Perform SQFI Animal Product Manufacturing Inspection using eAuditor
SQFI Animal Product Manufacturing refers to the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) certification program tailored for facilities that process or manufacture animal products, including meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, and related products. It is a globally recognized GFSI-benchmarked standard that ensures animal-derived products are produced under strict food safety, hygiene, and quality management systems.
Performing SQFI Animal Product Manufacturing Inspection using eAuditor ensures an extensive, structured, and highly detailed evaluation of animal product processing facilities, focusing on food safety, hygiene, product quality, compliance with the SQFI Code, and certification readiness. These inspections go beyond surface-level checks, delving deep into every aspect of production, from raw material handling to finished product release, ensuring that hazards are identified, controlled, and documented through an advanced digital workflow.
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Purpose of SQFI Animal Product Manufacturing Inspection
The primary purpose of this inspection is to safeguard public health, brand reputation, and regulatory compliance by:
- Ensuring animal products such as meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, and seafood are processed under safe, controlled, and hygienic conditions.
- Reducing risks of contamination from pathogens (Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli), allergens, and foreign materials.
- Validating Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP plans, and supplier verification protocols.
- Strengthening traceability, recall systems, and certification readiness for SQFI and GFSI audits.
- Building a culture of continuous improvement through data-driven insights and CAPA management.
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Key Areas of SQFI Animal Product Manufacturing Inspection
2.1 Facility & Environmental Hygiene
- Floors, walls, ceilings, and drains checked for damage or microbial buildup.
- Segregation of raw, cooked, and ready-to-eat zones to avoid cross-contamination.
- Air filtration, ventilation, and humidity controls verified for compliance.
- Pest control and waste disposal systems assessed for effectiveness.
2.2 Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
- Staff uniforms, PPE, and handwashing procedures evaluated.
- Verification of controlled access to sensitive areas.
- Documentation of employee health screenings and hygiene training.
- Cleaning and sanitation schedules reviewed for consistency.
2.3 Animal Product Processing & Handling
- Temperature monitoring of chilling, freezing, cooking, and holding areas.
- Verification of humane handling practices (where applicable).
- Prevention of cross-contact between allergen-containing products.
- Process validation for pathogen reduction steps (e.g., cooking to critical limits).
2.4 Supplier & Raw Material Controls
- Supplier approval and audit records validated.
- COAs (Certificates of Analysis) checked for compliance with microbiological and chemical standards.
- Storage segregation of raw vs. processed animal products.
- Verification of supplier traceability for critical ingredients.
2.5 HACCP & Food Safety Management
- Critical Control Points (CCPs) identified, validated, and monitored.
- Review of CCP deviation logs and corrective action documentation.
- Verification of calibration for monitoring devices (scales, thermometers, pH meters).
- Review of updated HACCP flowcharts and hazard analyses.
2.6 Product Testing & Quality Assurance
- Microbiological testing of raw and finished products (pathogen screening).
- Environmental swabbing for Listeria and Salmonella.
- Shelf-life testing to ensure product stability.
- Packaging integrity and labeling compliance verified.
2.7 Traceability & Recall Systems
- Mock recall records reviewed for effectiveness and speed.
- Lot coding and batch identification tested for full supply chain traceability.
- Review of retained product samples.
- Verification of recall notification processes.
2.8 Compliance & Documentation
- SQFI Code modules and compliance checklists verified.
- Regulatory alignment with USDA, FDA, or local food authorities.
- Employee training records checked for relevance and frequency.
- CAPA logs evaluated for closure and effectiveness.
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Digital Workflow with eAuditor
3.1 Pre-Inspection Preparation
- Digital checklists aligned with SQFI Code uploaded into eAuditor.
- Scheduling of inspections (daily GMP checks, monthly food safety audits, annual SQFI certification prep).
- Automatic assignment of tasks to QA managers, supervisors, and sanitation teams.
3.2 Inspection Execution
- Mobile devices used for real-time data collection, photos, videos, and notes.
- Conditional logic guides inspectors to deeper checks when non-compliance is found.
- Direct recording of CCP measurements (temperature, pH, time).
- Capture of signatures for accountability.
3.3 Post-Inspection Actions
- Automated reports generated instantly and shared with plant managers.
- CAPA triggered for deviations (e.g., failure in sanitation, incorrect labeling).
- Follow-up inspections assigned with reminders to responsible personnel.
- Non-conformance reports tracked until resolution.
3.4 Continuous Improvement with Analytics
- Trends analyzed to identify recurring hazards (e.g., repeated sanitation gaps).
- Historical data used to predict and prevent future issues.
- Integration with other systems (ERP, QMS) for seamless compliance monitoring.
- Management dashboards created for high-level oversight and SQFI readiness.
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Benefits of Using eAuditor for SQFI Animal Product Manufacturing
- Efficiency: Eliminates paper-based records and streamlines audits.
- Accuracy: Real-time data entry reduces errors and ensures completeness.
- Accountability: Digital signatures and CAPA tracking improve follow-up.
- Transparency: Cloud-based reporting enhances communication across teams.
- Certification Readiness: Maintains a constant state of SQFI compliance.
- Continuous Improvement: Data-driven insights enable proactive risk management.
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Summary
Performing SQFI Animal Product Manufacturing Inspection using eAuditor provides a comprehensive, structured, and technology-driven approach to ensuring animal products are manufactured safely and in compliance with global food safety standards. By focusing on GMPs, HACCP validation, supplier controls, product testing, and robust documentation, eAuditor transforms inspections into a continuous quality improvement system. This not only supports SQFI certification readiness but also reinforces consumer trust, product integrity, and operational excellence.