17 replies to this topic

[rose32]

Hey all!

 

I am developing a brand new program at the company I have recently started at. This is my first QC job ever, although I have been in different areas of the food industry for more then 15 years. everything from waiting tables to owning my own cafe for 5 years. My company produces bottled water in a small town in Alberta, Canada, and ships it world wide, but they have never had a true Quality system before. We have hired a consultant to help me work though and create a program to become SQF certified, this website has been amazing as I had never even heard of this program before I was hired here. I am working on our sanitation program including the master sanitation schedule and the daily, weekly, and monthly schedules. I have attached what I have come up with so far (on my own because my "consultant" has decided to ignore my emails for the past two weeks"), will you guys please look at them and tell me what I'm missing or if I should format them a different way? Thanks so much, I feel like its this website and me against the world because you guys have been my only source of help while starting our SQF system from scratch. Thanks so much

 

Ashley  Daily Cleaning Schedule Production.docx   14.59KB   258 downloads  Weekly Sanitation Schedule Production.docx   13.41KB   214 downloads  Monthly Sanitation Schedule.docx   15.03KB   193 downloads

[SQFconsultant]

The daily "cleaning" schedule has a lot of items on it that are not classified as "cleaning."

 

Do your MSS first and then break down from there into weekly and daily.

 

We just did an MSS for our seafood plant client here in VA.

 

And -- get a new consultant that is attentiive.

[rose32]

The daily "cleaning" schedule has a lot of items on it that are not classified as "cleaning."

 

Do your MSS first and then break down from there into weekly and daily.

 

We just did an MSS for our seafood plant client here in VA.

 

And -- get a new consultant that is attentiive.

 

This is how I have started my MSS, any tips?

 

And yes, I would love to get a new consultant but unfortunately my CEO has stated that he paid tens of thousands of dollars for this consultant because he is "the best money can buy" so it is not my option as to who I get to work with on this new program. That's why I appreciate this website so much, I stumbled across it on google one day when I was researching maintenance schedules for water bottling plants. It has been a godsend!  Master Cleaning schedule.xlsx   11.96KB   241 downloads

[SQFconsultant]

the best that money can buy huh? Now that's funny!

[mgourley]

I'm not familiar with the SQF Code, or water bottling, but I would assume that the MSS should include all equipment, utensils, facility structures, etc. 

I see where you have "clean all production equipment (light)." What, specifically does that entail? Are there specific, different pieces of equipment in the process?
I'd assume there is bottle transport equipment, fillers, cappers, packaging equipment, etc...

It's better to identify all equipment in the production process that need to be cleaned first. 

 

Things like cleaning mirrors in bathrooms are fine, but from a risk standpoint, are way down the line from the actual manufacturing process.

An entry on the MSS of "Clean walls, floors and fixtures in restrooms" is a more appropriate entry in a MSS. Your SSOP for this task can specify exactly what needs to be cleaned and how.

 

I would strongly suggest you study the production process equipment and nearby structures and focus on that first.

 

Marshall

[Charles.C]

This is how I have started my MSS, any tips?

 

And yes, I would love to get a new consultant but unfortunately my CEO has stated that he paid tens of thousands of dollars for this consultant because he is "the best money can buy" so it is not my option as to who I get to work with on this new program. That's why I appreciate this website so much, I stumbled across it on google one day when I was researching maintenance schedules for water bottling plants. It has been a godsend! Master Cleaning schedule.xlsx

 

hi rose,

 

The SQF master sanitation schedule (MSS) seems to have  mandatory status albeit, afaik, unspecified by SQF.

 

Not an SQF user myself but I assume it should minimally, in some way or other, provide answers (or links to) the requirements of the Code (and, albeit non-mandated, the Guidance).

 

I sort of agree with the previous comments and I note that the SQF Guidance includes mention of  "critical" in respect to coverage of areas/equipment although the term is undefined.

