7 replies to this topic

[lucho]

I recently took over a SQF position.  Looking over all the module 2 docs and they're are in 2 languages.   Is it necessary for SQF docs to be in 2 languages?  One page is english, second page is in spanish.   I feel like the answer is obvious but need to make sure.  Thanks

[Setanta]

I think it depends on the language skills and make up of your employee base. I have always understood that to mean that your staff understand what is written, not necessarily that they can read each document. 

[lucho]

I think it depends on the language skills and make up of your employee base. I have always understood that to mean that your staff understand what is written, not necessarily that they can read each document. 

 

The office staff is english speaking.  The line workers are mostly spanish speakers.   Does the SQF docs (all module 2) need to be in both languages?  I was not aware that the line workers needed access to the SQF docs.  Thanks

[acarver]

I make sure relevant documents are available for Spanish speaking employees, but not all the policies. (So, Good Manufacturing Procedures, yes. Approved Suppliers Program, no.) 

[lucho]

I make sure relevant documents are available for Spanish speaking employees, but not all the policies. (So, Good Manufacturing Procedures, yes. Approved Suppliers Program, no.) 

 

Ok that makes sense.  So docs that the line workers would need like GMP/Training material in both languages.  Environmental program, adverse events, Records and document control can stay in english only.  

[kfromNE]

Ok that makes sense.  So docs that the line workers would need like GMP/Training material in both languages.  Environmental program, adverse events, Records and document control can stay in english only.  

Correct

Also the management commitment letter needs to be in both languages as well. 

 

So employee training/communication items - both. Side note: any communication to our employees is done in English and Spanish. 

 

I have QC staff who are stronger in Spanish - my paperwork is in English. We are SQF certified. 

Edited by kfromNE, 17 January 2024 - 05:25 PM.

[lucho]

Your management commitment letter - both languages. Everything else - not necessary.

 

We are SQF certified. My staff is mostly bilingual with some staff being stronger in Spanish and English. 

 

Side note: any communication to our employees is done in English and Spanish. 

 

Correct

Also the management commitment letter needs to be in both languages as well. 

 

So employee training/communication items - both. 

 

I have QC staff who are stronger in Spanish - my paperwork is in English. We are SQF certified. 

 

Thanks!   The previous person pretty much translated all elements/clauses which doubled the paperwork.  Glad I can trim it down some.  I'll heed your advice and keep certain docs in both languages.  

 

Thanks all for answering.  I looked in the SQF 9 book and their site and really couldnt find the answer.  

[jfrey123]

The office staff is english speaking.  The line workers are mostly spanish speakers.   Does the SQF docs (all module 2) need to be in both languages?  I was not aware that the line workers needed access to the SQF docs.  Thanks

 

2.9.2.2 Training materials, the delivery of training, and procedures on all tasks critical to meeting regulatory compliance and the maintenance of food safety shall be provided in language(s) understood by staff.

 

Your entire food safety manual doesn't need to be in Spanish for those employees, but anything you're using to train them must be.  In my plants, we try and train directly from the SOP and programs themselves (eliminates the gap where a training page doesn't accurately show what the SOP says).  So in those cases, we have a bilingual staff member translate the programs and keep them in the manual.

 

 

Other places where translations must occur are your food safety policy and handwashing signage.  The Food Safety Policy has nailed a few of my plants in the past, because even though they posted it and discuss it often, it wasn't translated where it got hung up.

 

2.1.1.1 Senior site management shall prepare and implement a policy statement that outlines at a minimum the commitment of all site management to:

i. Supply safe food;

ii. Establish and maintain a food safety culture within the site;

iii. Establish and continually improve the site's food safety management system; and

iv. Comply with customer and regulatory requirements to supply safe food.

The policy statement shall be:

v. Signed by the senior site manager and displayed in prominent positions; and

vi. Effectively communicated to all site personnel in the language(s) understood by all site personnel

 

11.3.2.5 Signage in appropriate languages instructing people to wash their hands before entering the food processing areas shall be provided in a prominent position in break rooms, at break room exits, toilet rooms, and in outside eating areas, as applicable.

2.9.2.2 Training materials, the delivery of training, and procedures on all tasks critical to meeting regulatory compliance and the maintenance of food safety shall be provided in language(s) understood by staff.