Ensuring Compliance with the SQF Storage and Distribution Food Safety Code
The SQF Storage and Distribution Food Safety Code outlines best practices for ensuring food safety in the storage and transportation of food products. To achieve SQF certification, it is critical to achieve a thorough understanding of all the requirements outlined in the Code.
This article provides an overview of the SQF Storage and Distribution Food Safety Code, detailing its scope, the benefits of certification, and key requirements to ensure compliance. By understanding what the code requires, you can confidently determine its relevance to your business and how to achieve compliance.
Overview of the SQF Storage and Distribution Code
The SQF Food Safety Code: Storage and Distribution outlines the implementation, maintenance, and technical requirements for facilities that handle the storage and transport of food products.
The latest issue of the Code was published in 2020 to ensure it is up to date with the latest GFSI food safety scheme requirements.
The SQF Storage and Distribution is split into two main parts:
Part A: Outlines the steps for implementing and maintaining SQF certification, including registration, practitioner designation, scope determination, documentation, pre-assessment audits, certification audit, and ongoing maintenance.
Part B: Defines the auditable standards, including the SQF System Elements and Good Distribution Practices (GDP) for storage and distribution.
In this article, we’ll focus on the key requirements to obtain SQF Storage and Distribution certification.
Who Does SQF Storage and Distribution Apply To?
The SQF Storage and Distribution Code applies to facilities involved in the storage and transport of fresh, frozen, chilled, or ambient packaged food products.
This includes standalone warehouses and distribution centers but excludes warehouses that are part of manufacturing facilities, which are covered under the SQF Food Manufacturing Code or other applicable SQF Codes.
Key Requirements of the Code
Part B of the Code outlines the essential requirements to achieve certification. There are two Modules applicable to Storage and Distribution:
Module 2 - System Elements
Module 12 - Good Storage and Distribution Practices
Module 2 - System Elements
Module 2 focuses on programs that are common to all industries in the food chain, adapted to Storage and Distribution.
Management Commitment: Demonstrating senior management's dedication to implementing and maintaining the SQF system.
Document Control and Records: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date documentation of all procedures and records related to food safety.
Specifications and Supplier Approval: Defining product requirements for the goods stored and distributed, controls for incoming supplies not intended for distribution, and controls for suppliers of services.
Food Safety System: Developing and implementing food safety plans based on hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) principles.
SQF System Verification: Conducting regular internal audits to verify compliance with the SQF Code and identify areas for improvement.
Product Traceability, Recall, and Crisis Management: Establishing robust traceability systems to track products through the supply chain and preparing for potential food safety incidents with comprehensive crisis management plans.
Food Defense and Food Fraud: Implementing measures to protect against intentional contamination and to prevent and detect food fraud.
Allergen Management: Implementing controls to prevent cross-contact and ensure accurate allergen labeling.
Training: Ensuring all personnel are adequately trained in food safety practices and their specific roles within the SQF system.
Module 12: Good Storage and Distribution Practices
Whereas Module 2 focuses on programs common to all industries in the food chain, module 12 focuses on requirements specific to the practical daily operation of Storage and Distribution.
Site Location and Premises: Ensuring the facility is suitably located and constructed to prevent contamination and facilitate proper sanitation and maintenance.
Site Operation: Implementing operational procedures that maintain food safety, including pest control, equipment maintenance, and cleaning schedules.
Personnel Hygiene and Welfare: Establishing hygiene practices and providing welfare facilities to ensure personnel maintain high standards of personal cleanliness.
Personnel Processing Practices: Ensuring personnel adhere to proper food handling practices to prevent contamination during processing.
Water, Ice, and Air Supply: Maintaining the quality and safety of water, ice, and air used in food processing and storage.
Receipt, Storage, and Transport: Implementing procedures for the safe receipt, storage, and transport of food products to prevent contamination and spoilage.
Separation of Functions: Ensuring incompatible functions within the facility are adequately separated to prevent cross-contamination.
Waste Disposal: Establishing effective waste disposal procedures to prevent contamination and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
The Role of SQF Audits
Before certification is granted, audits are required to assess and ensure compliance with the SQF Storage and Distribution standards. These audits, described in Part A, evaluate whether a facility meets the detailed guidelines and requirements set forth in the Code.
Benefits of SQF Storage and Distribution Certification
Achieving SQF Storage and Distribution certification offers several key benefits:
Enhanced Food Safety: Ensures the highest standards of food safety throughout storage and transportation.
Global Recognition: Provides a globally recognized certification that enhances your reputation and market access.
Efficiency Improvements: Streamlines processes and improves operational efficiency by standardizing procedures, reducing waste, and minimizing errors through well-defined and documented protocols.
Regulatory Compliance: SQF certification is voluntary. However, the rigorous food safety standards and processes outlined in the Code help you meet regulatory requirements and industry standards.
Partner with QIMA/WQS for Your SQF Storage and Distribution Certification
QIMA/WQS offers SQF certification for Storage and Distribution, ensuring your business meets the rigorous requirements set forth. Our in-depth understanding of the SQF Code, combined with a team of expert auditors specializing in the complexities of storage and distribution, ensures your operation achieves and maintains certification.
Contact us to learn more about SQF certification or book an audit today to enhance your supply chain's safety, efficiency, and credibility.
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