In the world of packaging and food safety, ensuring that products are handled, stored, and transported with the utmost care and quality is paramount to keeping your customers and employees safe. One of the most important ways to achieve this is by obtaining SQF certification.
Let’s dive into the intricacies of SQF certification and how it connects to the packaging industry.
What is SQF Certification?
SQF, which stands for Safe Quality Food, is a globally recognized certification and standard that signifies a company’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of food safety and quality.
While SQF was originally designed for the food industry, it has expanded to include the complete food supply chain, including packaging, distributors, and retailers. An SQF certified packaging facility, like Castle Pierce, is held to rigorous standards of safety, quality, and traceability.
Packaging materials must meet stringent criteria to prevent contamination and maintain the integrity of the contents. Packaging companies need to demonstrate their ability to produce materials that adhere to these standards.
The SQF Certification Process
To obtain an SQF certification, you have to register and go through an extensive audit with the SQF Institute. The process is a comprehensive one and looks at all areas of your facility and operations.
Key areas SQF auditors look at when it comes to the packaging sector include:
- Location: Are there any local activities or environmental factors that may impact safety? Are the buildings and grounds maintained?
- Building materials: Are walls, floors, drains, waste traps, and other key building components durable and easy to clean?
- Lighting: Are areas appropriately lit so employees could spot potential issues? Are fittings shatterproof?
- Dust & Ventilation: Is there proper ventilation in the facility? What measures are in place to control dust from the manufacturing process?
- Insects & Pests: Are doors and windows properly sealed? Is there any contamination risk? Are pest control experts licensed?
- Equipment: Is the equipment properly maintained to prevent contamination? Is all documentation accounted for and are all procedures followed? Are machines properly calibrated?
- Staff & Visitors: Are staff, contractors, and any visitors properly following hygiene and safety requirements? This includes handwashing, protective gear, clothing/uniforms, and more. Are staff and contractors properly trained and licensed?
- Cleaning & Sanitation: Are cleaning products and other hazardous chemicals properly labeled and stored? Are cleaning procedures followed and documented?
- Water Supply & Quality: Is there an adequate supply of water? Does the water meet microbiological and quality standards?
- Waste Disposal: Are waste removal protocols handled? Are waste receptacles maintained and properly identified?
And this is just the beginning. Food packaging facilities must analyze every aspect of their building and operation and ensure staff is well-versed in food safety and quality management systems.
The audit is conducted by a trained SQF practitioner to ensure compliance and consistency.
How Long Does it Take to Get SQF Certified
The time it takes to become SQF certified can vary depending on your company’s readiness and the complexity of the operation.
Most of the time is spent preparing for the SQF audit. Castle Pierce spent about two years preparing for our certification, covering everything from pest control placement to the quality control of our print process. All areas of the business require documentation of what is in place to insure best practices are followed.
After you receive your certification, there will be ongoing inspections and re-certifications to make sure your facility is keeping safety and quality top of mind. We go through a recertification process once a year.
Benefits of Working with an SQF Certified Company like Castle Pierce
When you choose to work with an SQF certified company like Castle Pierce, you gain numerous advantages, from peace of mind to enhanced quality.
- Enhanced Product Quality: SQF certification ensures that all materials and procedures used to package your food and beverage products meet the strictest quality guidelines, so your customers get consistent, top-notch products every time.
- Risk Mitigation: SQF certification reduces the risk of costly product recalls, regulatory fines, and reputation damage. This provides your business peace of mind and financial security and reassures customers that what they’re eating is safe.
- Global Recognition: SQF certification is globally recognized, opening doors to international markets and partnerships.
- Cost Savings: Streamlined processes, reduced waste, and fewer product recalls and legal issues contribute to significant cost savings.
Work With Us
By partnering with an SQF certified facility like Castle Pierce, you’re not just choosing a packaging solution – you’re choosing reliability, trustworthiness, and a commitment to excellence in every aspect of the industry.
We work with a variety of well-known and respected food and beverage companies — and we’d love to work with you too.
