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PrimusGFS vs SQF audit

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kbjorn

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Posted 19 November 2014 - 09:38 PM

Can anyone tell me of any major differences between doing a PrimusGFS audit and being SQF certified? (or differences in general)



CaliforniaFS

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Posted 19 November 2014 - 10:33 PM

SQF is more reputable worldwide, I've been working on changing over to SQF from PrimusGFS. So far I think it's a better audit, better detailed and questions. I know it is in two parts, one is documents and the second is visual walk through, done at different times.

SQF is a lot more expensive then PrimusGFS.



RG3

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Posted 19 November 2014 - 11:30 PM

http://www.primusgfs...2.1_March14.pdf

http://www.primusgfs...2.1_March14.pdf

http://www.primusgfs....1_09232014.pdf

 

vs

 

http://www.sqfi.com/...Ed-7.2-July.pdf

 

There is a high correlation between the two but it may be helpful if you let us know if you're looking to become Level 1,2, or 3 SQF to answer the question in full. I will agree with both statements made by CaliforniaFS, SQF is more reputable worldwide and expensive.



Snookie

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Posted 19 November 2014 - 11:30 PM

While I realize many types of companies use this program, the majority I've seen are Agricultural. 


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kbjorn

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Posted 20 November 2014 - 03:03 PM

We will be doing level 2 for SQF. We produce frozen dough, baked goods. It seems that as far as the desk audit goes they aren't very different, SQF just asks for a step up. The person before me had started getting ready  to do SQF but they had only been working with food safety and quality for less then a year and I think maybe made it harder on herself then needed. I came in with a lot of programs already written that I have done over the years and have been transitioning them to fit my needs now. When I did the PrimusGFS I didn't have any actual processes so I have been getting brushed up on that again since it has been a couple years. Thank you for the replies! I was hoping those of you who have experience in both could give me insight!



chris j

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Posted 20 November 2014 - 03:35 PM

SQF requires you to complete all of your corrective actions. PGFS allows you to not even acknowledge major non conformances and non compliance items and will certify you as long as you have a certain score.



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WBSimon

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Posted 20 November 2014 - 04:42 PM

I have done both. SQF 7.2 Level 2 last year and Primus 2.1 just last week. 
 
Keep in mind that our product is a low risk item and only falls into one category.
 
Though they are both from the same cloth, so to speak, the scoring, corrective actions and intensity levels are quiet different.
 
 
SQF - Scoring is not a percentage of the total and are 'yes' or 'no' as far as compliance. If you have 10 minors, you get a score of 90, NOT 96. Once the score is determined, that is your score. No chance to bring it up after making corrective actions. And you MUST make all of your corrective actions. The program is very thorough. Verification, validation, trending, and training registers are important. I do not regret doing the audit, but I thought it was a little too far reaching and detailed.
 
Primus - Scores as a percentage of the total. Some 250 or so lines to address, each item is worth possible 5, 10 or 15 points. Partial scores are given for minor deficiencies. Corrective actions completed can bring your score up. But you can choose not to make the appropriate corrective action.  Just take the hit, so to speak, on the points.
 
After doing SQF 7 first, we were almost over prepared for the Primus audit. Primus was a lot less . . . intense. 
 
Our company will continue to implement many of items required by SQF and not by Primus because we feel they are a good fit for our food safety program. Better to do what we feel is a complete Food Safety Program than to do just what is required to pass an audit. 

Edited by WBSimon, 20 November 2014 - 04:45 PM.


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CMHeywood

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Posted 20 November 2014 - 06:28 PM

Both are GFSI benchmarked.

 

Primus is limited to agriculture and crop handling operations:  "PrimusGFS is a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) recognized audit scheme for the certification of produce sector products — from growing operations to minimally-processed(fresh-cut) produce products"

 

SQF has different modules for a larger group of operations.  For example, the plant I work for produces food packaging and we use Module 2 (everybody) and Module 13 (packaging suppliers).

 

I have seen one discussion where a supplier of crop food had customers that demanded that have Primus certification.  I would agree that SQF is better known globally and has more requirements.



fgjuadi

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Posted 21 November 2014 - 05:36 AM

SQF doesn't have this reputation .

 

So maybe it would be a lot easier to get certified <Kanye shurg>


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Charles.C

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Posted 21 November 2014 - 06:57 AM

Dear magenta_m,

 

Thks for the interesting link.

 

On the same basic theme I found these detailed  analyses into the relevance/scope of 3rd party audits to FS equally “illuminating”.

 

http://www.safefoodsblog.com/

 

http://barfblog.com/tags/audit/page/4/

 

http://barfblog.com/tags/audit/page/2/

 

Rgds / Charles.C


Kind Regards,

 

Charles.C


fgjuadi

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Posted 21 November 2014 - 12:08 PM

Dear magenta_m,

 

Thks for the interesting link.

 

On the same basic theme I found these detailed  analyses into the relevance/scope of 3rd party audits to FS equally “illuminating”.

 

http://www.safefoodsblog.com/

 

http://barfblog.com/tags/audit/page/4/

 

http://barfblog.com/tags/audit/page/2/

 

Rgds / Charles.C

Ooooh, new food safety blog!  I've never heard of the first one.  And  well written.   I like barf blog.  Thanks!

 

Yeah, the debate over the liability / purpose / function of food safety audits is interesting...  Normally I'd say something like "This is what happens when audit companies pop up and make their own standards" or "An auditor is only there for two days, an inspection is a snap shot in time!" but Primus is GFSI?  mmm. 


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CaliforniaFS

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Posted 04 December 2014 - 07:21 PM

Hi again,

 

Well the switch has been made on my end. I think you will appreciate the change, it has been a great experience because of the structure it has provided.

 

PrimusGFS and SQF are more different than I realized.

 

SQF requires a lot more detail and structure with the program, I feel for us it was an improvement.

 

Good luck. 





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