HACCP
HACCP is an internationally recognized cost-effective program in food safety. It can be described as a systematic and preventative approach in identifying and controlling potential hazards in every step of the production, processing, and packaging stages in food processing plants. If implementing a HACCP system is a major challenge, maintaining it takes even more effort. It’s not enough to have a control system in place, you must manage it efficiently. A HACCP program is a dynamic system rather than static. New technology, new products, new personnel and new legislations; can make maintaining a program very tedious and challenging.
FSF Inc. has developed a variety of systems that meet the needs of companies that want to support their quality system. We will prepare your customized GMPs, Prerequisite Program and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Plan for consistent food safety that will give you a step-by-step, detailed plan that will stand up to regulatory bodies and customers’ requirements.
Outsourcing the services of food safety consultant accelerates the implementation of HACCP and improves the incorporation of HACCP into daily food processing activities. Our key role as HACCP consultants will be to bridge the technical gaps between you and the government and customers. Depending on the size of your organization; we are capable of running your food safety management system in as little as few hours a month or for as much as forty hours a week.
A HACCP program will provide your business with the following benefits:
- Define and communicate the company’s food safety policy, objectives and practices
- Focus of prevention of food-borne problems rather than allowing the problem to occur and then control it
- Winning confidence of customer in product
- Give confidence to management that food safety is being effectively managed
- Provide a cost-effective system which targets resources to critical areas of production thereby reduces the risk of manufacturing and selling unsafe food
- Reduce and possibility to eliminate liability related to food safety
- Improve day-to-day service delivery and ensure consistency in product quality and safety
- Provide market protection, increased ability to tender for prestigious organization
SFCR Safe Food for Canadians Regulations
In 2019, the SFCR were developed and maintained by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) with the purpose to assess food plants conducting importing, exporting, inter-provincially or inter-territorial trading activities within Canada. Companies falling under these categories are required to have an SFCR license and Preventative Control Plan in place.
The purpose of these regulations is to strengthen the traceability system and successfully tracing and removing unsafe food products from the marketplace.
The PCP/HACCP is the most used model in Canada; and can be used for almost every process requiring HACCP certification. The PCP provides a mechanism for companies to demonstrate their ability to control food safety hazards. It is on the principles of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system developed by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
PAC HACCP Packaging
The PAC HACCP model was developed by the Packaging Association of Canada (PAC) as formal approach to food safety for packaging material producers, converters, distributors, and fillers. The cornerstones of the PAC food safety management system include both the Prerequisite Program and the applicable HACCP Plan.
The PAC food safety management system currently includes the following models:
- Prerequisite Program
- HACCP Plan for Flexible Packaging Manufacturer & Converter
- HACCP Plan for Rigid Plastic Packaging Manufacturer & Converter
- HACCP Plan for Paper Packaging Manufacturer & Converter
- HACCP Plan for Metal Manufacturer & Converter
- HACCP Plan for Glass Manufacturer & Converter
The prerequisite program requirements are the fundamentals of a food safety management system. Each plant needs to ensure that the criteria in these programs are being met within the plant environment.
Each plant should assign the responsibility for developing and evaluating its prerequisite programs to competent individuals from a cross-section of the facility.
The development of the HACCP Plan focuses on identifying and controlling biological, chemical and physical hazards associated with the manufacture and delivery of packaging materials. These hazards are identified through a hazard analysis of the incoming material and process steps used in your process. The selection of critical control points (CCPs) and of subsequent control measures, utilizes a scientific and risk-based approach.
Canadian suppliers of packaging materials are encouraged to develop a documented HACCP Program using the PAC model as a guide. Used in conjunction with the Packaging Material Prerequisite Program, this program will help to promote food safety awareness and minimize the chances of a food safety incident.
GFSI
The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) brings together key actors of the food industry to collaboratively drive continuous improvement in food safety management systems around the world.
With a vision of Safe food for consumers everywhere, food industry leaders created GFSI in 2000 to find collaborative solutions to collective concerns, notably to reduce food safety risks, audit duplication and costs while building trust throughout the supply chain.
