Hello,
I am new in this forum
I just start to work to obtain the SQF label for my company
have a question about the chapter 11.2.7.3
The said that the external doors in food handling areas must be adequate fly-proofed
What if all the external doors in the company where I work are not directly in the food handling area ?
We have to chose a least one the following methods:
- self-closing device
-effective air curtain
- fly-proof screen
-fly-proof annex
For fly-proofed annex, do you know if a simple trap for insect is enough ?
We have three external doors, just one have an air-curtain, and one of the three is always closed (exit door)
Do I have to add an air-curtain on the other door ? Or the trap for the insect is good ?
And we have three roll-up door (one always closed too)
And we have nothing but the insect trap for these doors.
Do I have to add a fly-proofed, or the insect trap is enough?
Thank you in advance for your answer!!
Anaelle
Hi anaelle !
Thanks for yr query and Welcome to the Forum !
Not myself a user of SQF but can make some logical starters.
(A) The generic answer to all yr questions relates to (1)Risk Assesssment, (2)RiskControl, (3)Risk Management,(4)Validation/Verification, all within the context of the particular clause of the Standard.
(B) Note that items (1-4) may relate to your Product/ Process, for example RTE items typically have stricter interpretations/expectations than products/production areas considered to be of Low Risk, but again within the context of the Code itself and © below.
© Some typical priority aspects could be (a) Specific requirements by the Code (eg "must","shall"), (b) Specific local Regulatory requirements, © web-site stated interpretations of the the Code,(d) Specific Interpretations of the Code by a particular Auditor. Note that (b) usually over-rides (a), © should be controlled within auditor "consistency" requirements but may occasionally occur and is, I believe, provided for in the standard from an auditees POV.
Not sure if you are aware that SQF provides a Guidelines Manual giving "suggested" responses to the Code's requirements.
AFAI can see, the response for yr segment is -
Compliance to this requirement shall be reviewed at each facility audit primarily through observation, and records of pest activity (refer 11.2.11). Evidence may include:
• Windows are closed or protected and sealed against dust or pests;
• Doors are closed or adequately protected against dust or pests;
• Personnel doors have self-closing devices or other method to ensure effective protection;
• External doors are adequately fly-proofed;
• Sealing around trucks in docking areas is adequate;
• Insect devices are located so as not to pose a threat to product, tools or equipment;
• Poison baits or glue boards are not used in processing areas
The above relates to (1-4) above.
More detailed info. regarding yr first query may be helpful, eg wrt (B)
I anticipate that the results/trends of your monitoring data will probably determine adequate compliance within the context / your conformance of the general requirements stated above and factors such as (abcd) above.
I daresay other SQF users will have further comments based on their auditorial experiences.
Thanks / Charles.C
PS - 1 standard caveat - It must be remembered that the Guidance suggestions are non-binding to SQF. Hence the "suggestions".
PPS - afaik, the SQF Code has no mention of "direct". i suggest you act accordingly.
Answered
