Education and Career Forum

Complete details about the SQF system followed by UK

The Safe Quality Food (SQF) system is a food safety and quality management system that is implemented by organizations to meet the requirements of their customers and regulatory agencies. SQF certification is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and is a benchmark for food safety standards worldwide. The SQF system is implemented in the United Kingdom as well.

The SQF system is a comprehensive food safety and quality management system that encompasses the following key elements:

• Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) - This involves identifying and assessing potential hazards in the food production process, and implementing controls to minimize the risk of these hazards.
  
• Food Safety Fundamentals - This includes the development and implementation of programs to manage food safety risks, such as sanitation, employee training, and pest control.
  
• Food Quality Fundamentals - This involves the development and implementation of programs to manage food quality risks, such as product specifications, process control, and supplier management.
  
• Continual Improvement - This involves regular monitoring, review, and improvement of the food safety and quality management system to ensure that it remains effective and up-to-date.

The SQF system follows a certification process that involves the following steps:

• Pre-Assessment - A preliminary assessment of the organization's food safety and quality management system is conducted to identify areas for improvement.
  
• Certification Audit - An independent certification body conducts a formal audit of the organization's food safety and quality management system to determine if it meets the SQF standards.
  
• Certification Decision - The certification body reviews the audit report and makes a decision on certification.
  
• Surveillance Audits - Regular audits are conducted to ensure that the organization's food safety and quality management system continues to meet the SQF standards.
  
• Re-Certification - Every three years, a full recertification audit is conducted to ensure that the organization continues to meet the SQF standards.

~Regards
Naubahar Shah
BBA, M.Com, NET Qualified