Is the SQF Practitioner responsible for everything?
I am updating some SOP's in our FSQM and every time we must address the" methods and responsibility" we have the SQF Practitioner as responsible. Couldn't other members of the food safety team be responsible? For example, in section 11.2.9 -premises and equipment maintenance-we have an Equipment and Facility Maintenance Supervisor. He oversees all this, so cant he be responsible on the SOP?
Thanks for the help!
Hi, terris! Just like in our organization, we have a Maintenance Manager who oversees all equipment and tools - maintenance and repair. My QC Supervisor and/or Hygiene & Sanitation Supervisor are the ones ringing the bell, so to speak, if something's not right in the production floor. Whatever maintenance work done, is reported to me being the Hygiene and Quality Manager. In your SOP, I suggest that your Equipment and Facility Maintenance Supervisor will be the direct point-of-contact, and your SQF Practitioner will be in a need-to-know basis.
Hi Terris,
I second Angie's suggestion on this one. SQF is all about "do what you say, say what you do", right? So, unless your SQF Practitioner (you?) is actually being the main person of responsibility for all of these things, the Practitioner shouldn't be listed as such. If the Practitioner is actually the main holder of responsibility, I can't imagine how they must get everything done... maybe a 100 hr work week? :silly: <= That's what I'd look like if I were that Practitioner. :ejut:
"SQF Practitioner as responsible." Obviously where the code specifically states SQF Practitioner shall...he'd better have the responsibility spelled out in your manual. Otherwise it is whatever structure your company decides fits best, and as angie0612 stated, need to know basis. Just make sure the SQF Practitioner is actually informed on what's going on that may affect food safety, quality, and customer requirements.
It is wise (essential) to spread the load for an effective food safety culture. It needs to start with the organization structure, and the allocating of roles and responsibilities and provision of training in order to fulfill them. You need to work with senior management to develop this. In my humble opinion.
The SQF practitioner can oversee, but should not do everything. That is very old school, but probably still a common misconception.
Regards,
Simon
Hi Terris,
I second Angie's suggestion on this one. SQF is all about "do what you say, say what you do", right? So, unless your SQF Practitioner (you?) is actually being the main person of responsibility for all of these things, the Practitioner shouldn't be listed as such. If the Practitioner is actually the main holder of responsibility, I can't imagine how they must get everything done... maybe a 100 hr work week? :silly: <= That's what I'd look like if I were that Practitioner. :ejut:
Yes exactly! I was the SQF assistant...now the practitioner for the last 2 weeks. Overwhelmed at everything I am "responsible" for. Our SQF practitioner became our equipment and facilty maintenance supervisor because he was both before! We are rapidly growing....and experiencing many growing pains! But it is all good! Thanks for your help...I will reassign responsibilities as I revamp stuff!