12 replies to this topic

[TylerJones]

Hi all, just passed a SQF Food Manufacturing 9.0 unannounced audit with a 99. A few pointers from this audit for anybody interested: Food Safety Culture results need to be given out to all employees. Best way I did that in my operation was to post in the breakroom. Auditor was specifically calling out posting of results over what was specifically in the culture plan. Did check that the company policy stated food safety culture was implemented. EMP cannot just be risked away. Seems like there will be no way in the future to have a low risk product over a 4.0 pH level without testing for a pathogen unless you have scientific data such as an industry standard. Really seemed to like having cyber attack as part of CM. Ingredients imported from developing countries- have plenty of supporting documents to back up your RA for Food Fraud. Other than those few areas nothing stood out. Best of luck!

 

 

[Tony-C]

Thank you for the feedback Tyler. A very good score!

I expect food safety culture scrutiny to develop with time.

Kind regards,

Tony

[Abby7]

Congratulations for a fabulous score and thanks for taking the time to summarize your experience.

 

Our first unannounced audit is coming up soon - appreciate these hints.

 

Kind Regards,

Denise

[Charles.C]

Hi Tyler,

 

Congratulations on your Score !

 

I'm curious, never used SQF but is (SQF) 99 significantly  FS  "better" than, say, 90 ?

 

(I would have begun to question my auditorial ability if obliged to award a 1% defect result  ).

[TylerJones]

Charles,

In my opinion no. A 99 means only 1 NC was found.  In the end to me the only difference between a 90 and a 99 is when your customer not only requests your certificate but also a list of all your NC's with corrective actions = more attachments to your reply email. Happy Friday!

[Farm2Table]

Wow great score and thanks for the tips!

[majoy]

Thanks on this heads up!!! Congratulations too!

[coffee63]

 thanks for the tips!

[Stacys]

congratulations on your score-Awesome job

[StacyPeterson]

Great Job!  It takes lots of work to get there. 

 

Do you have any guidance you can offer on 2.3.2.8.   I am not sure how to document all the information they are requesting.  More than likely I am over thinking.  I have a lists of the contractors.  If I have an electrician coming in, I need to train them on GMP's only?    

[TylerJones]

For 2.3.2.8 I have what I call a CSP (Contracted Service Provider) outlined for each approved service provider. On the CSP document I list what is required for each one to be able to work at the plant. See attached. I also put the results of their RA to food safety at the bottom of the page along with a note that gives a little history on the service provider (long time / new hire / any past issues with them). 

 

As for training see attachment F-243-003. I have this filled out by every individual that is not an employee that visits per visit. Working with large electrical companies that didn't always send the same guys I just make them sign the page every time. Typically I file this with the Work Order from Maintenance that way when the auditor goes through the maintenance section the work order is there along with whatever training necessary for that specific piece of equipment / job for that specific date. Never had a problem. 

Attached Files

•  E-Logics.docx   21.87KB   34 downloads
•  f-245-003.docx   17.72KB   34 downloads

[Abby7]

Fortunately we don't have too many contractors, so I have one register for both approved service and materials suppliers and use this table to summarize the requirements.  Our first unannounced audit is due any day - will update if this wasn't sufficient for Ed9.  (note: I have combined the service provider requirements included in 2.3.2 with 2.3.4 rather than have 2 registers)

2.3.4 QMR Approved Materials and Service Supplier List with Risk Assessment - EXAMPLE

 

Supplier

Type of Material or Service Supplied

Specs/3^rd Party Certs./ Applicable Licenses/ Approvals Details+

Risk (to finished product safety) – Low, Med. or High

Date approved/ Year started

Approved By:

1

0123456 BC Ltd.

Plumbing Services

Long Standing reputable history.  Does not access active production areas “GMP”S: signed 9/21/20

Low – due to long standing good history and type of service

2012

John S

 

Annually (or every 3 yrs. depending on RA) I email our Hygiene & Health  & Processing Practice Requirements Policy to each company's representative for review and sign off.  They are instructed to review with the tradesmen who are assigned to our facility.  

Each time they enter the site, they are instructed to sign off on the visitor log which summarized this policy.

 

Hope this helps - so hard not to overthink some of these requirements 

 

If anyone has any comments or concerns - please feel free to share!

 

Take care!

[Abby7]

Oops, didn't realize the table formatting wouldn't paste over.
I have attached the file for easier review.

 

 2.3.4 QMR Approved Materials and Service Supplier List w RA 2021 V6.pdf   120.32KB   42 downloads