3 replies to this topic

[Mgranola]

My facility is in the process of acquiring an off-site (less than 10 miles) warehouse through a lease. Our current scope of certification is for our production facility under SQF Food Safety Code: Food Manufacturing, Edition 9.

 

Module 11.6 does not mention the requirements for off-site storage of finished products and Module 2 only refers to off-site storage in terms of positive release. 

 

Does this warehouse need to be added to our current certification scope? If not, are we required to obtain the SQF Storage and Distribution certificate? If so, to what extent does it need to be added?

 

[SQFconsultant]

You have two choices - either add to your existing cert or create an additional cert - along with a completely separate documentation system, etc.  Hopefully the Leasor will work with your company in order for the facility to be in compliance with the requirements of SQF regardless of switch way you go.

 

Personally I'd just add it, make sure it complies.

Edited by SQFconsultant, 18 October 2024 - 03:09 PM.

[jfrey123]

From SQF Code:

 

Step 3:  Determine the Scope of Certification

 

The scope of certification specifies:

 

The site.

 

SQF certification is site specific. The entire site, including all premises, support buildings, silos, tanks, loading and unloading bays, and external grounds are identified and included in the scope of certification. If activities are carried out in different premises but are overseen by the same senior, operational, and technical management and are covered by the one SQF System, the site can be expanded to include those premises.

 

I've done this with a couple of clients.  Assuming the leased storage warehouse is operated by your company, you need to update your SOP's, facility mapping, pest control, GMP program, internal auditing, etc., all documents related to warehousing of finished goods to reflect the new location exists.  Add it to your FSQMS and contact your CB that you need to change the scope of your certificate.  They will need to come out and audit the new building to add it to your certificate.  You should not start storing your finished goods there until your CB states it is acceptable to do so (unless they tell you otherwise).

[Tony-C]

Hi Mgranola,

 

You can add to the scope if the warehouse is managed or overseen by the same senior, operational, and technical management . This will require a new audit unless you could co-ordinate the timing with your next certification audit. See below.

 

15.2 Changing the Scope of Certification

If you wish to add food sector categories or new products to your scope of certification, you

may request the increased scope of certification in writing to the certification body.

If the scope change is a new process or a major change to an existing process, a new product line, or a significant change in personnel, raw materials, packaging or ingredients, the certification body is required to be advised in writing. The certification body conducts a site audit of the additional process or products and either issues a new certificate or advises you in writing why a new certificate cannot be issued.

An audit for an expansion in scope does not change the re-certification date or certificate expiry date. When a new certificate is issued, the re-certification audit date and certificate expiry date remain the same as on the original certificate.

When the scope of certification has been changed, the certification body makes the appropriate scope changes to your site record in the SQFI assessment database.

If your request is received within thirty (30) days prior to the re-certification audit window, the certification body may defer the scope extension to the upcoming re-certification audit and advise you accordingly. No new certificate is issued until after a successful re-certification audit.

 

If the warehouse is to be managed separately then it is a new certification for that warehouse.

 

Kind regards,

 

Tony