My company is looking at hiring a contract manufacturer to help fulfill increasing orders. I know that the SQF Code states that the contract manufacturer must meet the requirements of the code and be included in our scope of certification as well as receive an annual audit by my company or a 3rd party certification agency.
My question is does the contract manufacturer also have to have the same SQF level as our facility, SQF 3, or is it acceptable to contract with an SQF 2 facility? If we are permitted to contract with an SQF 2 facility do we need to set up any additional programs, besides auditing, to ensure they are compliant to the quality code?
Any information is appreciated. Thanks!