SQF Implementation Plan: Management Commitment

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Senior site management has been assigned specific responsibilities by the SQF code. Senior site management is typically defined as the group of people who direct and control an organization at the highest level. This group has the authority to devote resources to the implementation, maintenance and improvement of the SQF System. Use top management to develop and implement this process.

You may also want to use the same group as a Steering Team for the SQF Implementation Process. Include the SQF Practitioner on the Steering Team. Meet regularly during the implementation project to review the progress of the individual implementation teams. The master project plan is a good tool to use to track progress and keep the project on track.

Review the SQF Code:

The requirements for management responsibility are found in section 2.1 of the SQF Code.

Tools:

• Procedure: P-210 Management Commitment
• Forms: F-210-001 Designated Cover Personnel
• Master Project Plan

Definitions:

Senior site management: Individuals at the highest level on site, responsible for the business operation and implementation and improvement of the food safety system.

Basic Requirements:

• Provide resources needed to run the food safety system
• Communicate the importance of meeting customer and regulatory requirements
• Establish a food safety policy outlining the site’s commitment to supply safe food
• Communicate and display the policy, make it available in all languages used by staff
• Establish a food safety culture at the site
• Create measurable food safety objectives, document and measure the objectives
• Designate a primary and backup SQF Practitioner to be the “point person” for the system. Assign them the authority and responsibility to develop and implement the system, review system performance and maintain system integrity.
• Define the reporting structure and authorities for the organization in an organizational chart and job descriptions.
• Plan to communicate with employees to make sure that the requirements of the SQF system are adopted by each employee.
• Communicate food safety responsibilities to all employees.
• Establish the training needs of employees (do this by supporting the team developing the Training Process P-290)
• Establish internal and external communication systems including informing all staff of the responsibility to report food safety problems.
• Create a system for handling customer complaints, and collecting and trending data for analysis.
• Create a crisis management plan to describe the actions that will be taken to respond to dangers or threats that could impact food safety.
• Develop a process for management review of the food safety system.
• Set up a method of monthly updates with management and the SQF Practitioner to review the performance of the system.

First Implementation Team Meeting Agenda for Management Review:

1. Review the requirements of the SQF Code, and the responsibilities listed in this plan.
2. Review the example procedure and forms. The procedure describes a process that can be used to address the tasks on the Master Project Plan. You will use that as a starting point, and make changes to customize the process for your organization and method of doing things.
3. Review the tasks on the Master Implementation Plan form for your team.
4. Set up a team meeting schedule to assign and complete these tasks. Meeting weekly or every other week at the same time is an effective method.

Future Action Items:

• When the items have been addressed, or plans are in place to address them, work to revise the procedure to reflect your new, compliant process. Revise the forms as needed.
• When completed, submit your new documentation (Procedure, Related Forms, List of Records) and your completed plan to the SQF Practitioner for review and approval.
• List any additional records (not listed in the procedure already) that should be retained for your process on the table below so they can be incorporated into the records table. Share this table with the Document Control and Records team.