13 replies to this topic

[arianna tuel]

Does anyone have a completed SQF plan? While attending the training a few weeks ago a training course was being held for the BRC as well. I was informed the two actually coincide quite a bit, however the BRC is a little more complex. I would like to see a plan in completion. If any one can be of help, I would be greatful.

Arianna

[Rey]

Hi Arianna,

I haven't been through the training for SQF but we are just starting out in becoming SQF 2000 certified. This whole thing is mind boggling to me. I am HACCP Certified and been doing this job for over a year. I am now the Food Safety Coordinator and have been tasked with implementing an SQF 2000 program and ensure we move towards certification by July 09.

Do you have any docs that woudl be usefull to me in accompishing this?

I have included the SQF 2000 which I acquired...and I hope this helps.

Rey

Attached Files

•  SQF_2000_Audit_Manual_Checklist.pdf___Jan_2009.pdf   390.62KB   1227 downloads

[Charles.C]

Dear Rey,

Welcome to the forum !

As you probably know, the SQF standard is included in the GFSI “collection” meaning that it is considered equivalent to certain other standards, eg BRC, IFS. However Europe (and Asia?) seems so far to be predominantly using the last two mentioned. USA seems to like SQF although I hv no data offhand to prove that (also don't know any specific reason, customer driven perhaps but why ??).

Nonetheless a lot (probably the majority) of content in the document you uploaded is very similar to BRC (my own background) which is logical since the basic objectives are presumably similar, ie focussed on HACCP and a QMS. Peoples’s reactions tends to vary somewhat depending on their historical path, (eg some go ISO9000 > HACCP > “GFSI”, HACCP > “GFSI”, ISO9000 > “GFSI”) so that their onward requirements vary.

You don’t mention if you are familiar with ISO 9000 which is primarily the basis of the QMS content in the GFSI standard AFAIK. If not, you will probably hv to study the pyramidal requirements involved in the QMS system. Examples of relevant “quality” manuals for 9000 exist on the net. Examples of HACCP / SOP procedures exist here but you probably hv those complete already so can be cross-indexed to a QMS quality manual. If no specific response to yr SQF query is forthcoming, I suggest you hv a look at some of the links here which directly compare the content of SQF to BRC (I think such exists from memory) since many of the questions (and answers) will be the same.

I find it hard to believe a typical audit covers the encyclopaedia list of questions mentioned in yr upload, would surely take a week !

Rgds / Charles.C

[Rey]

Dear Charles,

Thank you for the information you provided in the forum. I, unfortunately, am not familiar with ISO 9000. I have attempted to look up in many searches the BRC you mention but am still a little confused. I will also attempt to search for hte ISO 9000 and see waht I find.

I will search out informaiton amongst the threads here to see what is relavent to my search for information.

Thank you,

Rey

[Charles.C]

Dear Rey,

I sympathise since I followed a similar path to yourself prior to BRC.

The basic 9000 documentation structure is like this -

http://www.iso9000re...ion-pyramid.cfm

(you need a copy of the ISO standard to appreciate the logic involved)

Referring to the pyramid - Can't remember offhand but I expect SQF requires a "quality manual" which you probably won't hv yet. There are totally downloadable examples of such (prior to 2008 issue maybe) on the net if you look around. The most basic presentations use a technique which is suitable for any similar standard. The procedures section requires you to describe how you carry out the primary stages of yr process (eg as presented in the ISO 9000 standard) which allows you to xreference the various HACCP procedures you will already have. And so on to the base of the pyramid.
Many people get a problem with creating a workable documentation system, numbers, letters whatever. IMO, best to keep as simple as possible, eg 01 up for "qua;ity procedures" 001 up for work instructions. Hopefully you maybe have a good system already which is easily expandable but often this is not the case.

I think there is an example of a quality manual on the documents exchange forum somewhere. I have one somewhere in my archives (2000 issue) which i could upload if not.

