Your company is required to have an SQF Practitioner (regardless of their main title.)
As you know SQF code requires a provision to cover for each person.
Thus, your backup person for the Quality Manager/SQFP position automatically covers.
I hope this person was in on the annual review of your system - if that is the case, that person needs to counter sign and do an explanation sheet for the auditor.
If that person was not in the review - you will need to do a re-review now and have him/her sign off.
This person will need to step into the role quickly and get up to speed on SQF (if they haven't done so already.)
Considering how some Auditors play domino's - you may need to revamp your provisions to cover for your secondary SQF Practitioner who will now take over the key SQFP position.
This all is from personal experience with two of our clients that have had the same thing happen.
All the Best,
All Rights Reserved,
Without Prejudice,
Glenn Oster.
Glenn Oster Consulting, LLC -
SQF System Development | Internal Auditor Training | eConsultant
Martha's Vineyard Island, MA - Restored Republic
http://www.GCEMVI.XYZ
http://www.GlennOster.com