The objectives of the Global Food Safety Initiative are to
- Enhance food safety
- Ensure consumer protection
- Strengthen consumer confidence
- Benchmark requirements of food safety management schemes
- Improve cost efficiency throughout the food supply chain
The principles of GFSI for benchmarking food safety management schemes are
- Consistency and objectivity in the benchmarking process
- Direct stakeholder participation must be promoted during development
- Be open transparent and compliant with fair trading legislation
- Minimize any duplication of evaluation – Encourage “local” evaluation
- Control and maintenance must be reliant on the international accreditation process
- Correct delivery must be seen to be controlled
- The identification and promotion of best practice through a continuous review of scheme and process
Benchmarked Standard
The following standards have been accepted under the GFSI benchmarking process
- BRC
- SQF
- FSSC 22000
- IFS PAC Secure
- IFS International Featured Standard
- Canada GAP
- Global Red Meat Standards (GRMS)
- Primus GFS
- The Global Aquaculture Alliance Seafood
- Global GAP
Why should I become certified to a GFSI standard?
Compliance: Many retailers are requiring their suppliers to comply with a GFSI standard.
Cost-savings: As more retailers accept a GFSI-benchmarked standard as proof of compliance to a food system, manufacturers could reduce the financial burden of multiple audits.
Flexibility: Manufacturers can choose to implement a system based on the benchmarked standard of its choice. Certification processes vary depending on the standard owner, and different accredited registrars can provide the certification audits.
Assurance: All benchmarked standards follow a guidance document set forth by GFSI, and should at minimum contain the following requirements such as Food Safety & Quality Management System, Good Manufacturing Practices, and HACCP Principles.
SQF
The SQF Program is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and links primary production certification to food manufacturing, distribution and agent/broker management certification SQF is recognized by retailers and foodservice providers around the world. Using the SQF certification program will help reduce assessment inconsistencies and costs of multiple assessment standards.
Administered by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), SQF benefits from continual retailer feedback about consumer concerns. SQF is the only scheme to integrate a quality component as well as food safety.
We have an ample experience developing and implementing SQF. FSF Inc takes a coaching approach and guides the client during the development process. As experienced consultants, we understand there are phases in the SQF development process that are very technical and therefore must be led by our consultants; and at the same time, there are custom activities that are then developed by the client.
This approach guarantees a team-working environment, which contributes to an effective SQF development and implementation process. Our team’s SQF consulting is conducted in a
step-by-step process giving a detailed plan that will stand up during the certification creating the foundation for success.
Gap Analysis
- Assessment of existing programs against SQF Code
- Completion of a plant inspection to determine compliance to the SQF Code
- Completion of Gap analysis report including full report, onsite inspection and executive summary
Program Development
- Documentation of the SQF Manual and Standard Operating Procedures
- Development of forms and records required to demonstrate the implementation of the program
Program Implementation
- Monitor and assure proper implementation of records and forms
- Coach department managers, operators and SQF Practitioner as preparation for proper record keeping
Audit Support
- FSF Inc. can be on site during the certification audit to provide support and assistance
- This is beneficial for the client serving as a liaison with the auditor, and support during the audit. This could potentially reduce the quantity and severity of non-conformances.
- Assist to close the non-conformances issued during the audit
BRC
BRC Global Standards is a leading safety and quality certification program. The Standards guarantee the standardization of quality, safety and operational criteria and ensure that manufacturers fulfill their legal obligations and provide protection for the end consumer. BRC Global Standards are now often a fundamental requirement of leading retailers.
The FSF Inc. team is highly experienced in BRC standards, able to consult with professionalism, integrity and competence. By selecting FSF Inc. consultants, you have the assurance that we are up-to-date with the latest BRC standards and can help you work towards gaining certification.
The BRC development and implementation is conducted using a step-by-step process giving a detailed plan that will stand up during the certification process creating the foundation for continuous improvement.
Gap Analysis
- Assessment of existing programs against BRC Manual
- Completion of a plant inspection to determine compliance to the BRC Standard
- Completion of Gap analysis report including full report, onsite inspection and executive summary
Program Development
- Documentation of the BRC Standard and Standard Operating Procedures
- Development of forms and records required to demonstrate the implementation of the program
Program Implementation
- Monitor and assure proper implementation of records and forms
- Coach department managers, operators and QA as preparation for proper record keeping
Audit Support
- FSF Inc. can be on site during the certification audit to provide support and assistance
- This is beneficial for the client serving as a liaison with the auditor, and support during the audit. This could potentially reduce the quantity and severity of non-conformances.
