And one last one please? Does the template package address level 1 2 3 SQF requirements? I keep reading about SQF level 3, but at the same time I read there are no more levels?
Hi lucho,
The three levels are no longer referred to in number terms but the original levels are effectively:
Level 1 - SQF Fundamentals
Level 2 - SQF Food Safety Code
Level 3 - SQF Quality Code
Of the 3, the SQF Food Safety Code is the most widely recognized because it is a GFSI Benchmarked Standard.
From SQF Code Edition 7 (2011) - The three levels of certification are:
Level 1 Food Safety Fundamentals:
An entry level for new and developing businesses covering only GAP/GMP/GDP requirements and basic food safety elements (module 2);
Level 2 Certified HACCP Based Food Safety Plans:
Incorporates all Level 1 system requirements and additionally requires that a food safety risk analysis of the product and its associated processes has been completed to identify the hazards and the action taken to eliminate, prevent or reduce their occurrence. System elements in module 2 at level 2 are required;
Level 3 Comprehensive Food Safety and Quality Management System:
Incorporates all Level 1 and Level 2 system elements and indicates that a food quality risk analysis of the product and its associated process has been completed, that the actions taken to prevent the incidence of poor quality have been implemented. System elements in module 2 at level 3 are required.
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From SQF Quality Code Edition 8:
The SQF Quality Code builds on the system elements defined in the various SQF Food Safety Codes. Sites seeking to attain certification to the SQF Quality Code, or retain what was previously SQF Level 3 certification in edition 7, shall first be certified to the applicable SQF Food Safety Code for their industry sector.
The IFSQN SQF Food Safety Management System Implementation Packages are focussed on Food Safety and compliance with the SQF Food Safety Code as it is a GFSI Benchmarked Standard and what the vast majority of our customers require.
Compliance with the SQF Quality Code is something to pursue after certification to the SQF Food Safety Code. SQF Quality Code Edition 9 requires compliance for all sections included in SQF Food Safety Code System Elements but in terms of product quality. Where a food safety management system compliant with the SQF Food Safety Code has reference to food safety in the documentation, it is likely that quality would need to be included as well to be compliant with the SQF Quality Code.
The SQF Quality Code sections:
2.1 Management Commitment
2.2 Document Control and Records
2.3 Specifications, Formulations, Realization, and Supplier Approval
2.4 Food Quality System
2.5 Quality System Verification
2.6 Product Identification, Traceability, Withdrawal, Recall, and Crisis Management
2.7 Food Fraud
2.8 Identity Preserved Foods
2.9 Training
Kind regards,
Tony