How long does it take to get Sqf-certified?

How long does it take to get SQF-certified? The audit duration is no less than two days, and this includes both document reviews and facility assessments. However, the whole process of having your site evaluated for an SQF certification can take anywhere from 6 months to a year or more.

fsns.com - What Is SQF | How To Get SQF Certified - Food Safety Net Services

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As a food manufacturing company, you need to do more than just develop great-tasting products on schedule and within your budget. You must also go the extra mile to ensure your food products are high-quality and safe for consumption. Furthermore, you should confirm that your facility complies with your regulation, but also, to be competitive, higher food safety and quality standards. Although overwhelming, getting an SQF certification enables you to protect your customers, reduce the chances of a recall and safeguard your brand. The good news is there’s one thing you can do to tick all the boxes: have your facility SQF-certified.

What is SQF?

An acronym for “Safe Quality Food,” the SQF Program is a comprehensive and rigorous safety and quality program based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP). It is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and required by many retailers and manufacturers worldwide before purchasing food products from companies like yours. The SQF Code started as a food safety standard, but through the years it developed into a suite of food safety and quality standards for the food industry. It now includes benchmarks for all stages of the food supply chain, from primary production and food manufacturing to food packaging, distribution, and retail. This program is designed to help food manufacturers like you set up robust food safety control systems in your facility. Ultimately, this enables you to assure retailers and other distributors that your products have been produced and prepared according to globally recognized standards. This consequently strengthens your brand, minimizes risks and gives you access to top retailers. If you wish to get an SQF certification for your facility, then this blog is for you. The next sections answer some common questions about the program and help you get started on your food safety journey.

How do I get SQF-certified?

Since an SQF certification involves the public’s health and safety, the process of earning it is deliberately designed to be robust and meticulous. It is also comprehensive; it includes the education, implementation, auditing and maintaining of safety standards within your facilities. Here is a simple outline of the steps you will need to take to earn an SQF certification.

STEP 1: Site Registration

To be considered for SQF certification, register your facility on the SQFI assessment database. Note that there is a fee for registration and annual renewals. You need to register your site with SQFI prior to the start of the initial certification audit.

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STEP 2: Designate an SQF Practitioner

Appoint a full-time employee to act as your SQF practitioner. This person will need to complete a HACCP-based training course and, ultimately, gain a working knowledge of SQF code and meet the requirements outlined below. You need to designate a primary and substitute practioner Must be employed by your site Hold a position of responsibility to managing SQF Have completed a HACCP/PCQI training course Be competent to implement and maintain HACCP based plans Have an understanding of the SQF Code (you can take the SQF training course) You may have more than one SQF practitioner within your team so you can efficiently oversee the development and implementation of the SQF System in your facility. Having a “substitute” at minimum is required .

STEP 3: Determine the Scope of Certification

Next, you must determine the scope of certification for your audit, meaning, the food sector categories, products, and processes that will be included in your system. By doing so, the scope determines what elements of the SQF code are applicable to your certification. There are several Food Sector Categories to review to determine where your products fit. Once your scope is identified, you will be responsible for implementing the system elements and your relevant GMP module based upon your scope.

STEPS 4 and 5: Document and Implement your SQF System

This step requires the most time and resources, documenting and implementing the requirements of the SQF code and developing your own SQF system. Programs, policies, procedures, work instructions, and specification need to be developed and implemented to meet the requirements of the SQF Code (system elements and GMP module).

STEP 6 (OPTIONAL): Pre-assessment Audit

A pre-asssessment audit is not required but is an excellent way to determine if your facility is on the right track before completing the certification audit. There may be onsite and remote review of your SQF system to help identify gaps in your implementation.

STEP 7: Select a Certification Body

Certification Bodies (CBs) are licensed by SQFI to conduct SQF certification audits and issue certificates. These CBs are accredited to the international standard ISO/IEC 17065:2012 (or subsequent versions). All SQF CBs are held to standards and annual assessments to meet their requirements for SQFI. Once selected, you and the CB will begin the set up to schedule your citification audit including confirmign scope and required SQF Code sections with your FSC.

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How long does it take to get SQF-certified?

The audit duration is no less than two days, and this includes both document reviews and facility assessments. However, the whole process of having your site evaluated for an SQF certification can take anywhere from 6 months to a year or more. Here are some of the factors that can speed up or slow down your certification process’s duration:

Existing certifications

Correct implementation and documentation from proper training

The scope of the audit

The number and complexity of processes to be assessed

The ease of communication with on-site personnel

What are the benefits of SQF certification?

As a food manufacturer, having a GFSI certification like SQF grants you the following advantages: Reduced health risks for your buyers and chances of losses for your company

Reduced chances of audit fatigue

Opportunities to access top retailers

A competitive edge over companies without a CGSI certification

A chance to showcase your commitment to quality and protect your reputation

The journey to earning an SQF certification is indeed grueling. But the bright side is that your dedication to comply with globally accepted standards isn’t futile; it will help you establish a robust safety program within your facility and keep your business growing.

FSNS Certification and Audit – Audit Services You Can Trust

We understand that getting an SQF certification is crucial to your success, and we’re here to help make the process more efficient for you. FSNS Certification and Audit (FSNS C&A) is an independent and accredited entity offering nationwide and international certification and audit services. Through our objective assessment process, we ensure that your site meets global standards and stays ahead of the competition. If you need help in securing an SQF certification for your facility, call 888-525-9788 or email auditing@fsns.com .

fsns.com - What Is SQF | How To Get SQF Certified - Food Safety Net Services

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