How far back does my paperwork have to go?
How far back does my paperwork have to go? I need to make room and I have some paperwork from 2010 all the way up to present day. Does anybody know how many years I must retain?
Thank You.
What we have for our policy is that we retain our paperwork for 3 years and if we should ever be involved in a recall, that paperwork would be kept for 10 years.
As Setanta mentioned, it depends on the scheme you're working to. For reference, the BRCGS Food standard dictates shelf life + 12 months, but I've seen retailer compliance schemes go to 3 years+.
I've worked at food manufacturers who've had policies to never destroy records and retain indefinitely, but if you've gone back around 5 years or so I think that's perfectly good diligence for most purposes.
Attached Files
Since you posted in SQF:
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.
There are other rules around accounting, personnel safety, etc if those documents are also included.