Query on SQF Documentation

Now my management team wants to know why we can't just use ISO process flows (that haven't been updated since 2011) instead of SOP's and Work Instructions?

They are still trying to look for an easy way out of having to do anything and it's getting very old and very late in our timeline.

Could someone confirm to me that SQF documentation requires written SOP's and records of how we document the procedure with specific work instructions on how to perform food safety tasks they never had to do before?

Now my management team wants to know why we can't just use ISO process flows (that haven't been updated since 2011) instead of SOP's and Work Instructions?

 

They are still trying to look for an easy way out of having to do anything and it's getting very old and very late in our timeline.

 

Could someone confirm to me that SQF documentation requires written SOP's and records of how we document the procedure with specific work instructions on how to perform food safety tasks they never had to do before?

from SQF8 Packaging -

1.7        Document and Implement the SQF Food Safety Code for Manufacture of Food Packaging  
To  achieve  SQF  food  safety  certification,  the  site  must  document  and  implement  the  system  elements  and  the relevant  GMP  Module  of the  SQF  Food  Safety  Code  for  Manufacture  of  Food  Packaging  (refer  Part  A,  1.2).  This requires a two stage process:

Document  the  SQF  System – prepare policies, procedures, work instructions and specifications that meet the system  elements  and  GMP  Module  of  the  SQF  Food  Safety  Code  for  Manufacture  of  Food  Packaging.    In  other words, “say what you do.”

Implement the SQF System – implement the prepared policies, procedures, work instructions and specifications, and keep records to demonstrate compliance to the relevant modules of the SQF Food Safety Code for Manufacture of  Food  Packaging.    In  other  words,  “do  what  you  say.”    SQFI  recommends  that  a  minimum  of  two  months  of records be available before a site audit is conducted.

The acronym "SOP" is not used in the SQF Standard.

The terms "Procedure", "Work Instruction" are undefined in the SQF Glossary.

I anticipate that the word "prepare" implies "written".
 

A process flow is good to supplement a written procedure/work instruction, but I don't believe a process flow in and of itself would meet the requirements of SQF. I guess it would really depend on the amount of detail in the process flow? The auditor will want to see that the method, responsibilities, and any deviation procedures are clearly defined and documented, as well as what records will be available as proof, but they don't specify how it's documented or what format to use. We had the typical policy/procedure/work instruction format so I can't comment on if it would be accepted or not.

I'm not sure what your timeline is for this audit, or what your working budget is, but the best help I found was having a consultant come in and do a pre-assessment. She reviewed all of our documentation/records and did a site walk through over the course of 2 days, and then provided a detailed report about where we were deficient in terms of SQF code. She was able to explain to management what level of commitment the auditor would be looking for from them, and that if it was missing then we would not get certified. Having it come from a 3rd party helps emphasize how important it is for them to be on board. Also they would be able to tell you if your current process flow format would be acceptable or not.

Peacequeen, section 2.4.3 of version 8 is a HACCP plan, which includes a process flow...............just because it hasn't been updated since 2011 doesn't mean it hasn't been reviewed. It is still the foundation of your food safety plan

You DO NOT need to reinvent the wheel in order to comply..............BUT you do need to ensure that every mandatory element in SQF is covered somehow, the difficulty lies in the wording......maybe you already have everything, it's just called by a different pre req name

I'm assuming you are very familiar with the existing plan...........i would suggest you start a folder for each pre req in module 2 and 11 then move your existing program into the appropriate area.......then you will know what it already covered and whats missing

YES SQF requires "work instructions" (we all know them as SOP's or SSOP's) and records to show that the SOP's were followed.  

Also,heads up as another member posted, MOCK ReCalls are being included in the audits

The language is a bit different to accommodate the FSMA changes

This is very fresh for me.....had 5 days of SQF training last week