By: Sarah Malenich, Senior Manager for Sales & Marketing, Safe Quality Food Institute
The new infographic 8 Steps to SQF Certification breaks down the ins-and-outs of how to become SQFI certified, but we thought some more resources wouldn’t hurt. Here are some added details behind each step.
1. Learn About the SQF Code
There are several ways to learn the SQF Program and how to implement it successfully you’re your business. The following options are available:
- Attend an SQF Information Day; a day-long, in-person informational seminar designed to introduce food suppliers at all levels of the food chain to the benefits of food safety and quality certification. Dates and locations are still be solidified. Check www.sqfi.com/events for updates.
Attend an on-site “Implementing SQF Systems” training course through a licensed SQF Training Center;
- Take the online “Implementing SQF Systems” training course provided by Alchemy;
- Train yourself by utilizing the SQF documents available for free on our website;
- and/or take the “Implementing SQF Systems” online examination.
2. Register Your Company with our Assessment Database
The registration fee for our Assessment Database is based on the gross sales of a company. Click here to view our current registration fee structure.
3. Designate an Employee as the SQF Practitioner
This individual will serve as your company’s internal expert on SQF. Further information on the requirements for an SQF Practitioner can be found in sections 2.1.2.4 and 2.1.2.5 of the SQF Code, Ed. 7.2.
4. Choose Your Level of Certification
There are three levels of certification for the SQF standard. Level 1 is mainly for low risk products and it incorporates fundamental food safety controls. Level 2 is a certified HACCP food safety plan that is benchmarked by GFSI. Level 3 is a comprehensive implementation of safety and quality management systems that incorporates Level 2. In many cases, a supplier’s customer has already designated a minimum level of certification.
5. Obtain Proposals from SQF Licensed Certification Bodies
Contact a licensed Certification Body directly to obtain quotes and details on the SQF certification audit.
6. Conduct a Pre-Assessment (Optional)
Either an SQF auditor or your SQF Practitioner can identify the “gaps” between your program and the desired level of SQF certification.
7. Choose a Certification Body and Schedule an Audit
Use the licensed Certification Body directory to find a Certification Body that can conduct an audit in your country.
8. The Certification Body Conducts Initial Certification Audits:
- Document review
- Facility assessment
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