2.7.1 Food Defense Plan
Hi everybody!!!
In the manufacture facilities where I work there are about 12 companies and we share, among other things, the storage area. According to the SQF Code we can certify ourselves excluding some areas of the building. The problem would be that some areas cannot be excluded since we all used them, including the receiving and storage area.
El SQF says:
1. The methods implemented to ensure only authorized personnel have access to production equipment and vehicles, manufacturing and storage areas through designated access points;
2. The measures taken to ensure the secure receipt and storage of raw materials, packaging, equipment and hazardous chemicals.
3. The measures implemented to ensure raw materials, ingredients, packaging materials, work-in progress, process inputs and finished products are held under secure storage and transportation conditions.
For my understanding to complain with SQF Code, in this area, we would have to isolate our product in some way from the other companies. Possibly build a room and secure it with a padlock.
Do you think that my interpretation is correct and the implementation, previously mentioned, is viable???????????
Thanks.
Hi Carmelo,
That would seem like the most sensible solution. You also need to consider segregation in the store room that you built and also locked cages/bunding for hazardous chemicals.
Kind regards,
Tony
Hey, Carmelo!
We also share some space with another company who is NOT SQF certified, and let me tell you, it definitely makes it tough!
My recommendation would be to fence off the area you use with a chain link fence (secured to the floor) with a pad lock. This makes it easier (and more cost effective) than building an actual room because with a chain link fence, you can still see everything in your storage area from the outside and your supplies/product/etc are still separated and secure.
Best of luck!
Ricky
Ricky mentioned a chain link fence. If his auditor accepted that it was a pure lucky moment. Build a wall.
Be sure to follow the separation guidelines and distance from walls, etc.
If by chance your storage unit is within the others (surrounded by others, down the center corridor etc) the entire area is subject to inspections for sanitary, potential cross contamination etc.
Ricky mentioned a chain link fence. If his auditor accepted that it was a pure lucky moment. Build a wall.
Be sure to follow the separation guidelines and distance from walls, etc.
If by chance your storage unit is within the others (surrounded by others, down the center corridor etc) the entire area is subject to inspections for sanitary, potential cross contamination etc.
I couldn"t find anything in the SQF Code about separation guidelines and distance from walls.
Hi SQF Consultant
I couldn"t find anything in the SQF Code about separation guidelines and distance from walls.
Probably because it's not specified.
IIRC there are many previous SQF threads here discussing typical expectations.
IIRC answers vary from quoting a number from AIB's FS Code to a space sufficient to insert an average human body.
Hi Carmelo,
11.6.2 Implementation Guidance
What do I have to do?
The tops of refrigerated rooms are to be covered with a rodent-proof material. Inaccessible cavities need to be sealed to prevent the access of rodents or other pests. Storage racks and shelving need to be constructed of a non-corrosive material and easily cleanable. The product on these racks or shelves should be at least 30 cm (twelve inches) from walls and 150 mm (6 inches) off the floor to prevent contamination and allow for adequate air circulation around the product (refer 11.2.3).
11.6.3 Implementation Guidance
What do I have to do?
Ingredients, raw materials, packaging and packing materials must be stored in designated storage areas which protect the materials from contamination and deterioration.
Stands and the lower shelves of stands should be at least 150 mm (6 inches), or as required by applicable regulation above floor level to facilitate proper cleaning.
Suppliers must also be aware of the need to segregate identity preserved products (refer 2.8.1) and in particular materials and products containing allergens (refer 2.8.2). These materials may require separate, dedicated storage rooms.