SQF Secondary Practitioner
Hello all! I just started working at my company about 7 months ago and I took over the position of someone who acted as our "Secondary" SQF Practitioner. I know that one of the requirements to be an SQF Practitioner is to have HACCP training. I have never received any HACCP training and do not have any type of Certificate or Certification for HACCP. My question is: Am I allowed to be a secondary SQF Practitioner without HACCP training? We do have an SQF Practitioner who does have HACCP training and has been working in the field for 19+ years.
Thanks in advance for your help!
i. Be employed by the distribution or storage site as a company employee on a full-time basis;
ii. Hold a position of responsibility in relation to the management of the distribution or storage site SQF System;
iii. Have completed a HACCP training course;
iv. Be competent to implement and maintain HACCP based food safety plans; and
v. Have an understanding of the SQF Food Safety Code and the requirements to implement and maintain SQF System relevant to the distribution or storage site scope of certification.
As secondary SQF Practitioner you are the backup to the Lead SQF Practitioner and as such you need to have HACCP certification.
Did you complete the Implementing SQF systems course and take the exam?
The SQF practitioner shall:
i. Be employed by the distribution or storage site as a company employee on a full-time basis;
ii. Hold a position of responsibility in relation to the management of the distribution or storage site SQF System;
iii. Have completed a HACCP training course;
iv. Be competent to implement and maintain HACCP based food safety plans; and
v. Have an understanding of the SQF Food Safety Code and the requirements to implement and maintain SQF System relevant to the distribution or storage site scope of certification.
As pooled pointed out, in the SQF code it does state that a Practitioner must have completed a HACCP training course. I would interpret that as any "backup" Practitioners would need to meet the same requirements.
For instance, at our facility we have 2 "Lead Auditor backups," and both employees meet the above conditions (we are essentially the backups for our SQF Practitioner).
I'd recommend you ask your employer if you can take an online or in-person HACCP course and be reimbursed by the company for your expenses, as they placed you in a position that requires the training.
I have not received any HACCP training or SQF training. My company has pretty much just thrown me to the wolves. I am definitely going to discuss with them about sending me to training both HACCP and SQF training.
An auditor asked who the backup SQF Practitioner was and asked to see their HACCP training certificate.
You can't be the back up for something if you are not trained in it.
You absolutely need HACCP training. There are many online courses out there that would satisfy the requirement. I just had my backup take an online HACCP course through NC state, it was less than 300 dollars. Your employer must provide you with the tools to perform your job. Good luck.
I have not received any HACCP training or SQF training. My company has pretty much just thrown me to the wolves. I am definitely going to discuss with them about sending me to training both HACCP and SQF training.
Bring up the section of the code, as well. It can help you form your argument as to why you should be sent for training, and why having you trained will benefit the company.
And I love the SQF training. My boss likes to sign us up to go as a "refresher" every year, and it's convenient because there's usually one in the Chicago area. The trainers are great, and you'll be able to gather all kinds of advice from other attendees, too. The next one is coming up in March.
You as the backup are required to be the same as the primary. Major boo boo to not be HACCP trained. The implementation course offered by SQFI is nice, however no longer a requirement... a complete knowledge of the SQF system is mandatory ad an SQF Practitioner.
Glenn Oster
Whether or not You are a SQF Practioner, you must have HACCP training if you are going to participate in maintaining FSMS or QMS. US Industry FSMA PCQI (trained Individual).
Bring up the section of the code, as well. It can help you form your argument as to why you should be sent for training, and why having you trained will benefit the company.
And I love the SQF training. My boss likes to sign us up to go as a "refresher" every year, and it's convenient because there's usually one in the Chicago area. The trainers are great, and you'll be able to gather all kinds of advice from other attendees, too. The next one is coming up in March.
Christina, did you attend the one in March. I was there in Chicago. I believe it was March 10th with Eurofins. Just curious?
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