Introduction to SQF Certification (Use “Notes “ View in PowerPoint to see additional guidance) Use this presentation to introduce SQF Certification to your management team. The presentation explains what SQF is, and how to accomplish Certification. www.22000-Tools.com

SQF Certification Scheme Safe Quality Food, SQF The SQF System is a Food Safety Management System (FSMS) It is a set of requirements for integrated processes that work together to control and minimize food safety hazards You must implement processes such as - Management Commitment, Document Control and Records, Food Safety Fundamentals, Food Safety Plans, Verification and Validation, Product Identification and Traceability, Site Security, Allergen Management and Training The requirements for SQF Certification are documented in the SQF Code. The code is divided into Modules. All companies must implement processes to meet the requirements of Module 2 of the code. This is the module with the food safety management system elements. Your company must also implement the “Food Safety Fundamentals” specific to your industry segment. The requirements for food safety fundamentals are found in modules 3-15 of the code. Choose the module that applies to your organization. For example, food processors will use Module 11. __________________________________________________________________________ For training on the details of the SQF Requirements use our Online Training Programs: Introduction to SQF System Elements (Module 2), http://www.22000-tools.com/sqf-system-elements-training.html and Food Safety Fundamentals (Choose the Module that applies to your organization) http://www.22000-tools.com/sqf-food-safety-fundamentals-training.html www.22000-Tools.com

SQF Certification Scheme Safe Quality Food, SQF The certification program is managed by the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) www.sqfi.com The Safe Quality Food Institute Website has helpful information including document downloads. Visit to download the SQF Code and Guidance Documents. www.22000-Tools.com

SQF Certification Scheme Safe Quality Food, SQF The SQF System was designed to provide suppliers with a recognized certification   To be able to provide proof of a rigorous food safety management system   More and more food processors and retailers are requesting their suppliers to achieve food safety management system registration. The most common request is for a GFSI benchmarked certification. SQF is GFSI benchmarked and recognized. www.22000-Tools.com

SQF Certification Scheme Safe Quality Food, SQF   The SQF is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative, GFSI   Providing worldwide recognition and acceptance by food manufacturers and retailers  More detail on GFSI: www.mygfsi.com There are also other systems that are recognized including FSSC 22000 and BRC. The systems are similar in what they require, although requirements are not exactly the same. The standards are each organized and managed differently. All are well recognized and accepted because they are GFSI recognized. www.22000-Tools.com

SQF Certification Scheme Safe Quality Food, SQF A supplier can choose from 3 Levels of certification Level 1- Food Safety Fundamentals Level 2-HACCP (GFSI Recognition)   Level 3-Integrated Food Safety and Quality There are 3 levels of certification for SQF, as defined in this slide. Only levels 2 and 3 are recognized by GFSI. Level 1 is not recognized. The SQF Code, Module 2 lists the requirements for each level, and looking at that module is a good way to see the differences in the requirements. They are clearly identified, side by side for each level. The basic difference between Level 2 and Level 3 is that Level 2 is focused on Food Safety, and Level 3 also addresses Quality. A company does not have to do level 2 before level 3, you may start with level 3. www.22000-Tools.com

Here is a comparison of requirements that apply. www.22000-Tools.com

SQF Certification Scheme SQF Documents SQF  Documents can be downloaded at the SQFI Website and include:   The SQF  Code Guidance for Developing, Documenting and Implementing SQF Additional guidance documents Please feel free to contact us with questions as you prepare your presentation. The next slides will cover the basic steps for achieving SQF Certification. 22000-Tools, brought to you by Vinca, LLC 800-746-3174 cweber@22000-Tools.com www.22000-Tools.com

SQF Certification Scheme Initial Certification to SQF Choose an accredited certification body. They will conduct: Document Review On-site Audit Surveillance Audits www.22000-Tools.com

SQF Certification Scheme The SQF Certification Audit An SQF Auditor will examine your SQF System to determine: If the system has been implemented effectively If there is evidence of Management Commitment to the maintenance and improvement of the system If activities comply with regulatory, customer and SQF requirements www.22000-Tools.com

SQF Certification Scheme The SQF Certification Audit A Minor Nonconformity: Is a nonconformance to the documented system or to the SQF Code that does not cause an immediate food safety risk or indicate ineffective implementation of a system element. Must be corrected within 30 days of the finding and will be verified at the next audit. www.22000-Tools.com

SQF Certification Scheme The SQF Certification Audit A Major Nonconformity: Is a nonconformance to the documented system or to the SQF Code that could cause an immediate food safety risk or indicate ineffective implementation of a system element. Must be corrected and verified within 14 days of the finding www.22000-Tools.com

