Resources
FSMA 204 guides, SQF checklists, BRCGS audit prep, and document-management best practices — written for teams who have to stay audit-ready every day.
Food manufacturers operate in one of the most highly regulated industries in the world. Whether preparing for a certification audit, a customer assessment, or a regulatory inspection, maintaining consistent compliance is essential. However, organisations that only prepare for aud
Food safety compliance is increasingly more complex because food regulations are changing, customer demands are rising and the interdependency of food supply chains is getting bigger. Keeping records on paper or in separate spreadsheets can be cumbersome and challenging in terms
Automated supplier compliance tracking is a digital-first process that allows for automated gathering, verification, and tracking of expiration dates of vendor safety and regulatory documentation without relying on manual human effort. For the highly regulated food manufacturing
Food allergen control is one of the most tightly monitored aspects of food safety. If you are being audited for SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, or a customer, and you have incomplete or out-of-date records, they can be a big source of non-conformities. Good allergen management isn’t just
Food safety culture requirements are the formalized standards and practices an organization needs to put in place to ensure that food safety is a value, a mindset and a behavior for the entire organization, from the CEO to the front line operator.
HACCP plan documentation requirements are the minimum documentation requirements for food manufacturers to demonstrate that they have a valid Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system in place that is monitoring and controlling the hazards in food. The strength of
A BRCGS vs SQF comparison guide helps food businesses understand the differences between two of the world’s most recognised food safety certification programmes. Both standards are Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) certified and aim to enhance food safety and quality managemen
The food traceability FSMA 204 requirements are recordkeeping requirements under the FDA’s Food Traceability Rule designed to increase the speed and accuracy of food recalls. Companies that make, process, pack, transport, store or retail food items on the Food Traceability List (
The formal collection, review and archiving of Certificates of Analysis to verify that raw materials received are within safe and quality parameters is termed COA document management. The Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a laboratory confirmation from the supplier that a specific
If you’re comparing food safety software right now, you’re probably dealing with one of these situations: your current system is a patchwork of spreadsheets, shared drives, and email chains that barely holds together during audits. Or you’ve outgrown a basic tool and need somethi
The systematic process of gathering, verifying, and archiving IRS Form W-9 from vendors and independent contractors in order to ensure accurate tax reporting and regulatory compliance is called W-9 document management. These are very important documents for businesses in the Unit
Managing supplier documentation is no longer simply an administrative task. Businesses are increasingly facing tough regulations and a long, complex supply line, and they need to keep up with basic supplier record-keeping, which includes accurate, organised and current supplier r
The audit process can be a daunting prospect, especially since standards for food safety continue to change. Getting ready for a certification or an audit for the first time or as a renewal is not about getting it done at the last minute, but it’s about being in compliance regula
Document repository compliance refers to the ability to keep a central digital repository that meets certain industry, regulatory, and legal requirements for data integrity and accessibility. This translates into the food manufacturing and industrial environments: having all of y
A supplier portal alternative is software that automates compliance document collection from vendors using email-based uploads, eliminating the need for suppliers to create accounts or remember passwords. Unlike traditional portals that require complex logins, this model allows v
An SQF supplier approval program is a documented risk-based program that is implemented by a food facility to confirm that all raw materials, ingredients, and services received from vendors are sourced from a vendor that is approved for the SQF for that raw material, ingredient,
Certificate expiration tracking is the formal process of monitoring the validity dates of essential safety and compliance documents, such as SQF certifications, BRCGS audits, and Certificates of Insurance (COI), to ensure they remain current and legally binding. In the food and b
Safe Quality Food (SQF) document control is the systematic process of managing, updating, and storing the essential records and policies required to maintain SQF certification. Document Compliance Network (DCN) offers an automated software solution in the United States that repla
The documentation that constitutes a food recall, such as proof of lot codes, distribution lists, and communication records, is a specific type of documentation that shows that a hazardous product has been successfully removed from the supply chain. Document Compliance Network (D
An SQF audit is a structured assessment used to verify whether a food business complies with SQF food safety standards. The programme is recognised globally and benchmarked by the Global Food Safety Initiative, making it widely accepted across international food supply chains.
The food traceability rule is a federal regulation, the FSMA Rule 204, that mandates that businesses keep in-depth records of Key Data Elements (KDEs) for certain foods so that they can trace back easily in the event of a foodborne illness outbreak. In the United States, automate
Every time a contaminated food product triggers a recall, investigators need to answer one urgent question: which products, exactly, were affected? Without a precise answer, manufacturers are forced to pull entire product lines, retailers clear whole shelves, and consumers panic
An approved supplier programme is a documented system for evaluating and monitoring suppliers before purchasing materials, ingredients, packaging, or services.
