5 replies to this topic

[irheavyd]

How badly does a USDA NOIE effect the status of SQF certification?

[Scampi]

that would depend heavily on why you received the notice

 

suffice it to say, what sqf says will depend on the root cause of the failure at your facility

[TimG]

Are you currently SQF certified?

I believe an NOIE would count as a regulatory warning or event:

2.4.1.3 SQFI and the certification body shall be notified in writing within twenty-four (24) hours as a result of a regulatory warning or event. Notification to SQFI shall be by email to foodsafetycrisis@sqfi.com.

 

Edit: As to how bad it could get or what SQF will do with the cert? It will probably depend on how well you abated the NC(s).

Edited by TimG, 19 February 2025 - 06:44 PM.

[SQFconsultant]

I agree with what Tim said and I would make a contact to your CB explaining what the NOIE is based on.

[jfrey123]

It'll depend on the NOIE.  SQF is surprisingly limited on permitted reasons to suspend a certificate:

 

Step 13: Suspending Certification

The certification body is required to suspend your SQF certificate if your site:

■ Fails to permit the re-certification or surveillance audit within the audit window;

■ Fails to take corrective action within the timeframe specified (refer to 9.4); 

■ Fails to permit an unannounced audit or refuses entry to an SQF food safety auditor for an 

unannounced audit; or

■ Receives an “F – fails to comply” rating at a surveillance or re-certification audit. 

The certification body may also suspend certification if in the opinion of the food safety 

auditor and supported by the technical reviewer the site fails to maintain the requirements of 

the SQF Food Safety Code: Food Manufacturing.

 

I bold the last phrase as I believe your notifying them of a regulatory warning (mandatory 2.4.1.3) will trigger them to review what the warning involved.  If it ties into a failure to maintain SQF code, they can revoke the certificate.  That's the part that can be broadly interpreted.

Edited by jfrey123, 19 February 2025 - 09:22 PM.

[irheavyd]

Thank you all for the info.