By Kathy Chiao, Specialist, Marketing, SQFI 
In today’s technologically integrated society, a single recall or outbreak can affect the credibility of a food production or manufacturing facility. Therefore, having a robust food safety program in place will help keep your name off the headline news. The SQF Food Safety Program provides a robust solution to the food industry to protect their brands, their buyers, and their bottom lines.
Adopt a Food Safety Culture
Implementing a food safety management system is but the first step to adopting a food safety culture. This does not mean the risks end here. To ensure continued success in keeping your products, your consumers, and your image safe, your employees must undergo high caliber training.
Importance of Training Your Team
The key to implementing and managing a successful food safety system is to have knowledgeable and competent employees. Employees who receive ample food safety training have a better understanding of the SQF Code requirements. Not only are they better equipped to manage food safety risks, but they will also provide your site with better control over and thus mitigate these risks. This allows your site’s food safety system to better align with the requirements of the SQF Code.
Understanding HACCP
As a result, your site will feel confident that your food safety plans have been implemented in accordance with the HACCP method. The proper training step will also mean you will understand the applicable regulatory requirements, and that they have been verified and determined effective to manage food safety. Investing in employee training and development is an investment in the success of your business.
The HACCP Food Safety Plan is the foundation of the site’s SQF System. The Food Safety Plan must be prepared using the Codex HACCP method. This step means that all products and processes included in the SQF scope of certification must be addressed in one or more HACCP plans. All HACCP principles and implementation steps must be included in the HACCP Food Safety Plan. The HACCP Plan must be fully developed by the site, meaning the site may use the services of an SQF consultant, but takes full responsibility for the HACCP plan.
Utilize the SQF Training Library
To support your food safety initiatives, the SQFI in-house technical learning experts have created a library of science-based education and implementation materials to help your employees build a solid food safety foundation. Our learning experts have developed materials for both online and offline. With the assistance of licensed SQF Training Centers and Alchemy Academy’s online education platform, learners can receive consistent training. Instruction is from experienced professionals and includes feedback from peers in the same industry and more.
As the food industry evolves, SQFI will continue to enhance our resources to help you protect your brand, your buyers, and your bottom lines.
