What are the requirements for Sensory Evaluations w.r.t SQF?

Hi everyone,

I have following questions to ask:

1. Is it mandatory for the company to get the sensory evaluation done from an accredited sensory lab??

Thanks

Regards

Vyas

Hi Vyas,

It depends on your product, definition of sensory testing. Sensory testing is largely referred to in the requirements for SQF Code LEVEL 3 Food Quality Plan (accredited certification, GFSI + Quality Management) requirements rather than LEVEL 2 Food Safety Plan (accredited certification, GFSI recognition) requirements.

Having said that I would expect you to regularly taste and smell your product and check the appearance.

So to your questions:

1. No it is not mandatory for the company to get the sensory evaluation done from an accredited sensory lab 'Where external laboratories are utilized to conduct input or product analysis, the laboratories shall be accredited to ISO 17025 or an equivalent national standard' If you do use an external laboratory the scope of their certification should cover the tests you are asking them to complete. Most organisations would train their own staff in sensory testing.

2. A minimum of 2 would be good practice. If you are conducting a panel then more. As above there is no number specified by SQF just a requirement to conduct sensory testing for level 3 certification.

3. Again sensory testing is only referred to in level 3.

2.5.6 Product Sampling, Inspection and Analysis:
2.5.6.1 The methods, responsibility and criteria for sampling, inspecting and/or analyzing raw materials, finished product and work in progress, and for analyzing and assessing product quality and sensory attributes shall be documented and implemented. The methods applied shall ensure:
i. Inspections and analyses are completed at regular intervals as required and to agreed specification and legal requirements;
v. Sensory analysis and evaluations are completed after shelf life trials, as appropriate, and at intervals designed to demonstrate the products sensory characteristics are consistently being achieved;
vi. Sensory evaluations comply with the relevant product sensory attributes specified by the customer; and
vii. Sensory evaluations are conducted by trained personnel in accordance with established methods or as specified by the customer.
2.5.6.2 Records of all inspections, analyses, sensory evaluations and actions arising from inspections, analyses and sensory evaluations shall be maintained.

2.4.8 Product Release (M)
2.4.8.1 The responsibility and methods for releasing products shall be documented and implemented. The methods applied shall ensure the product is released:
iii. Once sensory analysis and other evaluations are satisfactorily completed to verify customer specifications have been met.

For level 2 sensory testing is mentioned in GMP requirements: 11.4.1.2 In circumstances where it is necessary to undertake sensory evaluations in a food handling/contact zone the supplier shall implement proper controls and procedures

I would expect to see some sensory tests on products (smell/taste/appearance) every day.

4.This depends on your product and the consistency of your process. Far more information is required from you in order to be able to answer this question.

Regards,

Tony

Hi Tony,

Thanks alot. That was thorough and well written.

I also went through the code and just wanted to re-verify with you people. I am preparing the documentation for SQF 3.

Can I include length and weight measurements as part of sensory as these quantities will affect the Appearance of the product??

Also, am I supposed to specify the limits for such quantities (Eg: Weight : 7g-8g/piece). How and where am I supposed to state this ? Should this go to product information or part of sensory??

Thanks

Vyas

Many th

Hi Vyas,

Normally such things would be included in your product specification.

I would have 'quality' checks (including sensory) on the same check sheet/record. If you wish you can have a specific record for each product which includes limits for each test although some people have many products so have a generic record and specify limits in a summary table to save the analyst having to refer to the product specification.

Regards,

Tony

Hi Tony,

Currently I am updating the HACCP forms for SQF Level 3.

The following are the changes that I feel should be made:

Form 1- Retain the same template and info except for the column on "Important Characteristics"- where I would specify about the characteristics which are important for Quality instead of Safety. 

Form 2- What changes should I make?? 

Form 3- Marking the QCP s instead of CCPs

Form 4-  --No change--

Form 5-8- Quality hazards and setting Controls

Form 10 - Based on the QCP..(Food Quality Plan)

Please tell me what should be added and what should be removed.

Your help will be much appreciated.

Many Thanks

Vyas

hi viyassqf,

Forms 1 -10 ??

Where ?

Hi Charles,

I didnt upload the forms as I am working on it. I simply want to know how to adapt the haccp form 1-10 for quality (sqf-3)

In The above mentioned list (FORMS) , I have told my views and doubts. Please could you clarify?

Or if  you want any further information, I will be happy to provide.

Thanks

Vyas

Hi Charles,

 

I didnt upload the forms as I am working on it. I simply want to know how to adapt the haccp form 1-10 for quality (sqf-3)

 

In The above mentioned list (FORMS) , I have told my views and doubts. Please could you clarify?

 

Or if  you want any further information, I will be happy to provide.

 

Thanks

 

Vyas

I find it difficult to comment on a Form without seeing the Form. Maybe it's just me. :smile:

I find it difficult to comment on a Form without seeing the Form. Maybe it's just me. :smile:

No it's not you Charles, I'm finding it difficult as well ;)

Regards,

Tony

Hello Vyas,

I used to run a formal sensory program for a former employer and as you stated, it required a min of 2.  We used a 1-5 scale and measured against a standard.

Currently, as I serve in a multi-function role, my sensory analysis has been reduced to a task rather than a job.

Our product profile would require too much at this point to keep a standard for each product so I my quality check is against the immediate prior and additional priors as needed.  I too do appearance (color, visual texture), taste (mouth feel, aromatics), and aroma.  The world of sensory is so fun but at this point, it is not feasible to be my main focus so the quality check is really for batch to batch consistency.

I have the sensory descriptions included in my specification sheets.  I record my results, by lot and date, in an excel sheet for ingredients (1-5 scale, 5 matching) and sign off directly on finished product batch paperwork as approved.

Like mentioned above, it is a level 3 item but so important on even a basic level.

Best wishes,

Alyssa

Thanks Alyssa for the response

@Mr. Tony  @Mr. Charles- I am really very sorry to provide you unclear and inadequate information. I will soon come up with my forms and questions.

Thanks

Vyas

Hi Vyas,

No Problem Take yr time. :smile: