Errors happen to everyone, but when it comes to food safety, there is no room for them We know food safety audits can be threatening for various reasons, such as the anxiety of failing an SQF audit, the difficulty of maintaining your SQF documentation requirements, or just making sure your facility is prepared.
To satisfy the constantly increasing demands of compliance, we have been there before—managing strict timetables, balancing paperwork, and organizing personnel.
Our mission at Sanitation Specialists is to assist food plants like yours in passing food safety audits. From excellent cleaning services to audit-ready documentation, we make sure your facility is constantly prepared.
You get more than just a service provider when you work with us; you get a reliable friend that is committed to your success. Let us improve your compliance and ease the burden of your next audit..
What Does an SQF Audit Mean for Food Plants?
SQF audits are obligatory for certification process, as they ensure compliance readiness, maintain food safety standards, and support the continuous improvement of food safety management systems within organizations. An SQF audit passing code can highly impact market accessibility and customer trust for companies participating in the Global Food Safety Initiative and the food supply chain.
However, it can be challenging and time-consuming to prepare for an audit of a SQF food safety code certification program, particularly for those who are unfamiliar with the SQF system.
This will enhance your business’s reputation with the Global Food Safety Initiative and fortify its hygienic practices.
Why Is SQF Audit Important?
Beyond merely checking boxes, a SQF audit aims to protect your brand, ensure food safety, and maintain customer trust. In today’s competitive sector, where even the smallest error could result in product recalls or worse, it’s your lifeline.
SQF Audit Passing Score:
On a 100-point scale, a facility must receive 85 points or more to pass. Infractions of standards may result in additional audits or, in the worst situations, accreditation loss.
The first stage in preparation is to comprehend the requirements of the SQF audit. It’s a chance, not just a need, to demonstrate your dedication to safety and quality.
Understanding SQF Audit Types and Levels
Before diving into the SQF audit checklist, it’s essential to grasp the various types of SQF audits and the distinct certification levels within the SQF system. With this information, you can modify your planning techniques to suitably meet the particular requirements and needs of your company.
Different Types of SQF Program Audits
Document Audits:
Document audits are conducted off-site and are also referred to as desk audits. They focus on assessing your company’s policies, procedures, and records regarding food safety in light of the SQF documentation requirements.
The auditor examines these documents during this procedure to make sure the SQF code is being followed.
Facility Audits:
Unlike document audits, facility audits are carried out on-site and include a comprehensive evaluation of your business’s sanitary practices and overall adherence to the SQF code.
To ascertain whether effective sanitary practices and food safety management systems are routinely implemented and maintained, the auditor comes to your establishment, observes activities, and talks with employees.
You’ll be more ready for your next food safety audit if you are familiar with these factors.
SQF Certification Levels
SQF certification is categorized into three distinct levels, each with specific requirements and criteria. For your company to satisfy market needs and regulatory compliance standards, deciding on the right level is essential.
Level 1: Food Industry Safety Fundamentals
Organizations looking to demonstrate critical food safety procedures and controls are served by this basic certification. It incorporates Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Good Distribution Practices (GDPs) and is particularly suitable for low-risk products and operations.
Level 2: Food Safety Plans Certified by HACCP
This certification level builds on Level 1 by emphasizing the effective application of a Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan. This methodical and preventative strategy is essential for controlling the threats to food safety.
For businesses looking to demonstrate compliance ready with internationally accepted food safety standards, Level 2 certification is perfect.
Level 3: Comprehensive Food Industry Safety and Quality Management System
The highest certification level integrates food safety standards with quality management practices. Organizations at this level are required to maintain a thorough food safety management system, complemented by a comprehensive quality management framework that prioritizes continuous improvement, customer satisfaction, and product quality.
Grasping the different types of SQF code audits alongside the certification levels will empower you to set the right scope for your organization’s facility audit, ensuring that your food safety management system aligns with the necessary requirements. Connect with sanitation specialists for assistance in achieving compliance readiness.
How to Prepare: The SQF Audit Checklist
Getting ready is crucial. A well-organized strategy is necessary; otherwise, even the most careful facilities may encounter difficulties during an audit. Below is the SQF audit checklist that we have meticulously developed over time:
Step 1. Certification Overview
When a company chooses to undertake SQF audit, the process starts. This entails reading the Code, becoming certified, getting ready for the audit, setting up the audit, carrying it out, and then renewing the certification.
Step 2: Sign up for the SQF Audit Course
In order to register, you must choose the SQF program that best suits your company’s requirements and register your website using the SQF Assessment Database. Registration, document submission, and certification process tracking are made easier by this consolidated portal.
Depending on the organization’s size and operations, the process’s duration may change.
Step 3: Prepare for the SQF Audit
Selecting a SQF Practitioner, figuring out the certification’s scope, and taking care of the SQF paperwork needs specific to your SQF System are all examples of effective preparation.
This assessment procedure compares the organization’s operating procedures, paperwork, and food safety and quality management systems to the specifications outlined in the applicable SQF Code.
Usually, this leads to a gap analysis and a plan of corrective action. This preparedness can get complicated for larger firms and necessitates complete compliance readiness.
Step 4. Select and Schedule Audit
To do site audits, Certification Bodies hire qualified auditors. You can use the SQFI directory to locate an appropriate Certification Body in your area. They operate both nationally and internationally. You can schedule the SQF audit after deciding on the certification body.
The more trustworthy the platform, the easier your audit method will be. We at Sanitation specialistss take care of every obstacle to ensure that your SQF audit is a hassle-free experience. Here’s how we make sure the process is convenient.
Common Hurdles and How We Tackle Them
1. Incomplete Documentation
This is a stumbling block for many. Missing or outdated records can hurt your score.
Our Fix: Implementing robust digital record-keeping systems ensures all documents are audit-ready.
2. Sanitation Slips
Your facilities may be seriously at danger from missing deadlines or using erratic cleaning procedures.
Our Method: To make sure we fulfill all regulatory requirements, we employ stringent sanitation procedures together with cutting-edge equipment and methods.
3. Lack of Staff
Understaffed facilities frequently struggle, particularly during busy periods, as a result of absenteeism and personnel turnover.
Our Solution: By putting in place a cross-training program, we can make sure that we always have qualified staff on hand to fill in when necessary.
Why Professional Sanitation Services Are Game-Changers?
Because outsourcing sanitation is one of the smartest decisions food plants can make. Here’s why:
- Professionals understand the finer details of SQF standards and bring that expertise to your facility.
- From formers to specialized cleaning agents, professional teams use tools that ensure thorough results.
- The service includes audit-ready documentation, so you won’t have to scramble for records again.
Audit Day: Making the Big Day Count
Here’s how we ensure success when it’s time for the real audit:
Final Walkthrough – Identify and address any overlooked areas.
Documentation Ready – Have all files organized and accessible.
Staff on Point – Everyone should know their role and be ready to assist auditors.
Result?Stronger Compliance, Stronger Business
The SQF audit is an opportunity to demonstrate your dedication to food safety and quality, not merely a need. Passing becomes less of a challenge and more of a milestone if certain procedures are followed, expert sanitation services are used, and thorough documentation is kept.
Partner With Us for Hassle-Free SQF Audits
Our goal as Sanitation Specialists is to help food plants like yours succeed in food safety audits. We ensure your facility is always ready with everything from outstanding cleaning services to audit-ready documents.
When you partner with us, you receive more than simply a service provider—you get a trustworthy friend who is dedicated to your success. Allow us to enhance your adherence and alleviate the strain of your upcoming audit.
Are you ready to obtain compliance without the inconveniences? Let’s start by contacting us immediately.
