Train and Gain Resolution to Non-Conformities
Root Cause Analysis, or RCA, is a method of problem-solving to identify and resolve the core issues that cause a non-conformity or other adverse food safety or quality event. The SQF code requires that a Root Cause Analysis be part of the corrective action evidence for deviations from food safety and quality requirements. To help you better understand and address this topic, our online course called SQF Implementing: Root Cause Analysis is now available.
This training is part of our new series of self-paced online courses and exams intended to help you understand the latest SQF Code Edition 9 and successfully prepare for SQF certification.
The goal of Root Cause Analysis is to achieve sustainable and overall improvement, rather than temporarily addressing problems. When non-compliance with critical food safety limits or a deviation from food safety requirements happen, there may be a tendency to assume the cause. Root cause analysis seeks to move past assumptions to uncover the true cause. Uncovering the root cause allows the site to identify where the process failed so that corrective action and potentially a preventative action to be implemented. This ultimately improves the sites’ management of food safety and quality.
See also the free Root Cause Guidance document
If you take the online course, you will learn how to get to the root of issues experienced at your site. We’ll walk learners through the RCA process and demonstrate a number of tips and tools to help sites achieve sustainable improvement and meet Code requirements.
This course is offered in both English and Spanish.
Benefits of the Root Cause Analysis Course
When you’ve completed this online training, you’ll have the knowledge and skills needed to:
- Recognize when a Root Cause Analysis is needed
- Understand how Root Cause Analysis identifies the underlying cause of a problem
- Describe the steps of Root Cause Analysis
- Identify strengths and limitations of common Root Cause Analysis tools
- Determine which Root Cause Analysis tools are most appropriate for a given situation
