA Preventive Controls Rule for Human Food. While this checklist is voluntary and will not be scored, it is a valuable tool to help suppliers identify and understand any differences between the SQF Program and the PC rule. We will be having a webinar to go over these documents and how to implement them on September 27, 2016. Check www.sqfi.com/events for more details and to register!
Qiang Zheng is the food safety and quality assurance manager at Melville Candy Company. He was an early adopter of the Certified SQF Practitioner credential when it launched late in 2024.
In mid to late August 2025, the food safety world will reach a major milestone with the release of SQF Edition 10, a comprehensive update designed to elevate food safety practices across the industry.
SQF Code Edition 10 represents a critical step forward in ensuring rigorous yet practical food safety management across the supply chain.