SQF, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and analytics are tied together in ways in which companies are becoming more aware. But for many food manufacturers, how they are linked is unclear. Here, we demystify the connection by breaking down the individual components.

Food and beverage companies that are SQF certified must maintain up-to-date, legible records for their food safety programs. When the quality element is introduced, recordkeeping requirements become even more robust. If your facility is certified in the SQF quality code, using a cloud-based quality management system is the best way to maintain compliance and achieve better quality outcomes.

Many food companies are required by regulation, customer requirements, or their GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) scheme to develop an allergen program Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). With more than 15 million people having food allergies in the U.S. alone, it is more important than ever for the food industry to proactively address risks. Below is a brief guide for developing plans and procedures to minimize allergen-related risks in your facility.

The Safe Quality Food Institute (SQF) code is the most popular GFSI scheme in North America. Becoming certified helps food manufacturing and processing facilities stay competitive, as the code requires covered sites to implement and follow stringent food safety processes. It also has a voluntary quality element, which further supports strong outcomes in food companies. Yet, complying with the code is not a simple feat. For this reason, many facilities deploy SQF analytics to make GFSI compliance faster, easier, and more effective than ever.

The implementation date for the latest version of the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQF) code, SQF edition 8, was January 2, 2018. Its safety portions are very similar to FSMA regulations, making it an ideal code for U.S.-based food and beverage manufacturers to become certified in. Here, we explore some of the most significant ways in which the code has been updated.

Preparing for audits is among the most resource-intensive processes food quality management teams undergo. Whether it’s for a customer, regulatory, or SQF, readying your facility for an inspection requires an immense amount of information to be collected and organized. Food quality audit reports can alleviate the time and hassle needed to prepare, but more importantly, they can ensure your facility is always ready for both scheduled and unannounced audits.

Becoming certified in a GFSI scheme helps food and beverage companies stay competitive by demonstrating commitment to industry best practices. It also allows for better control over food safety, and in some cases, quality, outcomes. Whether your company has been GFSI certified for years or you’ve just begun considering certification in a scheme, you may be exploring options to help your facility manage GFSI requirements. A GFSI reporting tool could be the answer.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) was established in 1996 to harmonize food safety standards across the supply chain. While it is most popular in Europe, it remains the largest GFSI manufacturing scheme in the world. It’s therefore no surprise that companies all over the globe have pursued BRC certification. Yet, while becoming certified has its benefits, BRC compliance also requires an investment of time and effort. To minimize the resources needed, companies are implementing BRC compliance analytics.

SQF (Safe Quality Food) is the most popular GFSI scheme in North America. Unlike other GFSI schemes, SQFI is the only certifying body which has an optional quality code. Here, we take a look at some SQF quality basics to help you determine whether becoming certified in this code is right for your organization.

SQF (Safe Quality Food) Institute is the most sought-after Global Food Safety Institute (GFSI) scheme in the U.S. Many food and beverage companies pursue GFSI certification to enhance their competitiveness, secure stronger customer relationships, and promote improved safety outcomes within their facilities. Some companies, however, specifically choose to become SQF certified because unlike other GFSI schemes, it is the only certifying body with a voluntary quality code. Below, we discuss some key considerations to help you decide whether SQF quality certification is a good fit for your company.