Contract Manufacturers

Hello all.

For the SQF code 2.3.3 Contract Manufacturers would this only apply if the product is under the SQF scope?

We have 2 contract manufactures but only 1 is GFSI certified. Neither is part of our SQF scope. If we wanted to add it to our certified products then they would both need to be GFSI correct?

Thank you in advance.  

They do not need to be both GFSI per say, but you would have to ensure that 'they are in compliance with the SQF Food Safety Code'.  I interpret that as you could in theory audit them yourself to ensure they meet the requirements of the SQF Food Safety code. 

The code does not mention that they have to be GFSI certified only that you 'verify compliance with the SQF Food Safety Code and that all customer requirements are being met'.

If those contract manufacturers are making something you do not produce under your SQF facilities, then you could say they're outside of scope.  But that would mean you shouldn't warehouse them or contribute to their creation at all.  An auditor would love to ding you for the appearance that you're letting someone make your SQF certified products elsewhere lol.  Something as simple as showing those products on your company website while elsewhere stating you are SQF certified could be murky enough to present a finding (for potential misuse of their shield logo).

Just food for thought.  If those products aren't being represented as an SQF product, then you have the leeway to exclude those contract makers and those products from the scope of your audit.