Food Safety
Comments: No Comments
In October 2020, the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) published SQF Codes Edition 9 (SQF V9) as the most recent edition of the SQF Food Safety Codes. SQF V9 is comprised of 13 industry-specific codes that provide step-by-step instruction for production and manufacturing sites to become SQF certified. This certification is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and showcases certified sites’ commitment to a culture of food safety and operational excellence in food safety management. Implementation of SQF V9 is effective as of May 24, 2021.
In August 2021, SQFI introduced four code amendments to this most recent edition. These amendments are required to be implemented along with applicable SQF V9 codes by October 4, 2021, and will be audited accordingly. A summary of the amendments is included below:
| Area | Description | Applicability |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Screening | Requires a medical screening procedure for all employees, visitors, and contractors who handle exposed product or food contact surfaces. | Personnel Hygiene and Welfare, 3.3.1.1; 9.3.1.1; 10.4.1.1; 11.3.1.1; 12.4.1.1; 13.3.1.1; 17.3.1.1 |
| Approved Suppliers | Requires all approved and emergency suppliers to be registered and all registers to be complete, including supplier contact details. | 2.3.3 in the Primary Food Safety codes; 2.3.4 in all other codes except Storage and Distribution |
| Multi-site Program | Requires sub-sites within an SQF multi-site program to operate in only the following food sector categories: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (primary) and 26 (storage and distribution). | Appendix 4 |
| Application of Agricultural Chemicals | Requires the code apply to the person applying chemicals, as well as the person making decisions on chemical application. | 7.7.3.2, 5.7.3.2, 8.7.3.2, 18.8.4.2 |
SQFI has a number of resources and guidance documents available to help ensure compliance with these amendments and the other requirements of SQF V9.