Perform SQFI Pet Food Manufacturing Inspection using eAuditor
SQFI Pet Food Manufacturing refers to the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) certification program designed specifically for the pet food industry. It is a globally recognized food safety and quality standard that ensures pet food products are manufactured under strict hygiene, safety, and quality controls.
The SQFI Pet Food Manufacturing Code is part of the SQF Food Safety Program, benchmarked to the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). It provides a comprehensive framework for producers to demonstrate their commitment to producing safe, high-quality, and compliant pet food products.
Performing SQFI Pet Food Manufacturing Inspection using eAuditor ensures a systematic evaluation of pet food production facilities in line with the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) standards. This inspection emphasizes product safety, regulatory compliance, hygiene, quality control, and risk mitigation throughout the manufacturing process. By using eAuditor, organizations can digitize their inspections, strengthen documentation, track compliance with SQF requirements, and drive continuous improvement in pet food production.
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Purpose of the Inspection
The goal of conducting an SQFI Pet Food Manufacturing Inspection using eAuditor is to:
- Verify compliance with SQF Food Safety Code for Pet Food Manufacturing.
- Ensure safe, hygienic, and controlled handling of raw materials, production processes, and finished products.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) systems.
- Detect risks of contamination, mislabeling, or quality deviations before they impact consumers.
- Maintain global market credibility by adhering to GFSI-benchmarked standards.
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Scope of the Inspection
This inspection covers all stages of pet food manufacturing, including:
- Facility Hygiene & Sanitation: Cleanliness of premises, pest control, waste management.
- Raw Material Handling: Supplier approval, storage conditions, and traceability.
- Production Process: Allergen management, CCP monitoring, process validation.
- Employee Hygiene & Training: Compliance with GMPs, use of PPE, food safety culture.
- Equipment & Maintenance: Sanitary design, cleaning schedules, and calibration.
- Packaging & Labeling: Accuracy, regulatory compliance, prevention of cross-contamination.
- Traceability & Recall Readiness: Ability to track products from supplier to customer.
- Regulatory & SQFI Compliance: Conformance with FDA, AAFCO, and SQFI requirements.
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Step-by-Step Inspection Workflow using eAuditor
3.1 Pre-Inspection Preparation
- Access and customize the SQFI Pet Food Manufacturing checklist in eAuditor.
- Define inspection scope: facility area, process stage, or complete manufacturing cycle.
- Schedule inspection and notify responsible teams.
3.2 On-Site Facility & Process Review
- Use eAuditor mobile app to conduct real-time inspections.
- Capture photos and notes on hygiene practices, equipment status, and material handling.
- Verify HACCP compliance at critical control points.
- Record staff compliance with GMPs and hygiene protocols.
3.3 Compliance Checks
- Validate supplier approval processes and raw material documentation.
- Ensure allergen management protocols are followed.
- Confirm packaging integrity and labeling accuracy.
3.4 Documentation & Evidence Capture
- Upload supporting evidence (photos, training records, supplier certifications).
- Flag non-conformities with severity levels (minor, major, critical).
3.5 Post-Inspection Analysis
- Generate automated inspection reports directly within eAuditor.
- Share reports with management, QA teams, and auditors.
- Review corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to resolve issues.
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Key Features of eAuditor for SQFI Pet Food Manufacturing
- Customizable Checklists: Tailored to SQFI pet food manufacturing codes.
- Mobile Inspections: Perform inspections anywhere, even offline.
- Real-Time Data Collection: Immediate access to findings and risks.
- Automated Reports: Instant reporting with visual evidence.
- CAPA Tracking: Assign, monitor, and close corrective actions digitally.
- Analytics & Trends: Identify recurring issues and drive continuous improvement.
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Post-Inspection Actions
- Assign CAPAs to responsible staff for identified gaps.
- Schedule follow-up inspections to verify issue resolution.
- Continuously update inspection checklists based on regulatory or SQFI code changes.
- Train staff based on gaps observed during inspection.
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Benefits of Using eAuditor for SQFI Pet Food Manufacturing
- Strengthens compliance with GFSI-recognized standards.
- Enhances food safety culture in pet food facilities.
- Provides audit-ready documentation for third-party SQFI audits.
- Reduces risks of recalls, contamination, and quality failures.
- Streamlines inspection management, saving time and improving accuracy.
Summary
Performing SQFI Pet Food Manufacturing Inspection using eAuditor ensures safe, high-quality, and compliant pet food production. Through digital checklists, real-time reporting, and CAPA tracking, organizations can strengthen regulatory compliance, enhance operational efficiency, and maintain consumer trust in the global pet food market.