Perform SQFI Primary Plant Production Inspection using eAuditor
SQFI Primary Plant Production refers to the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) certification program designed for farms, greenhouses, and other agricultural operations engaged in the primary production of plants such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, and other crops. It is part of the GFSI-benchmarked SQF Code and ensures that plant products are grown, harvested, packed, and handled in a way that maintains food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.
Performing SQFI Primary Plant Production Inspection using eAuditor ensures a systematic evaluation of farming operations, harvesting, handling, and post-harvest practices to maintain compliance with Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) standards, protect consumer health, and guarantee high-quality plant products. eAuditor digitizes the entire inspection process, enabling consistent documentation, hazard identification, corrective action tracking, and compliance reporting for regulatory and certification needs.
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Preparation for Inspection
Before conducting the inspection, the team prepares by:
- Reviewing SQF Primary Plant Production Code: Familiarizing with sections on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), worker hygiene, water quality, pest control, and traceability.
- Setting Up eAuditor Templates: Customizing digital checklists aligned with SQFI requirements (covering planting, harvesting, storage, and handling).
- Training Inspectors: Ensuring staff understand inspection criteria, eAuditor use, and hazard identification methods.
- Gathering Records: Collecting documentation such as soil testing results, pesticide application logs, and training records for review during inspection.
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Scope of Inspection Using eAuditor
The inspection covers the entire cycle of plant production, focusing on compliance, safety, and quality.
2.1 Planting & Soil Management
- Soil health and contamination checks.
- Verified use of approved fertilizers and soil amendments.
- Controlled use of pesticides and chemicals with documented records.
- Measures to prevent cross-contamination from adjacent fields or livestock.
2.2 Irrigation & Water Quality
- Testing irrigation water for microbial and chemical contaminants.
- Ensuring water sources meet SQF safety standards.
- Documenting irrigation schedules and monitoring systems via eAuditor.
2.3 Growing & Cultivation Practices
- Monitoring crop health and disease management protocols.
- Safe handling and storage of agrochemicals.
- Pest management using safe and traceable methods.
- Environmental controls for wildlife, waste, and pollution prevention.
2.4 Harvesting Practices
- Worker hygiene checks (handwashing stations, PPE use).
- Sanitary handling and use of clean harvesting equipment.
- Practices to prevent damage and contamination of produce.
- Verification that workers are trained in GAP and safety practices.
2.5 Post-Harvest Handling & Storage
- Sanitation of storage areas and transport vehicles.
- Proper stacking, temperature, and humidity controls.
- Protection of harvested produce from cross-contamination.
- Pest control measures in warehouses and packing facilities.
2.6 Worker Health, Safety & Training
- Medical fitness and hygiene compliance.
- Training records for GAP, food safety, and equipment handling.
- Facilities for sanitation and safe working conditions.
2.7 Traceability & Documentation
- Tracking produce from seed/plant source to end distribution.
- Reviewing documentation of pesticide/chemical use, harvest dates, and storage logs.
- Testing recall procedures to ensure compliance with SQFI standards.
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Digital Workflow with eAuditor
Using eAuditor transforms SQFI Primary Plant Production inspections into a structured and efficient digital process:
- Mobile Inspections: Conduct inspections in the field via mobile devices, even offline.
- Photo & Evidence Capture: Upload photos of planting areas, water sources, storage facilities, and worker hygiene compliance.
- Scoring & Ratings: Assign pass/fail or risk-level scores for each inspection point.
- Automated Reports: Generate instant audit reports in PDF or Word formats for management and certification bodies.
- Corrective Action Tracking: Assign CAPAs (Corrective and Preventive Actions) directly within eAuditor for non-compliance issues.
- Analytics Dashboard: Monitor recurring risks, compliance levels, and trends across farms or facilities.
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Post-Inspection Actions
After completing the inspection, eAuditor enables a streamlined follow-up process:
- Corrective Actions: Track resolution of soil contamination, hygiene, or storage deficiencies.
- Trend Analysis: Identify recurring risks (e.g., water quality failures, pest control issues) and improve processes.
- Certification Readiness: Ensure farms are prepared for SQFI certification audits by maintaining all compliance records in one platform.
- Continuous Improvement: Use insights to enhance GAP, reduce risks, and strengthen food safety culture.
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Benefits of Using eAuditor for SQFI Primary Plant Production
- Ensures SQFI compliance across planting, harvesting, and storage stages.
- Promotes worker hygiene, food safety, and environmental protection.
- Provides end-to-end traceability of crops and inputs.
- Streamlines documentation for certification and regulatory audits.
- Enables real-time corrective action tracking and reporting.
- Builds trust with buyers, regulators, and consumers through verified quality and safety practices.
Summary
Performing SQFI Primary Plant Production Inspection using eAuditor ensures safe, hygienic, and compliant farming practices, covering planting, irrigation, harvesting, storage, and worker hygiene. By digitizing inspections, capturing evidence, and automating reporting, eAuditor supports regulatory compliance, continuous improvement, and SQFI certification readiness, ultimately enhancing food safety and product quality.