SQFI Quality Checklist

SQFI Quality Checklist using eAuditor Audits & Inspections is an excellent way to ensure that your facility consistently meets Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification standards. Quality management involves monitoring various areas, such as product specifications, inspection procedures, corrective actions, and documentation. Below is a detailed approach to setting up the SQFI Quality Checklist in eAuditor Audits & Inspections.

1. Setting Up the Template in eAuditor Audits & Inspections:

• Create a New Template: In eAuditor Audits & Inspections, navigate to the “Templates” section and create a new checklist. Label it something like “SQFI Quality Checklist.”
• Organize Sections: Break down the checklist into sections that align with the SQF quality management requirements:
  • Product Specifications and Standards
  • Process Control and Monitoring
  • Finished Product Inspection
  • Corrective Actions and Non-Conformance
  • Training and Personnel Competence
  • Documentation and Records

2. Checklist Content (Based on SQF Quality Code):

A. Product Specifications and Standards

1. Are raw materials and ingredients meeting the defined quality specifications?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No/NA
   • Add a comments field to note any variations from specifications.
2. Are product specifications reviewed and updated regularly?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No/NA
   • Add comments for the last review date and any changes.

B. Process Control and Monitoring

1. Are process parameters (e.g., temperature, pressure, time) consistently monitored and recorded?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No/NA
   • Add option to input actual data for process control.
2. Are there any deviations from the set process parameters during production?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No
   • Add a corrective action assignment option if the answer is “Yes.”
3. Is there a system in place to review process performance against quality targets?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No
   • Add space for notes and observations.

C. Finished Product Inspection

1. Is finished product inspected for compliance with quality specifications?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No/NA
   • Add option to upload inspection reports or test results.
2. Are packaging, labeling, and coding in compliance with specifications?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No
   • Add a photo upload option for verification.
3. Is the product free from physical, chemical, and microbiological hazards?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No
   • Add a comments section for any test results or corrective actions.

D. Corrective Actions and Non-Conformance

1. Is a documented corrective action process in place for handling non-conformances?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No
   • Add a field for corrective action assignment and follow-up.
2. Are non-conforming products identified, segregated, and recorded?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No
   • Add photo and comments option to document non-conforming products.
3. Are root cause analyses conducted for all major non-conformances?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No
   • Include comments for root cause documentation and resolution.

E. Training and Personnel Competence

1. Are personnel trained to understand and implement quality management processes?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No
   • Add space for training records, dates, and feedback.
2. Are refresher training programs conducted periodically for quality control staff?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No
   • Add an option to attach training documents and schedules.
3. Do personnel understand the importance of adhering to product specifications?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No
   • Comments field for employee feedback or observed gaps in understanding.

F. Documentation and Records

1. Are all quality control activities and inspections documented and properly filed?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No
   • Add upload option for inspection logs and reports.
2. Are process control records, including monitoring and verification data, available and up-to-date?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No
   • Add space to upload or link to process control records.
3. Are records maintained in accordance with the company’s record retention policy?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No
   • Comments for retention schedules and any missing records.

3. Additional Features in eAuditor Audits & Inspections:

• Scoring System: You can assign weights or scores to different sections, providing an overall quality compliance score. For example, critical areas like product inspection or process control could have a higher weight than training records.
• Corrective Actions: Set up eAuditor Audits & Inspection’s corrective action system so that non-conformances or issues identified during the inspection trigger corrective actions. Assign these to relevant personnel with due dates.
• Photo and Video Documentation: eAuditor Audits & Inspections allows you to capture photos or videos during inspections to visually document non-compliance, product issues, or corrective actions.
• Sign-Offs: Add a digital signature section at the end of the checklist to confirm that the inspection is complete. Both the inspector and supervisor can sign off.
• Automated Reporting: Set up eAuditor Audits & Inspections to generate automated reports once the checklist is completed, which can be sent to key stakeholders, management, or for internal audit purposes.
• Customizable Fields: You can add fields specific to your facility, such as risk assessments, supplier evaluation, or batch tracking.

4. Customization Options:

• Batch and Lot Tracking: Add fields for tracking specific batches or lots to ensure traceability throughout the supply chain.
• Quality Metrics Dashboard: eAuditor Audits & Inspections allows you to integrate data into a dashboard where you can track trends, such as the number of non-conformances, corrective actions, or recurring quality issues.
• Linked Templates: If you need separate checklists for different departments (e.g., production, packaging, warehousing), you can link them into one overall SQFI Quality Management template.

5. Checklist Example:

Section: Finished Product Inspection

1. Are products inspected against the quality specification?
   • Yes
   • No
   • Comments: ___________________________________________
   • Add Photo: 📸
2. Does the product meet microbiological safety criteria?
   • Yes
   • No
   • Corrective Action (if applicable): ________________________

By following this structure and utilizing eAuditor Audits & Inspection’s built-in functionalities, you’ll have a comprehensive SQFI Quality Checklist that helps ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards, while streamlining the audit and inspection process.