 

The attachment below derives from a quick search of related threads/IT and offers some typical(?) responses for the MSS. Also includes an extract from SQF8 Guidance and a few very brief comments. Hopefully of some help.

 

 Short Compilation Master Sanitation Schedules, 2.1.xlsx   805.99KB   297 downloads

 

PS - also noticed this link has a variety of related files -

 

https://www.ifsqn.co...on/#entry100686

 

and this link from a water bottler describes a recent SQF audit -

 

https://www.ifsqn.co...cturing-mod-11/

[rose32]

hi rose,

 

The SQF master sanitation schedule (MSS) seems to have  mandatory status albeit, afaik, unspecified by SQF.

 

Not an SQF user myself but I assume it should minimally, in some way or other, provide answers (or links to) the requirements of the Code (and, albeit non-mandated, the Guidance).

 

I sort of agree with the previous comments and I note that the SQF Guidance includes mention of  "critical" in respect to coverage of areas/equipment although the term is undefined.

 

The attachment below derives from a quick search of related threads/IT and offers some typical(?) responses for the MSS. Also includes an extract from SQF8 Guidance and a few very brief comments. Hopefully of some help.

 

Short Compilation Master Sanitation Schedules, 2.1.xlsx

 

PS - also noticed this link has a variety of related files -

 

https://www.ifsqn.co...on/#entry100686

 

and this link from a water bottler describes a recent SQF audit -

 

https://www.ifsqn.co...cturing-mod-11/

Wow! Thanks so much for the help!

I know I have alot to learn, and with zero guidance it has been hard to figure out some of this on my own, this website is amazing!

[AC2018]

Here is an example of our daily/weekly sanitation combined. It is broken into facility areas then either daily or weekly. Each day the cleaning is performed the box is initialed by our sanitation staff. We also have one for monthly and quarterly/annually. These include things like dock lights, racks, ceilings, windows, beams & walls, hi-lo charger stations, etc. 

 

Ultimately, make it however works for you and your team. I have changed ours multiple times until it works for the individuals performing the tasks as long as I am still getting what I need out of it. 

Attached Files

•  Example.docx   29.38KB   220 downloads

[rose32]

So I have been working on my Master Sanitation Schedule for the past few hours and this is what I have come up with, I tried to be more detailed in my items to be cleaned, the ssop section has been left black because I have not created them yet. I think that creating the master schedule and then doing the ssops one by one will be easier, I would like to have my master schedule down pact first. I still have to figure out a cleaning schedule for one more section (we have a separate room off of our production floor that produces 120ml and 175ml cups with foil covers for a few different major railway companies in Canada, so that will have to be added as well. any suggestions on what I have so far? 

 

 

 Master Cleaning schedule.xlsx   13.7KB   179 downloads

[mgourley]

I would remove the products and tools used. Those should be included on the SSOP's.

I would not include daily tasks on the MSS. Give them their own list/sign off sheet.

 

Marshall

[rose32]

I would remove the products and tools used. Those should be included on the SSOP's.

I would not include daily tasks on the MSS. Give them their own list/sign off sheet.

 

Marshall

 

So you don't think that I need to include the tools and products needed? You think it will still pass audit if those things are only included in the SSOP's?

I feel paranoid lol because I have never worked in a job like this one before (creating so many files and procedures)

[mgourley]

Unless the SQF Code specifically states that those items need to be included on the schedule, then yes, remove them and include them in the SSOP's.

A schedule is just that. A list of items that need to be cleaned at a certain frequency by someone.

How it is cleaned, with what tools and chemicals and how cleaning is documented is, in my mind, outside the scope of a "schedule".

You list a SSOP number associated with the task, so I would think that would be sufficient.
 

Does the Code define what information is required on a cleaning procedure?

 

Then again, I am BRC, not SQF, so research the Code and make your determination.

 

Marshall

Edited by mgourley, 04 December 2019 - 10:48 PM.

[FurFarmandFork]

Hey rose, you're on the right track so far. I may be able to save you some time, I've made sanitation databases for previous bottled water plants and can help you build yours in a similar format that is both low maintenance and audit-tested. Please use contact email in the signature to connect.

