SQF Internal Audit - If we write a CAR can the auditor still write it

Hello all! 

I have 3 questions.   I hold an ISO9001:2008  certified auditor certification.  I also have taken a SQF Internal Audit Training class.  I do not have HACCP or any other food certification.   Will the auditor object to me performing the internal audit?

2nd- If I write the Corrective Action for a finding, can the auditor still write it?   Even if it is still open and not finished?

3rd - I found 2 major issues  and I am not clear on how to correct them.   A form that is the sign off for product release was NOT used.  The old form without the sign off for product release has been used for several months.  Do I write it up and use the new form going forward, or do I write it up, and FIX all the old Records ( attach a new form with proper signature).  The other form has to do with tracability.  All the proper information is actually there, but again - no sign off. 

Thanks for the help!

1. If your'e the SQF practitioner and you do not have your HACCP certification, you're in trouble. 

2. Not sure I get what you're saying but Corrective actions are your responsibility, the auditor only reviews and approves/closes it out. (if you mean your SQF auditor).

3. Write it up as, use a new form going forward, this new form is your corrective action, train all responsible employees, your preventive action is have someone VERIFY that this new form is always being used. If you show your auditor this was a detected non-conformity, and you corrected it, you'll show him that your CAPA program is going well. Ofcourse you need to make sure this was taken care of prior to your audit. How will you go back to old ones and fix them without being positive someone ACTUALLY did sign off on a release? 

. If your'e the SQF practitioner and you do not have your HACCP certification, you're in trouble. 

**I am not the practitioner.  The practitioner is HACCP and a bunch of other things, but is not good at auditing from the paperwork side of it.  He assists, especially with the more hands on things, like visual inspections.  But reviewing documents, procedures, ensuring the correct forms are being used and that the code is being followed - lets just say - not his thing.    - Does that help?  

2. Not sure I get what you're saying but Corrective actions are your responsibility, the auditor only reviews and approves/closes it out. (if you mean your SQF auditor). 

**  For example- we have a CAR that I wrote up last year ( Nov 2018) from our Crisis test  - it still isn't completed, because funding has not been authorized by ownership-   It isn't a major thing, but it would prevent future crisis situation, but does not impact Food safety.   

Can the SQF auditor write it up for not being completed? 

3.  We have a back up release procedure performed by an Admin - not techinically qualified to release product, but its her job to make sure that the 3 day hold has been met before it is released to the customer. 

1. In that case you and that practitioner and someone else from another department can be the internal audit team, that way shared and diverse talent can perform the internal audits ( ex. their experience in HACCP and food safety and your auditing experience/knowledge). 

2. If the auditor lays his hands on it, yes he can write it up, because your crisis management plan shall be reviewed at least annually. Get together with your management/food safety team and try to come up with a CA thats not really costly. I am sure there is a solution to that.

You are internal audit trained. Unless your program states otherwise you are good to go. HACCP would be a good training to get though.

Based on what you've said the auditor could write it up as a Management Commitment non-conformance among other things. If you can genuinely demonstrate that it is within the parameters of your program (which is being followed) and you have a temporary solution if necessary you should be good. Crisis plan issues may not be direct or even secondary food safety risks.

Get people to go back and sign it. If not possible sign it yourself to show it's been reviewed. And fill out a corrective action. Maybe also include a retrain.

Good luck springsangel!

-Josh Heinrichs

Hello all! 

 

I have 3 questions.   I hold an ISO9001:2008  certified auditor certification.  I also have taken a SQF Internal Audit Training class.  I do not have HACCP or any other food certification.   Will the auditor object to me performing the internal audit?

 

 

2nd- If I write the Corrective Action for a finding, can the auditor still write it?   Even if it is still open and not finished?

 

 

3rd - I found 2 major issues  and I am not clear on how to correct them.   A form that is the sign off for product release was NOT used.  The old form without the sign off for product release has been used for several months.  Do I write it up and use the new form going forward, or do I write it up, and FIX all the old Records ( attach a new form with proper signature).  The other form has to do with tracability.  All the proper information is actually there, but again - no sign off. 

 

Thanks for the help!