6 replies to this topic

[kristenconradi]

Hello all,

 

I just recently started a job that works under SQF standards. I've only ever worked under BRC standards. I'm also needing to revamp this program from start. There's information,documents, and procedures in place, however, it's a mess. Where is the best place to find all the SQF standards, and how I would build an organized program under SQF standards? Is there a template out there that'll help me organize the program under SQF issue 9? I'm in a chocolate manufacturing company that works closely with nuts. Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated!

[G M]

Unlike BRC, you can get the SQF code for free, directly from the SQFI website

 

https://www.sqfi.com...f-codes/quality

[nwilson]

Since you are in confectionary you would operate under the Food Safety Category 17, which would be Modules 2 and 11.  G M provided the link to the code which you can download an excel sheet with the standards here is the code selector page for all processes.  

 

https://www.sqfi.com.../code-selector/

 

Building a program you can go many different ways I like to keep the SQF system organized according to the code and use all the code number references in documents.  Works great for auditing, however not so much when the code changes and you have to edit the system.  You can always use a reference table as well to outline what programs are applicable to each code section as well, if this works better for your system.  

[Scampi]

also note, 2026 will bring version 10 to all

 

I have a master that reference the SQF code element, CFIA elements, my programs and records

I do put the SQF element in my procedure headers because it's helpful during audits

 

If i were you, I would start with the SQF checklist, use it as an internal audit guide-=----then you'll know what you're missing, what can stay and what needs to go

[Touchdown]

kristenconradi,

 

I went the other way I worked with two differ company that were SQF and now I am working in a BRC company.  With the two company that were SQF I start the SQF program for both company.   On numbering your procedure I would set-up your own number system and link each procedure to the SQF code.  For example

 

Management Commitment procedure is 1.0.0

 

Section I - SQF Code(s)

2.1.1 - Food Safety Policy 

2.1.2 - Management Responsibility 

2.1.3 - Management Review 

 

Section II - Purpose and Scope 

 

Section III - Responsibility 

 

Section IV - Records 

 

Section V - Procedure 

 

If you would like to get together I would be willing to help out. 

[kristenconradi]

kristenconradi,

 

I went the other way I worked with two differ company that were SQF and now I am working in a BRC company.  With the two company that were SQF I start the SQF program for both company.   On numbering your procedure I would set-up your own number system and link each procedure to the SQF code.  For example

 

Management Commitment procedure is 1.0.0

 

Section I - SQF Code(s)

2.1.1 - Food Safety Policy 

2.1.2 - Management Responsibility 

2.1.3 - Management Review 

 

Section II - Purpose and Scope 

 

Section III - Responsibility 

 

Section IV - Records 

 

Section V - Procedure 

 

If you would like to get together I would be willing to help out. 

 

 

Hi!

 

Thank you for your response. Honestly, any help would be greatly appreciated as I only want to re-do this program once (until issue 10, of course). 

[jfrey123]

I'd start here and find the code you're under: SQFI | Library of Codes

 

Say if you fall under "Food Manufacturing" code, you click on that icon and it'll take you to this page:  SQFI | Food Manufacturing

 

From there, you can download the code itself and also on the right hand side there's a link for an Excel file template to audit yourself to the code.  You can run through SQF code item by item and show where you're compliant in your current food safety manual.

 

Filling out the Excel template serves you three benefits: 

• It'll help you identify where your existing SOP's fall short of code requirements;
• It'll let you record which of your SOP's addresses the code item, giving you a roadmap to show your files to the auditor;
• Completing the Excel in its entirety, citing the language and reference from your SOP, will meet the requirements of 2.5.4.1 ii which states you must record objective evidence to how you satisfy the code items (basically audit yourself entirely before the SQF auditor shows up).