Edited by Charles.C, 05 December 2019 - 12:49 PM.
edited

[mgourley]

Now that's the beauty of this forum. 
Someone that has actual experience in the manufacturing area.

 

Yea FF&F!

 

Marshall

[AC2018]

I agree with mgourley, I would remove the product used and tools used. I mean, you can leave it on there but it's all about simplification. If you feel better leaving it on until you have the SSOP's written then that would make sense. 

 

The code simply states the following;

The methods and responsibility for the cleaning of the food handling and processing equipment and environment, storage areas, staff amenities and toilet facilities shall be documented and implemented. Consideration shall be given to:

i. What is to be cleaned;

ii. How it is to be cleaned;

iii. When it is to be cleaned;

iv. Who is responsible for the cleaning;

v. Methods used to confirm the correct concentrations of detergents and sanitizers, and

vi. The responsibility and methods used to verify the effectiveness of the cleaning and sanitation program.

 

A record of pre-operational hygiene inspections, cleaning and sanitation activities, and verification activities shall be maintained.

 

Everything numbered above should be covered in each separate SSOP. The record of the cleaning will be the initialed/signed Sanitation Schedule that you attached. In the code, it does not specifically call out what needs to be documented on the record just that you need a record signed and kept that says the cleaning was performed. So make sure you have a sign off on your schedule along with a place for the date to be recorded. 

[Charles.C]

I agree with mgourley, I would remove the product used and tools used. I mean, you can leave it on there but it's all about simplification. If you feel better leaving it on until you have the SSOP's written then that would make sense. 

 

The code simply states the following;

The methods and responsibility for the cleaning of the food handling and processing equipment and environment, storage areas, staff amenities and toilet facilities shall be documented and implemented. Consideration shall be given to:

i. What is to be cleaned;

ii. How it is to be cleaned;

iii. When it is to be cleaned;

iv. Who is responsible for the cleaning;

v. Methods used to confirm the correct concentrations of detergents and sanitizers, and

vi. The responsibility and methods used to verify the effectiveness of the cleaning and sanitation program.

 

A record of pre-operational hygiene inspections, cleaning and sanitation activities, and verification activities shall be maintained.

 

Everything numbered above should be covered in each separate SSOP. The record of the cleaning will be the initialed/signed Sanitation Schedule that you attached. In the code, it does not specifically call out what needs to be documented on the record just that you need a record signed and kept that says the cleaning was performed. So make sure you have a sign off on your schedule along with a place for the date to be recorded. 

 

Hi AC,

 

Thks input.

 

Not a SQF user but is it not adequate that items (i,iii,iv) are already defined on the Schedule? (I could not see any specific requirement in the Code for an Encyclopedia of SSOPs albeit an elegant approach ?).

 

Item (ii)(How) will probably involve considerable duplication on the schedule. IM(BRC)EX this involved  around 6-10 variations of cleaner/sanitiser pairs which I detailed/appended to the bottom of the Schedule  and listed, eg a,b,c,d,. Then i  simply put the appropriate letters into the column "SSOP". (it depends on the level of duplications  but some labour [in Word] can be saved via "dummy" letters which are syncable together, probably also available in Excel).

[AC2018]

Charles, 

 

Yes, I would agree with you. I simply wanted to point out that in the SQF code it doesn't specifically say "a,b, & c need to be in the schedule and d, e, f need to be in the SSOP". Much like the rest of the code, it's open to interpretation. The record you are keeping for your sanitation will have duplicate information as the SSOP but you don't necessarily need to have all of the information on the schedule. 

[rose32]

you guys have been amazing! Thanks so much for all of your input, I think I have a clear idea now of how to change it to make it SQF approved! any other advice is always greatly appreciated, I have a feeling that this will be on ongoing project for a little while as we have not moved into our new plant yet (hopefully in the next 10 days, so I have been creating schedules based on what I think will be needed)