SQFI Manufacturing of Food Packaging Checklist

SQFI Manufacturing of Food Packaging Checklist using eAuditor Audits & Inspections ensures that your operations are compliant with Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification standards for food packaging materials. This checklist focuses on the safety and quality requirements for food packaging manufacturing, covering areas such as material control, process control, sanitation, and regulatory compliance.

Here’s how you can structure the checklist for SQF Food Packaging Manufacturing in eAuditor Audits & Inspections:

1. Set Up in eAuditor Audits & Inspections:

• Create a New Template or use existing template: Go to the “Templates” section in eAuditor Audits & Inspections and create a new checklist template named “SQFI Manufacturing of Food Packaging Checklist.” or use existing SQFI Manufacturing of Food Packaging Checklist from eAuditor
• Organize Sections: Break the checklist into specific sections based on SQF Code Module 13 (for food packaging) and general requirements for packaging manufacturers:
  • Raw Material and Supplier Control
  • Process Control and Monitoring
  • Packaging Material Specifications
  • Finished Product Inspection
  • Cleaning and Sanitation
  • Personnel Hygiene and Training
  • Documentation and Records

2. SQFI Manufacturing of Food Packaging Checklist Content (Based on SQF Food Packaging Code):

A. Raw Material and Supplier Control

1. Are all raw materials (resins, films, etc.) used for packaging food-grade and compliant with regulatory requirements?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No/NA
   • Add a comments field for supplier certifications.
2. Are suppliers of packaging materials approved and listed on the supplier list?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No/NA
   • Upload option for supplier approval documentation.
3. Is there a system in place to verify that raw materials meet the quality and safety specifications?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No
   • Add space for material test results or certifications (e.g., FDA/EFSA compliance).

B. Process Control and Monitoring

1. Are critical process parameters (e.g., temperature, pressure, extrusion settings) consistently monitored?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No/NA
   • Add a field for actual readings or process data input.
2. Is process monitoring equipment regularly calibrated to ensure accuracy?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No
   • Add a photo or upload option for calibration certificates.
3. Are there any deviations from set process parameters, and are corrective actions taken?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No
   • Add corrective action fields and a comments section for deviations.

C. Packaging Material Specifications

1. Do all finished packaging materials meet customer and regulatory specifications for food contact safety?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No/NA
   • Add a field for uploading test results (e.g., migration testing or sensory testing).
2. Is the packaging material free from contamination, defects, and foreign bodies?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No
   • Add an option to attach photos for non-compliant materials.
3. Are specifications for packaging materials reviewed and updated regularly?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No
   • Comments field for review dates and specification updates.

D. Finished Product Inspection

1. Are finished products inspected for compliance with quality and safety specifications?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No/NA
   • Add an upload field for finished product inspection reports.
2. Are packaging products free from physical, chemical, and microbiological hazards?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No
   • Comments for testing results, including lab analysis.
3. Is the packaging material properly labeled and coded as per regulatory requirements?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No
   • Add a photo upload option for packaging labels.

E. Cleaning and Sanitation

1. Is a documented cleaning schedule in place for machinery and production areas?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No
   • Add fields for the latest cleaning schedule and procedure upload.
2. Are cleaning chemicals approved for use in food packaging areas?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No/NA
   • Add option to attach safety data sheets (SDS) for cleaning agents.
3. Is the sanitation effectiveness verified through testing (e.g., ATP swabs)?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No
   • Comments section for sanitation test results and photos.

F. Personnel Hygiene and Training

1. Do employees follow proper hygiene practices, including wearing appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment)?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No/NA
   • Add a comments section for observations on PPE use.
2. Is there a training program in place for all personnel involved in food packaging production?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No
   • Upload field for training schedules and records.
3. Are employees trained on the importance of maintaining food packaging safety and quality standards?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No
   • Add comments for training dates and feedback from employees.

G. Documentation and Records

1. Are all critical control points (CCPs) and quality control activities documented and reviewed regularly?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No/NA
   • Upload option for CCP monitoring logs.
2. Are material safety data sheets (MSDS) and product specifications readily accessible?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No
   • Add comments and upload fields for documents.
3. Are customer complaints and non-conformance reports reviewed and corrective actions implemented?
   • Answer Type: Yes/No
   • Add corrective action section and upload field for non-conformance reports.

3. eAuditor Audits & Inspections Features:

• Automated Scoring: You can assign weighted scores to each section of the checklist, which will help you measure compliance levels. For example, high-risk areas like Process Control or Finished Product Inspection may carry more weight than others.
• Corrective Actions: eAuditor Audits & Inspections allows you to create tasks and assign them to specific personnel for any non-compliant areas. You can set deadlines and follow up on these corrective actions within the app.
• Photos and Videos: During inspections, users can capture photos or videos of non-compliance, defects, or improvements. This visual documentation enhances transparency and traceability.
• Sign-Off: Include a digital sign-off section at the end of the checklist for the inspector and relevant supervisors to confirm completion of the audit.
• Auto-Generated Reports: eAuditor Audits & Inspections will automatically generate reports based on the completed checklist. These reports can be shared with key stakeholders, such as management or customers, to provide visibility on food packaging compliance.

4. Customization Options:

• Risk Assessments: Add risk assessment sections for potential hazards (e.g., physical, chemical, or biological hazards) in packaging manufacturing.
• Lot Traceability: Include fields to document batch numbers or lot codes for packaging materials to ensure traceability.
• Linked Checklists: You can create sub-checklists specific to different departments, like Quality Control or Sanitation, and link them into the main checklist.

Example of a Finished Product Inspection Checklist in eAuditor Audits & Inspections:

Section: Finished Product Inspection

1. Are products inspected for compliance with quality specifications?
   • Yes
   • No
   • Comments: ___________________________________________
   • Attach photo: 📸
2. Is the packaging material free from contamination and defects?
   • Yes
   • No
   • Corrective Action (if applicable): ________________________

By following this structure and utilizing eAuditor Audits & Inspection’s capabilities, you can develop a comprehensive SQFI Manufacturing of Food Packaging Checklist. This checklist will help you ensure compliance with food safety standards, improve product quality, and streamline audits and inspections for food packaging manufacturing operations.