By: LeAnn Chuboff, Vice President, Technical Affairs, SQFI
Food safety remains a top priority for the food industry. SQF Code Edition 10 represents a critical step forward in ensuring rigorous yet practical food safety management across the supply chain. Food retailers and suppliers play a pivotal role in shaping these standards, and we need your input to ensure that Edition 10 reflects the realities of today's marketplace.
A Code Built on Food Industry Collaboration
The development of SQF Edition 10 has been a highly collaborative process. We are working closely with industry experts, auditors and food safety practitioners to gather real-world insights. Our Technical Working Groups made up of 170 dedicated volunteers, have spent hundreds of hours refining the updates to ensure the Code remains relevant and practical for the industry.
Food retailers and suppliers are uniquely positioned to provide critical feedback. You understand the challenges of ensuring food safety from supplier to shelf, and your perspective is essential in refining a program that benefits the entire food supply chain.
Key Updates in SQF Code Edition 10
Here's a preview of significant enhancements in Edition 10:
- Strengthening Food Safety Culture: A new Food Safety Culture Plan requires organizations to establish clear objectives and performance measures, reinforcing a top-down commitment to food safety.
- Enhancing Change Management: A dedicated Change Management clause now requires companies to document procedures for equipment, processes, or personnel changes to better manage risk.
- Streamlining Records and Documentation: Documentation requirements have been reorganized into a single, structured section, simplifying compliance and improving auditor efficiency.
- Emphasizing Critical Training and Assessments: Enhanced training and competency assessments ensure that personnel at all levels are fully equipped to maintain food safety standards.
Your Voice Matters: Help Shape the Future of Food Safety
Public comments are now open on the SQF website, and we encourage you to share your feedback. Currently, comments are open for Part A, Appendix 1 (FSC), and Appendix 2 (Glossary). Beginning April 1, 2025, comments will open for all the Codes.
Your feedback ensures that the new Code not only meets regulatory expectations but also aligns with the operational realities of retailers and suppliers alike. Whether it's refining audit requirements, clarifying supplier expectations, or enhancing food safety culture provisions, your input is invaluable.
Let's shape the future of food safety together.
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