SQF Certification Scheme The SQF  Certification Audit A Critical Nonconformity: Is a loss of control at a critical control point, prerequisite program or other process step that could cause a significant risk and product safety is compromised, or Falsification of records It will result in suspension of Certificate www.22000-Tools.com

SQF Certification Scheme The SQF  Surveillance Audit Once certified, your certification body will audit to ensure that your organization continues to comply with requirements Frequency will be determined by your certification body and based on performance and SQF System rating at the certification audit www.22000-Tools.com

Certification: Costs and Benefits www.22000-Tools.com

Benefits of Certification Greater opportunities and market access Reduces audit burdens from buyer audits Improves processes and efficiencies Savings from reduced recalls Recognized worldwide Promotes confidence Enhances image Manages risk Proof of due diligence www.22000-Tools.com

Certification Trends Global food trade is expanding and driving demand for third party certification With diverse food safety regulations worldwide, certification provides common ground for food safety regulations SQF has thousands of registered companies worldwide ISO 22000 had 34% growth in 2010 FSSC 22000 new in 2010 has over 900 certificates issued www.22000-Tools.com

Benefits of GFSI SQF is GFSI Benchmarked (recognized by GFSI) GFSI is the result of collaboration between some of the worlds leading food safety experts from retailers, manufacturers and food service companies. GFSI benchmarked certifications are recognized worldwide www.22000-Tools.com

Costs to Consider Costs www.22000-Tools.com Internal Consultant/Tools Certification Audits and accreditations www.22000-Tools.com

Ongoing costs to consider Ongoing employee time for: Internal Audits Training Verification activities Food safety team meetings Change control Management review Document control Corrective Actions Supplier evaluations and corrections www.22000-Tools.com

SQF Practitioner Responsibilities and Qualifications www.22000-Tools.com

SQF Practitioner Required Qualifications www.22000-Tools.com The practitioner must be a company employee Have demonstrated knowledge and experience Understand the requirements of the SQF  code Must complete HACCP Training www.22000-Tools.com

SQF Practitioner Roles and Responsibilities Lead the development and implementation of: Food Safety Fundamentals - GMPs or Prerequisite Programs Food Safety Plans - HACCP Plans www.22000-Tools.com

SQF Practitioner Roles and Responsibilities Lead the SQF System implementation Ensure the maintenance and integrity of the SQF System   Communicate essential information to personnel

SQF Practitioner Roles and Responsibilities The SQF Practitioner is responsible for Validation and Verification activities Validate and verify Food Safety Fundamentals Validate and verify Food Safety Plans (HACCP Plans)

SQF Implementation Steps Steps and Techniques All of the resources covered in the next slides can be purchased individually or in our packages: All-in-One: A package of a log-in for all of our trainings, templates and tools: http://www.22000-tools.com/sqf-all-in-one.html Premium All-in-One: A package of multiple log-ins to our trainings, templates and tools: http://www.22000-tools.com/sqf-premium-all-in-one.html

SQF Implementation Steps Step 1 - Learn   Learn about SQF.  Complete the training modules:   Introduction to SQF System Elements Food Safety Fundamentals: GMPs for Food Processors http://www.22000-tools.com/sqf-online-training.html More details: http://www.22000-tools.com/sqf-system-elements-training.html And http://www.22000-tools.com/sqf-food-safety-fundamentals-training.html

SQF Implementation Steps Step 2 - Plan  Plan your project. Tool: Complete the tutorial and exercise modules: Creating your Project Plan Conducting your Gap Analysis Available in our SQF All-in-One Packages. http://www.22000-tools.com/sqf-all-in- one.html More details: http://www.22000-tools.com/sqf-checklist.html Or http://www.22000-tools.com/sqf-all-in-one.html

SQF Implementation Steps Step 3 - Document your processes Tool: Complete the tutorial and exercise modules: Documenting SQF Procedures Developing and implementing programs Food Safety Fundamentals (Pre- requisite Programs) Creating a Food Safety Manual Available in our SQF All-in-One Packages More details: http://www.22000-tools.com/sqf-manual-procedures.html Or http://www.22000-tools.com/sqf-all-in-one.html

SQF Implementation Steps Step 4 - Train your Employees Food Safety Fundamentals PRP’s they are responsible for General Requirements of SQF Tool: Assign Online Training Sessions to your employees included in our SQF Premium All-in-One Packages More details: http://www.22000-tools.com/sqf-food-safety-fundamentals-training.html http://www.22000-tools.com/gmp-training.html

SQF Implementation Steps Step 5 - Train your Internal Auditors Tool: Assign Online Internal Auditor Training Sessions to your employees included in our SQF All-in-One Packages More details: http://www.22000-tools.com/sqf-internal-auditor-training.html

SQF Implementation Steps Step 6 - Schedule your Registration Audit

SQF Implementation Steps Step 7 - Celebrate