Direct Observations - Weekly Item
Hi all,
I know there's are multiple discussions on DOs but I am coming to you all in search of opinion.
Our facility is RTE Dressings, SQF Level 2 certified.
We have a direct observation SOP that states we utilize a DO form to monitor a process, ANY process for accuracy and especially as a training opportunity or competency understanding.
We already utilize DO for our CCPs but I'm trying to understand if we even need Direct Observation weekly.
We ran its course for a year, 1 a week, every shift and apparently our site is perfect because no one every failed under the observation.
Hence my confusion because in plain site, we're perfect then but I know we're not.
Any suggestions? Should I remove DOs weekly or leave it and just enforce better?
Thanks.
Hi lavalienteQA,
There is no requirement for observations in the SQF Food Safety Code, there is however, a requirement for inspections.
You are using these observations for verification purposes I presume?
Kind regards,
Tony
If you are doing well with all inspections, I would consider reducing the frequency to bi-weekly or monthly. But I will keep doing it. Because opportunities for training or correction or improvement may arise once in a while.
For training I would do a Training Need Assessment, I would not leave for a mistake to happen and then train. Being proactive can keep your scores steadily high.
You are using these observations for verification purposes I presume?
Only as required for CCP which our is Metal Detection. Thanks Tony!
@Sayed I believe that's why it initially began and I agree I may leave at a lessened frequency but for opportunity more than anything.
@SQFconsultant Thanks Glen!
The DO's we perform are weekly for CCP verification procedures, and calibration of instruments used to measure CCP's.
Most of the regular CP monitoring has a verifier sign-off that includes an optional DO with daily reviews, but the programs don't require it. 99% of the time the RR gets circled.
Hi LavalienteQA,
You may be living in the past. :smile: "SQF Level 2" Classification System disappeared several years ago.
I can only find 2 previous threads (both SQF) which refer to DO, eg links given below. I anticipate that the "D" means "solely Visual" in normal English.
This DO (aka visual O) activity is occasionally invoked in SQF, eg 1st Link below, (and in others) as part of a (possibly generic) Verification Procedure, eg as mentioned in Post 6. I don't understand why you apparently have it part of the monitoring Procedure for all CCPs unless it's somehow related to 2nd link below.
Links -