Does a Decision Tree have to be used ?
hello all
my company just went through a pre assessment document review for SQF certification (it went well as expected)
the auditor requested a "decision tree" I have done a process hazard analysis
question 1-
isn't it the same thing ...
I an answering the same questions just a different format
the process hazard analysis has the "questions" on top and the step to the left side ...
the decision trees I have viewed on line to me seem very confusing ...
question 1- if I have to do a decision tree is it for each step in the process or the step that is (or) should be a CCP ...
does anyone have an example
thank you in advance for your assistance or input
Giuseppe
Hi Giuseppe,
Pls inform what kind of Business involved, eg RTE Food, food Contact Packaging etc ?
addendum
I'm not a SQF user but, assuming Food, the relevant SQF clause is presumably 2.4.3 relating to Food Safety Plan -
2.4.3.1 A food safety plan shall be developed, effectively implemented, and maintained and outline the means by which the organization
controls and assures food safety. The food safety plan shall:i. Be prepared in accordance with the steps identified in the Codex Alimentarius Commission or NACMCF HACCP guidelines. Primary producers and feed manufacturers may utilize a HACCP-based reference food safety plan developed by a responsible authority.
Neither Codex nor NACMCF mandate use of a Decision Tree. Nor does the SQF Guidance although it is mentioned as a possible option -
7 - Critical Control Points (CCPs) are steps in the process where control is essential to eliminate an identified hazard or reduce it to an acceptable level, e.g. cooking, pasteurizing, retort sterilizing, etc. Metal detection may be, but is not necessarily a CCP. Codex includes a decision tree for determining CCPs, which works well for microbiological hazards. Again the methodology chosen for determining CCPs must be applied consistently.
(NACMCF also includes a Decision Tree option)