Your SQF Readiness Check
Identify gaps and prepare for your audit with a comprehensive pre-assessment.
Pre-Assessments
Pre-Assessments are conducted at a facility prior to an Initial SQF Certification Audit or prior to the annual SQF recertification audit to evaluate all elements of the current SQF code for the food sector categories appropriate to the facility. Module 2 is system elements, so it will always be evaluated, as well as the additional necessary module(s) that apply to the Food Sector Categories for the facility.
The purpose of a pre-assessment is to identify any deficiencies in required documentation and/or in the physical requirements of the facility that could be classified as non-conformances during the upcoming audit. The identification of these deficiencies during the pre-assessment gives the facility time to make the appropriate corrections prior to the scheduled On-Site Audit, which can result in the opportunity for a higher audit score.
Initial Audit Pre-Assessment
The average time spent in a facility for a pre-assessment, prior to an Initial SQF Certification Audit, is two days. Most facilities who are having a pre-assessment prior to their Initial SQF On-Site Audit also hire the consultant to be on-site at the audit in order to assist with providing the proper documents that the auditor requests and to assist the client in answering auditor questions.
Annual Recertification Audit
If the facility is currently SQF Certified and is seeking a pre-assessment prior to their annual recertification audit, the number of required days would be determined by the score received at the previous year’s SQF recertification audit and the determination of readiness and compliance, both with documentation and in the condition of the facility. This is a decision to be made by the client. Some clients may only require one or two days, while others may require additional days to ensure they are indeed ready for the audit and compliant in all areas.