Course Details

SQF (Safe Quality Food) Certification Fundamentals Training Course

Introduction

In the highly competitive and increasingly regulated global food industry, demonstrating rigorous control over food safety and quality is paramount for market access, brand reputation, and consumer trust. Many major retailers and food service companies worldwide require their suppliers to be certified to a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) benchmarked standard. Among these, the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program stands as a leading and comprehensive food safety and quality certification system. Developed by the SQF Institute (SQFI), it provides a rigorous, farm-to-fork food safety and quality certification program designed to meet the needs of all sectors of the food industry. The SQF Code is a single, comprehensive standard that integrates food safety and quality management, building upon the principles of HACCP and incorporating specific prerequisite programs, risk assessments, and a strong emphasis on management commitment and food safety culture. Implementing the SQF Code helps organizations to consistently produce safe food, reduce the risk of recalls, improve operational efficiency, and meet the stringent requirements of their customers. Without a deep understanding of its specific modules, audit methodology, and practical implementation strategies, food businesses may struggle to achieve and maintain SQF certification, limiting their business opportunities and exposing them to significant risks. Many food industry professionals are familiar with basic food safety principles but lack the detailed knowledge of the specific, rigorous requirements needed to implement and manage an SQF certified system effectively.

Conversely, mastering SQF (Safe Quality Food) Certification Fundamentals equips professionals with the essential knowledge and practical skills to develop, implement, maintain, and audit a robust food safety and quality management system that meets this globally recognized, GFSI-benchmarked standard. This comprehensive standard is crucial for ensuring product safety and quality, gaining market access, enhancing consumer confidence, and demonstrating leadership in the global food industry. Our intensive 5-day "SQF (Safe Quality Food) Certification Fundamentals" training course is meticulously designed to equip food safety managers, quality assurance professionals, production leaders, internal auditors, and management representatives with the comprehensive theoretical knowledge and extensive practical, hands-on skills required to confidently interpret, implement, and manage an SQF compliant Food Safety and Quality Management System.

Duration

5 Days

Target Audience

The "SQF (Safe Quality Food) Certification Fundamentals" training course is ideal for a broad range of professionals and individuals directly involved in food manufacturing, processing, packaging, and management, particularly those seeking or maintaining SQF certification. This includes:

• Food Safety Managers and Coordinators: Responsible for the FSMS and SQF compliance.
• Quality Assurance and Quality Control Managers/Personnel: Overseeing food safety system implementation.
• HACCP Team Leaders and Members: Integrating HACCP within the SQF framework.
• Production and Operations Managers: Overseeing compliance and operational controls in food facilities.
• Internal Auditors for Food Safety: Looking to conduct SQF internal audits.
• SQF Practitioners: Those responsible for implementing and maintaining the SQF system.
• Management Representatives: Responsible for the SQF system.
• Food Technologists and Scientists: Involved in product safety and process validation.
• Consultants: Providing SQF implementation and auditing services.
• Anyone aiming to achieve a detailed understanding of the SQF Code for practical implementation.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the "SQF (Safe Quality Food) Certification Fundamentals" training course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the structure, principles, and key elements of the SQF Code.
• Comprehend the role of SQF within the GFSI framework and its benefits.
• Develop and implement a robust HACCP food safety plan as required by the SQF Code.
• Understand and apply the requirements for prerequisite programs (PRPs) and foundational food safety controls.
• Interpret the requirements for quality fundamentals and site-specific operational controls.
• Implement effective management system elements, including management commitment and internal auditing.
• Prepare their site for an SQF certification audit.
• Understand the SQF audit process, scoring system, and non-conformity management.

8 Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to SQF and Food Safety Management Systems

• Overview of global food safety standards and the role of GFSI.
• Introduction to the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program: History, principles, and benefits.
• Understanding the structure of the SQF Code and its different modules.
• The importance of a robust Food Safety and Quality Management System (FSQMS).
• Overview of the SQF certification process and audit methodology.

Module 2: SQF System Elements: Management Commitment (Module 2)

• Section 2.1: Management Responsibility: Senior management commitment to food safety and quality.
• Management review, resource allocation, and communication.
• Food safety culture: Development and continuous improvement.
• Section 2.2: Food Safety Management System: Document control, record keeping, and internal audits.
• Product withdrawal and recall procedures.
• Crisis management and business continuity planning.

Module 3: HACCP Food Safety Plan (Module 2, Section 2.4)

• Detailed review of the 12 steps of HACCP as integrated into the SQF Code.
• Conducting a comprehensive hazard analysis (biological, chemical, physical, allergenic, radiological).
• Identification of Critical Control Points (CCPs) and establishing critical limits.
• Developing monitoring procedures and corrective actions for CCPs.
• Verification and validation of the HACper CP plan.

Module 4: Prerequisite Programs (PRPs) and Food Safety Fundamentals (Module 2 & 11)

• Understanding the foundational role of Prerequisite Programs (PRPs).
• Module 11 (Good Manufacturing Practices): Requirements for facilities, pest control, sanitation, personnel hygiene, water quality.
• Site security and food defense requirements.
• Food fraud prevention measures.
• Allergen management program.

Module 5: Product and Process Control (Module 2 & 11 continued)

• Product release and dispatch procedures.
• Traceability system from raw materials to finished product.
• Control of non-conforming product and material.
• Control of measuring and monitoring devices (calibration).
• Supplier approval and performance monitoring.

Module 6: Quality Fundamentals (Module 2, Section 2.5) & Specifications

• Section 2.5: Quality Fundamentals: Customer focus, complaints management.
• Product specifications and finished product release.
• Requirements for product labeling and packaging.
• Control of rework and returned product.
• Environmental monitoring program.

Module 7: Internal Auditing and Verification Activities (Module 2)

• Planning, conducting, and reporting on SQF internal audits.
• Auditor competency and independence.
• Verification of critical limits and other food safety controls.
• Management of non-conformities and corrective actions.
• Continuous improvement of the SQF system.

Module 8: Preparing for SQF Certification and Maintaining Compliance

• Understanding the SQF certification audit process: Desk audit, facility audit.
• Audit scoring methodology and major/minor non-conformities.
• Action plan development for audit findings.
• Maintaining SQF certification: Surveillance audits, re-certification.
• The role of the SQF Practitioner in maintaining system compliance.

CERTIFICATION

• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

• Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

• Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com