Rgds / Charles.C

[DavidB]

Arianna
Setting up SQF2000 is relatively - you can latch it onto your existing QMS certification such as ISO 9001:2000 by having a cross reference matrix document (an index) showing the relationship between ISO and SQF2000 (and any other) QMS system clauses rather than doing a complete rewrite. Then add any SQF2000 specifics not in the existing QMS.

[Cathy]

Setting up SQF is not too bad if you just follow the standard. fit your existing programs into the sections as needed and fill in the gaps after that. It can be a big job, but I think folks don't post example plans because SQF, like HACCP, is very facility specific. You have to make it work for your company. I've helped a few companies down this path and there are similarities but everyone has to make it personalized for themselves.

[EthelT]

I just finished my SQF online training through www.sqfi.com

They have guidance documents in there and they have no required format; it's the content they are more concerned about. I designed our QMS based on ISO Guiding Principles and it's basically similar except that now you will have to add your Food Safety Plan (HACCP) and then re-write the quality plan to a Food Quality Plan based on a risk-assessment evaluation like HACCP.

I am stuck in writing the Policy Manual. I am searching for sample documents on the internet but I can't find any for Code 2000. Anybody who has some kindly share.....

Thanks.

[Dale P]

I just finished my SQF online training through www.sqfi.com

They have guidance documents in there and they have no required format; it's the content they are more concerned about. I designed our QMS based on ISO Guiding Principles and it's basically similar except that now you will have to add your Food Safety Plan (HACCP) and then re-write the quality plan to a Food Quality Plan based on a risk-assessment evaluation like HACCP.

I am stuck in writing the Policy Manual. I am searching for sample documents on the internet but I can't find any for Code 2000. Anybody who has some kindly share.....

Thanks.

I know that this is a bit of an older post, but if anyone does have an example of a policy manual I would love to see it.

Thanks.

[Simon]

Can anyone tell me what a policy manual is and what would be included in it?

[Dale P]

Can anyone tell me what a policy manual is and what would be included in it?

The SQF code states:

"4.1.3.1. Policy Manual
A Policy Manual shall be documented. It shall outline the
methods the organization will use to meet the requirements of
this Standard, be made available to staff and include:
i. A summary of the organizations food safety and
quality policies and the methods it will apply to meet
the requirements of this standard;
ii. The Policy Statement and Organization Chart;
iii. The Scope of the Certification; and
iv. A list of the products covered under the Scope of
Certification."

the SQF guidance documentation further goes on to say:

"The Supplier must prepare a Policy Manual that outlines the methods used to meet the requirements of the
Code in regard to its food safety and quality obligations. The Policy Manual will include your policy
statement and an organizational chart. This document will contain the food safety and food quality policies
and include information on how the Supplier will make the Policy Manual available to key staff. The
Supplier may also provide the manual to potential customers to inform them of how the Supplier has set
up and maintained a food safety and quality management system.

At Level 2 of the SQF certification, you are required to prepare a Food Safety Plan using the HACCP Method
(see 9.0). The Policy Manual will contain a description of how this will be (or was) achieved initially and
how it is maintained on an ongoing basis. Tip – Keep it brief and concise. You must include the Policy
Manual in the annual SQF System Review."

[Charles.C]

Dear DaleP,

Very comprehensive answer

Looks suspiciously like a new name for the ISO 9001 Quality manual ???

Rgds / Charles.C

[Cathy]

Yes! The SQF Manual is very much like an ISO manual. I set up an ISO system for a company years ago and now am helping companies with SQF. The SQF Manual doesn't have to be more than 8-12 pages. It addresses the code and points toward other documents for the detail. For example it will point to the HACCP Plans and the HACCP-based food safety plan. I have helped people write their manuals but I don't share a complete generic one because I find it very important to build upon a company's existing systems. If they have a format they prefer - we use it. If they have a document control system - we use it. If they have nothing - I help them get going but it is important to use their own language and thoughts so they will adopt and really own the finished product.

[Simon]

Just to let you know IFSQN have a downloadable SQF 2000 system available for purchase in the store - follow the link below for more details.

SQF 2000 Food Safety and Quality Management System