- Assist to close the non-conformances issued during the audit
FSSC 22000
The FSSC 22000 Food Safety Management System provides a framework for effectively managing your organization’s food safety responsibilities. FSSC 22000 is fully recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and is based on existing ISO Standards.
It demonstrates your company has a robust Food Safety Management System in place that meets the requirements of your customers and consumers
FSF Inc. offers consulting services through the FSSC 22000 certification and audit preparation. Our approach consists of conducting a Gap Analysis, Program Development, Implementation and Audit Support; providing a systematic process for successfully achieving FSSC 22000 achieving of the FSSC 22000 certification.
Gap Analysis
- Assessment of existing programs against FSSC Code Requirements
- Completion of a plant inspection to determine compliance to the FSSC 2200 requirements
- Completion of Gap analysis report including full report, onsite inspection and executive summary
Program Development
- Documentation of the FSSC 22000 Manual and Standard Operating Procedures
- Development of forms and records required to demonstrate the implementation of the program
Implementation
- Monitor and assure proper implementation of records and forms
- Coach department managers, operators and QA as preparation for proper record keeping
- Conduct mock audits in preparation for the certification audit (i.e. interview employees)
Audit Support
- FSF Inc can be on site during the certification audit to provide support and assistance
- This is beneficial for the client serving as a liaison with the auditor, and support during the audit. This could potentially reduce the quantity and severity of non-conformances.
- Assist to close the non-conformances issued during the audit
IFS PAC Secure
The IFS PAC Secure is a scheme benchmarked by GFSI; and was developed by the Packaging Association of Canada (PAC) as formal approach to food safety for packaging material producers, converters, distributors, and fillers.
The cornerstone of the IFS PAC Secure includes both the PAC HACCP Program and a management program to comply with GFSI.
The IFS PAC Secure food safety management system is applicable to the following sectors:
- Flexible Packaging Manufacturer & Converter
- Rigid Plastic Packaging Manufacturer & Converter
- Paper Packaging Manufacturer & Converter
- Metal Manufacturer & Converter
- Glass Manufacturer & Converter
FSF Inc. works with primary and secondary food packaging manufacturers and converters to develop and implement food safety management system that will enable them to become GFSI certified.
We develop and implement a customized food safety management system
The IFS PAC secure standard enables packaging manufacturers to certify that primary and secondary materials utilized in the packaging process are safe for the food industry. IFS PAC secure covers flexible and rigid plastics, as well as paper, metal and glass.
One of the main objectives of the standard include:
- Compliance with the GFSI guidelines,
- Cost and time reduction for retailers and suppliers
- Establishment of common benchmarks and evaluations.
Our consulting approach consists of conducting a Gap Analysis, Program Development, Implementation and Audit Support.
Gap Analysis
- Assessment of existing programs against IFS PAC secure requirements
- Completion of a plant inspection to determine compliance to the IFS PAC secure requirements
- Completion of Gap analysis report including, full report, onsite inspection and executive summary
Program Development
- Documentation of the IFS PAC secure manual and Standard Operating Procedures
- Development of forms and records required to demonstrate the implementation of the program
Implementation
- Monitor and assure proper implementation of records and forms
- Coach department managers, operators and QA as preparation for proper record keeping
- Conduct mock audits in preparation for the certification audit (i.e. interview employees)
Audit Support
- FSF Inc can be on site during the certification audit to provide support and assistance
- This is beneficial for the client serving as a liaison with the auditor, and support during the audit. This could potentially reduce the quantity and severity of non-conformances.
- Assist to close the non-conformances issued during the audit
PCP
Preventive Control Plan (PCP) is an internationally recognized approach that has been designed to prevent or minimize food safety. The PCP is based on Codex Alimentarius and it is a written document that demonstrates how hazards and risks to food products are eliminated or are being effectively controlled. PCP is designed to help food importers and food processors. PCP entails how a business meets the food safety controls in a written document.
FSMA-HARPC
The Hazard Analysis and Risk Based Preventative Controls comes from the FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act). THE FSMA is a food safety legislation amending the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act enacted of 2011.
HARPC enables all food manufacturer, packers, manufacturers and storage facilities to identify food safety and adulteration hazard, implement controls to minimize hazards, verify controls are effective, and assist in the designing and implementation of effective corrective actions.