SQF Edition 9 - 2.9 Training
Does any one know what the new SQF Edition 9 requirements for 2.9.2.1 "viii. Tasks identified as critical to meeting the effective implementation and maintenance of the SQF code." refers to? how do you cover all that the SQF Guideline is required?
from the checklist
A training program shall be documented and implemented that at a minimum outlines the necessary competencies for specific duties and the training methods to be applied to personnel carrying out tasks associated with:i. Implementing HACCP for staff involved in developing and maintaining food safety plans;
ii. Monitoring and corrective action procedures for all staff engaged in monitoring critical control points (CCPs);
iii. Personal hygiene for all staff involved in the handling of food products and food contact surfaces;
iv. Good Manufacturing Practices and work instructions for all staff engaged in food handling, food processing, and equipment;
v. Sampling and test methods for all staff involved in sampling and testing of raw materials, packaging, work-in-progress, and finished products;
vi. Environmental monitoring for relevant staff;
vii. Allergen management, food defense, and food fraud for all relevant staff; and
viii. Tasks identified as critical to meeting the effective implementation and maintenance of the SQF code.
The training program shall include provisions for identifying and implementing the refresher training needs of the organization.
It covers things like reassessment training, internal auditing etc. so if you have a new team member-have they got the required training..............have you done annual refresher training for existing team members
In our procedures some have annual training. It really depends on what your procedures say as far as training and meeting the code. I did a power point to cover all topics but the last. Some of the training I still have to do is like hold and release procedure, Foreign Material Prevention, Visitor Policy, CAPA and Record keeping, Sanitation and Chemical Handling, Pest Control (advise them to be mindful of traps, report insects....found in log for pest control), Metal Detector and filter procedures. I made sure all the first 7 were covered in video. In video I have HACCP and CCP's, GMP's and Employee Hygiene, Foreign Material Prevention, Allergens, Food Defense, Food Fraud (I might have missed some things that we do...I put he gist of it here).
This is not new to Ed. 9. The requirement appeared in Edition 8 and 8.1 under 2.9.2.1 iv "iv. Tasks identified as critical to meeting the effective implementation and maintenance of the SQF System." SQFI changed the layout and wording slightly for "clarity." Bottom line...here is what an auditor will expect to see.
1. There should be some form of training needs analysis on file that outlines what training each position should have related to:
a) tasks related to their specific responsibility, basically job description and skill level training required for their position.
b) training for tasks that specifically impact food safety, such as GMPs and prerequisite programs (personnel practices, sanitation, pest control, chemical control, etc.), general food safety overview (allergens, micro concerns, food defense, etc.), HACCP overview, CCP monitoring if it applies to that position, and policies that affect food safety.
The training should be appropriate for their tasks and responsibilities. A person packing wrapped product into a box may not need the same training as a person monitoring a roasting process as a CCP kill step or as a person conducting cleaning and sanitation activities. The training needs analysis can be a simple matrix or full-blown risk assessment. It should include hourly, temporary, supervisory, and management personnel. The training needs analysis forms the basis for what training each employee should have based on their role/position. Attached is a simple template you can edit for your needs.
2. Training for each position should be conducted to the requirements identified in the training needs analysis and records supporting the training should be on file. The training can be in-house training or external training.
You can read a complete overview of SQF's position and interpretation in the General Guidance for Developing, Documenting, Implementing, Maintaining, and Auditing an SQF System, Module 2: System Elements, SQF Code, Edition 8.