11 replies to this topic

[k.boardman]

Has anyone purchased a template bundle to assist in putting together an SQF FSP their could recommend? I see that IFSQN has there own and I see several other out there.

 

If so, would you go that route again or go a deferent direction; did it assist or confuse in the development of your FSP?

 

Feedback greatly appreciated.

 

Thank you

[kingstudruler1]

I have never purchased them.   

 

I have been to smaller facilities that have.   What I have noticed that in many cases they were just adding a header and no one really understood what the certain procedures said and in some cases didnt jive to what was actually happening.   They don't remove all of the effort involved in creating a program.  

 

Having created many  programs from scratch for different standards, I would be tempted to purchase them just to save typing time.  lol.  They will also give you examples of how to create things.   This can be very beneficial to inexperienced personnel.   On the flip side, it seems to me like the people that i have mentored over the years that were to most successful were the ones that created everything from scratch.   It really forces you to learn the standard and apply it to your operation.      

 

I have looked at some of the examples in the IFSQN template bundles.   They seem pretty good to me and probably well worth the relatively inexpensive cost.   If i was going to buy one, id probably chose those.  

[lucho]

I'm contemplating doing a SQF practitioner course or buying the SQF FSMA implementation template package.   I did my PCQI training recently.   Not sure how much different the SQF course would be?   Maybe I can learn on my own buy just buying the templates?  

[Spiceman]

I would suggest taking the course and purchasing the templates. The course is very different from PCQI (I have done both). The templates from IFSQN were great. Plus it also has the required policy per section. You have to read the whole thing clearly and adjust it to your business. 

[lucho]

I would suggest taking the course and purchasing the templates. The course is very different from PCQI (I have done both). The templates from IFSQN were great. Plus it also has the required policy per section. You have to read the whole thing clearly and adjust it to your business. 

 

Hi Buddha, I did end up taking the SQF course.  I enjoyed it but feel that I wont fully grasp it until Im put in a place where I can implement my own SQF plan.  I also did the PCQI certification course.   So with the templates I should be able to more easily take on the task of creating a whole SQF system plan?   

[Spiceman]

Absolutely. The template purchase also address FMSA requirements as well. 

[lucho]

Absolutely. The template purchase also address FMSA requirements as well. 

 

So by having a complete SQF plan in place.  The company would meet all FDA/FSMA and food safety requirements? 

[lucho]

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?  

[Tony-C]

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.

 

 SQF Tiers of Certification.png   498.31KB   1 downloads

 

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

[lucho]

Hi lucho,

 

 

 

Tony

 

Thanks so much Tony, now I understand!  

[lucho]

 

Hi Tony, I tried to send you a private message but it wont go through.  Can you pm me please?

[Tony-C]

Hi Tony, I tried to send you a private message but it wont go through.  Can you pm me please?

 

Hi Lucho,

 

PM sent including my email address but you should be able to reply to the message.

 

Kind regards,

 

Tony