Verification to satisfy SQF code

Hi All,

    We have been SQF certified for 10 years. We were a much smaller company at that time. A large portion of our verification procedures included records review- make sure it was complete, accurate, legible. We did this for EVERY production logs, packaging logs, shipping records, receiving records, etc. Over the years as we have grown this has become quite burdensome , so I am trying to figure out a new verification that is still appropriate. As I look at our records, I am seeing that much of what is being recorded is an actual verification itself; for example, on our receiving records the warehouse personnel check off (verify?) that the supplier is approved,  the raw material is approved, documentation for packaging is current and on file, etc. All of these checks actually could be viewed as verifying our approved supplier program.  Then I also verify that record- it seems redundant. I am thinking I should back off and maybe do a check of a couple of these records myself- say maybe once monthly-  to ensure these checks are being done. This would reduce the verifying of these records greatly. I would off course write this into our verification procedures. However, I have always been under the impression that EVERY record needs to be verified and am concerned to go this route. 

Any thoughts form other manufacturers out here? Do you verify EVERY record by reviewing it? 

Thank you! 

Hi terris,

There is no way I would be reviewing every record  :huh:

Your system/procedures should have someone in authority for each department (such as a supervisor) checking those records have been completed and are satisfactory. We then have internal audits and inspections to check that those systems/procedures are working.

For compliance with the SQF code, you do not need to review every record yourself but are required to have and follow a documented verification schedule. See Tips and Examples that are provided by SQF in Tip Sheet 16 - Verification Schedule

You may also need to take into account relevant legislation such as the PC Rule that requires a preventive controls qualified individual to review certain records.

Kind regards,

Tony

Agree 100% with Tony

The department supervisors should be reviewing and signing off their departments records

Thank you both for your responses. I am more clear on how this should flow now. I think we are too small to be big, and too big to be small!  As we have grown, everyone has been wearing more "hats" , and to get others to help with the records has been met with some resistance. I will have to keep moving the needle in that direction and maybe call it a "review" by a supervisor rather than a verification. And as you said Tony- I would then "verify" that review is being done at set schedule during inspections and audits. Thanks again for your help!