A previous blog post provided a-step-by-step approach to developing a Food Fraud Vulnerability Assessment. For this month’s post, we introduce new resources and give you tips to train your team and satisfy the SQF code’s food fraud control requirements. One easy way to meet SQF food fraud audit expectations is to create a register of…
Continuous improvement is a requirement of SQF and all food safety quality management systems. When demonstrating process improvements, the CAPA process is followed. This is a diagnostic procedure aimed at identifying the root cause(s) of system non-conformities. The objective of a CAPA investigation is the development and implementation of an action plan designed to prevent…
UPDATE: It was just announced that the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations will come into force on January 15, 2019. Are you up-to-date on the new Canadian Food Safety regulations? Implementation timetables for food manufacturers (including alcoholic beverages) and food importers can be found here. Some businesses listed under “All Other Foods” (this category may…
The SQF Institute rolled out an updated SQF certification scheme in July 2017. Suppliers wishing to retain their SQF food safety certificate in 2018 were first audited against the revised standard on January 1, 2018. SQF professionals who attended the SQFI Professional Update last July got a chance to receive up-to-date information on the…
A look into sensory evaluation methods for the quality control of food and beverages. The sensory quality of food and beverages is an important aspect of overall quality. Sensory science ensures products meet quality specifications and customer expectations. Fraud management, product development, product identity-preservation and consumer insight are among the applications of sensory analysis. The…
The purpose of developing a food fraud vulnerability assessment is for a food or beverage manufacturer/packer to ensure that control measures are put in place to prevent the receipt of materials that do not meet food safety and quality specifications. The intent is to gauge the business’ susceptibility to product substitution and adulteration as well…
Karine Lawrence, Sirocco Principal, has been working for the Canadian and US wine and food industry for over sixteen years. Now, she's sharing her extensive working knowledge with aspiring winery assistant students at Okanagan College's Penticton campus. Karine will be co-teaching one module of the Winery Assistant Certificate Program: WINE24, Quality Control and Public Relations. This…
How to develop a Food Safety Plan that’s compliant with FDA Preventive Controls & HACCP requirements I have just taught another FSPCA course (Human Food) in Western Canada. FSPCA Preventive Controls for Human Food is the standardized food safety curriculum that is recognized by the FDA. Under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), companies…
Need Help with FSMA Compliance? The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now offers a dedicated tool to assist businesses in implementing and enhancing food safety – the Food Safety Plan Builder (FSPB)! This tool will help you to address your food safety plans and meet the requirements of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Hazard…
Are you a food importer who needs help with a Foreign Supplier Verification Program? Your deadline to be compliant is fast approaching!