SQF Requirements for Visitors: Are Questionnaires Mandatory?
What is required for visitors to do exactly for SQF. Do we have to have a visitor questionnaire?
I do not have a questionnaire more a couple of check boxes on the visitor sign in sheet. One is for health screening, and the second is for GMP's. I have a truncated version of the GMP's for visitors that they read prior to signing in. If I have a contractor the same applies if only for a short visit, other wise I include any long term contractors in a full policy version of GMP's sign off and review.
The code is fairly explanatory and prescriptive on what's required, just need to find the means to meet the requirement.
11.3.4 Visitors 11.3.4.1 All visitors shall be trained in the site's food safety and hygiene procedures before entering any food processing and handling areas or shall be escorted at all times in food processing, handling, and storage areas. 11.3.4.2 All visitors, including management staff, shall be required to remove jewelry and other loose objects in accordance with the facilities Good Manufacturing Practices and 11.3.3.8. All visitors shall wear suitable clothing and footwear when entering any food processing and handling area. 11.3.4.3 Visitors exhibiting visible signs of illness shall be prevented from entering areas in which food is handled and processed. 11.3.4.4 Visitors shall enter and exit food handling areas through the proper staff entrance points and comply with all handwashing and personnel practice requirements.
It is clear I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything because it is so simple lol.
Not an SQF requirement, but advised, I'd also include no cameras as part of your sign in. In the UK there has been multiple incidents of people going to the press about issues in food factories. While most have been fake agency employees rather than visitors, I still always include it on visitors questionnaires or sign in as well. It's not going to stop someone really determined but it might give you some legal come back.
One key phrase we've always added into the sign-in sheets/tablets is something to the effect of "Visitors agree to abide by all SOP's and GMP practices while visiting our facility, and to follow direction of staff escorting them." It's a cya type thing that if a visitor, say a customer auditor, tries to sneak past a handwash station to later ding you on it, you can respond that they willfully broke the agreement they signed upon entry. In general, it just gives you the leverage and direct authority to toss someone if they start trying to break your rules.