SQF Consulting Australia

The compliance challenge

The SQF Food Safety Code places strong emphasis on management commitment, documented system elements and the competency of the site's SQF practitioner. Sites often have good operational control but insufficient documented evidence of verification, validation and management review.

Preparing for the desk audit and facility audit within the required timeframes is a common source of pressure.

About this service

SQF consultancy develops the system modules applicable to your scope — the system elements plus the relevant good manufacturing practice module — and prepares the site for the certification audit.

Support includes practitioner mentoring so the site retains the capability to maintain the system after certification, rather than depending on a consultant indefinitely.

Scope of support

• SQF gap assessment against the applicable edition and module
• SQF system development and documentation structure
• Food safety plan development
• HACCP-based hazard analysis and control
• Management commitment, policy and management review
• SQF practitioner role, competency and mentoring
• Document control and records
• Approved supplier program and supplier performance
• Raw material, packaging and finished product specifications
• Allergen management and control
• Food fraud vulnerability assessment and mitigation plan
• Food defence threat assessment and plan
• Internal audits and inspection program
• Verification activities, schedules and analysis
• Validation of control measures
• Corrective and preventative action
• Product identification, trace, withdrawal and recall
• Crisis management and business continuity
• Pre-certification assessment
• Desk audit and facility audit preparation
• Ongoing compliance and surveillance readiness

How the consultancy works

1. 1

   Gap assessment

   Element-by-element review against the applicable SQF code and module.

2. 2

   Planning

   Set the action plan, practitioner responsibilities and target audit dates.

3. 3

   System development

   Build the system elements, food safety plan and GMP requirements.

4. 4

   Implementation

   Train staff, run records and accumulate the required evidence history.

5. 5

   Verification

   Internal audits, verification analysis and management review.

6. 6

   Certification readiness

   Pre-certification assessment and preparation for the desk and facility audits.

Compliance and operational benefits

• A complete, well-structured SQF system aligned to your scope
• A capable in-house SQF practitioner supported through the process
• Evidence assembled ahead of the desk and facility audits
• Reduced likelihood of repeat non-conformances

Frequently asked questions