3 replies to this topic

[foodmcc]

2.5.1 Validation and Effectiveness (Mandatory)

2.5.1.1 The methods, responsibility, and criteria for ensuring the effectiveness of all applicable 

elements of the SQF Program shall be documented and implemented. The methods 

applied shall validate that:

i. Good Manufacturing Practices are confirmed to ensure they achieve the required results; 

ii. Critical food safety limits are reviewed annually and re-validated or justified by regulatory

standards when changes occur; and

iii. Changes to the processes or procedures are assessed to ensure the controls are still effective.

Records of all validation activities shall be maintained

 

Hello! It's been a while since I've sat through an SQF audit.  In the past, I would validate each pre-requisite program due to receiving minors over this, learning from experience.  But judging from review to recent experiences and guidance changing on SQF (version 9) it appears as though you don't have to validate every pre-requisite program as in the past.  Can anyone shed some light this who's sat through an audit recently (as I'm trying to decide what to do, I would really appreciate it) ?

[kingstudruler1]

My opinion is (and it is different than others)

 

They use several different terms (validate, ensure the effectiveness, confirmeed to ensure) in this clause.   To many validation in food safety only applies to CCP / PCs.  Whether you call it validation, ensure the effetiveness, or confirmed to ensure...   you need / want to make sure that you programs are achieving the intended result.   For instance, if you conduct atp swabs after sanitation and routinely a large portion of them do not pass, there is something not quite right with your program and it needs to be evaluated.    

 

When I see current good manufacturing practices in a SQFI document  - to me it means section 11.  The section is called good manufacturing practices for food products.   This section contains what many would consider the prerequisite programs.    

Thus my opionion is that you need to "validate", "confirm", or ensure prerequisite programs to be in compliance.   I would think / hope that you would want to any way as what is the purpose of program that is not achieving the intended result.  

[kingstudruler1]

in terms of it being requried for an audit: 

 

https://www.ifsqn.co.../?hl=validation

[foodmcc]

Wow thank you, that answers my question then.

 

You just never know how these auditors approach things so rather be safe than sorry.

 

One year I validated programs according to SQF and then the auditor said it had to be according to Codex Alimentarius