SQF 2.2.3.3 Shelf Life (Packaging)
Hi there, in the new edition of the SQF food safety code for manufacture of food packaging Edition 9, I see that there is an added requirement under the summary of changes that states: added requirement for retention periods to consider the shelf life of the product 2.2.3.3. Due to this new requirement I am wondering what exactly I have to do DIFFERENTLY? I have stored all the shelf life information for our primary raw ingredients and omitted cleaning detergents (Should I collect all shelf life information for literally everything we buy, including our hand soap, etc?) Or do we only need the shelf life of our raw ingredients because that dictates our shelf life for our finished goods, which is printed film, better known as wrap labels etc? Also, due to this new requirement do we also have to provide an expiration date to our customers on the finished product itself? Or is this new requirement only requiring us to not only adhere to shelf life's in general and to store that information on our internal paperwork as reference after it is produced? Or does this recommended shelf life date have to be given to the customer in writing? -Carolina
I believe it means the shelf life of your finished goods
So if you packaging canned kidney beans, you cannot keep your records for 1 year and call it good, as your product is still out there (shelf stable indefinitely more or less) Or, say frozen french fries............very long shelf life frozen
NO to the expiration date------there is zero requirement under SQF----------expiration dates are regulated anyway and only on specific items (infant formula/milk etc) Do not confuse expiration with best before-----they are not the same
The code
2.2.3.3 Records shall be readily accessible, retrievable, and securely stored to prevent unauthorized access, loss, damage, and deterioration. Retention periods shall be in accordance with customer, legal, and regulatory requirements, at minimum the product shelf-life or established by the site if no shelf-life exists
I believe it means the shelf life of your finished goods
So if you packaging canned kidney beans, you cannot keep your records for 1 year and call it good, as your product is still out there (shelf stable indefinitely more or less) Or, say frozen french fries............very long shelf life frozen
NO to the expiration date------there is zero requirement under SQF----------expiration dates are regulated anyway and only on specific items (infant formula/milk etc) Do not confuse expiration with best before-----they are not the same
The code
2.2.3.3 Records shall be readily accessible, retrievable, and securely stored to prevent unauthorized access, loss, damage, and deterioration. Retention periods shall be in accordance with customer, legal, and regulatory requirements, at minimum the product shelf-life or established by the site if no shelf-life exists
hi there,
so if it is talking about the shelf life of our finished goods does this mean that we must provide a shelf life to our customers or simply have a recommended shelf life on file?
hi there,
so if it is talking about the shelf life of our finished goods does this mean that we must provide a shelf life to our customers or simply have a recommended shelf life on file?
IIRC this query is analogous to what happened following issue of previous version of SQF Packaging Standard. Notably in that case regarding Environmental monitoring.
Again, the, ultimately probably unavoidable, answer will be - Wait for the Guidance. IIRC, based on previous version, it will sadly be a long, long wait.
I dont thibk it applies to production of packaging only.
You only give shelf life to customers if requested
That statement refers to customer requirements for documentation requirements. Some like costco, or walmart (as examples) get to dictate what happens in your facility
if there is no requirement from your customers, you dictate what your facility does
Have you taken the SQF training yet?