1. 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.

2. 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.
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For training on the details of the SQF Requirements use our Online Training Programs:
Introduction to SQF System Elements (Module 2),
and
Food Safety Fundamentals (Choose the Module that applies to your organization)

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

4. 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.

5. 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:
There are also other systems that are recognized including FSSC 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.

6. 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.

7. Here is a comparison of requirements that apply.

8. 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

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

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. Certification: Costs and Benefits

16. 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

17. 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 had 34% growth in 2010
FSSC new in 2010 has over 900 certificates issued

18. 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

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

20. 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

21. SQF Practitioner Responsibilities and Qualifications

22. 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

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

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

25. 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)

26. 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:
Premium All-in-One: A package of multiple log-ins to our trainings, templates and tools:

27. 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
More details:
And

28. 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.
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More details: Or

29. 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: Or

30. 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:

31. 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:

32. SQF Implementation Steps
Step 6 - Schedule your Registration Audit

33. SQF Implementation Steps
Step 7 - Celebrate