The BRCGS audit is a process-based assessment of food safety that the food factories are subjected to to ensure they meet the internationally accepted standards of food safety, quality, legal and operational definitions. A good BRCGS audit checklist food-manufacturing strategy ca
A supplier approval process is a documented system used to evaluate, approve, and monitor suppliers before materials or services are purchased.
A supplier approval process is a documented system food manufacturers use to evaluate, qualify, and continuously monitor suppliers — ensuring every raw material, packaging component, and contracted service meets food safety, regulatory, and quality standards before entering produ
Food traceability is no longer a choice. Under the Food Safety Modernisation Act (FSMA) Rule 204 by the FDA, the companies within the food supply chain have to enhance their product-to-consumer tracking methods. Critical Tracking Events (CTEs) are one of the most significant noti
One act of contamination, non-compliance or delay in shipping can cause product recalls, fines and reputational harm to your company in years to come. Out of all companies, they need to have strict regulations enforced upon them by 2026 due to global regulation changes and more a
This is exactly the reason that the FDA has created FSMA 204 – and that FSMA 204 compliance is an important milestone in food safety.
Every business needs an SQF 10 edition checklist, which helps audit the company. This updated checklist includes all the requirements and responsibilities a company needs, plus an efficient system to manage documents and corrective actions efficiently.
The introduction of SQF Edition 10 is a significant change in the world of food safety standards. It is an update by the Safe Quality Food Institute that goes beyond compliance to measurable performance, risk-based thinking, and practical effectiveness.
The FDA has recently started a quarterly podcast that is focusing on the new era for smarter food safety initiative that is composed of four core elements.
No matter where you are in your food safety program journey, odds are it was built by you or a prior colleague. In either case, it is likely that your existing program will need to be modified as food safety regulations continue to change. To stay up-to-date on new or modified re
In the United States, there are two key agencies that are involved in the regulatory oversite of food manufacturing: the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). While both make sure that food is produced safely, they each have th
In today’s globalized food industry, ensuring the highest standards of food quality and safety is extremely important. Consumers have become increasingly conscious about the origin and quality of the products they consume, and food quality management systems play a crucial role i
Starting in 2026, you may need to follow new traceability rules for the foods you process. These rules apply to any manufacturer who works with foods like fresh produce and fish. Look at the FDA’s Food Traceability List for the complete list of foods affected by these rules. The
Preparing for a food safety audit can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, it doesn’t have to be a daunting task. The purpose of these audits is to ensure that your food meets the highest standards and keeps your customers safe. Let’s explore some steps that can help you confide
Document Compliance Network (DCN) is proud to announce the development of two valuable new features expected to roll out by early 2024. There will be no charge to existing subscribers for these new features.
Developing a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan involves a systematic approach to identifying, evaluating, and controlling food safety hazards in order to ensure the production of safe food. To start off we are going to go over the 12 steps to a HACCP Plan, then
In an evolving world where supply chains are becoming more dynamic by the week, simplifying food safety within the supply chain has never been more important. Food manufacturers must pivot between suppliers and have the flexibility to source ingredients to meet production needs b
Section 204 is a part of the greater Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) regulation passed in 2010 and signed by President Barack Obama in 2011. Section 204 focuses on the Food Traceability list (FTL) was finalized and released in November 2022. The FDA requires compliance in th
Congratulations you have decided to take a great step in your food safety management program. Deciding to pursue an SQF certification can seem extremely daunting, however, there are plenty of resources available to help you reach your food safety goals.
In today’s globalized marketplace, the food supply chain is no exception. Therefore, ensuring the safety and quality of imported goods is incredibly important as each country may have slightly different food safety standards. This is where the Foreign Supplier Verification Progra
Performing a mock audit against the SQF (Safe Quality Food) standard involves simulating the audit process to assess your organization’s readiness for the actual audit. There are 12 steps in performing an SQF mock audit, these steps are; Define the Scope, Select the Audit Team, R
This year has been filled with changes such as blended or remote audits, a new edition of SQF, and the “New Era of Food Safety” which continues to dominate the conversation.
The food supply chain is complex and interconnected and travels through many hands before it gets to the end consumer. In order to keep food safe and available, it is essential that any business that touches the food from start to finish have a transparent relationship with each
If you’re like most people, “Change Ahead,” can trigger excitement, apprehension, and a whole umbrella of emotions all at once. To a Food Safety & Quality Leader who is constantly juggling new customer requirements, new GFSI requirements, new internal requirements, and yes, new r
As a food manufacturer, you may encounter a variety of audits. You could have a third party (HACCP, GFSI), regulatory (FDA inspections), customer, and internal audits. All of these audits have a common theme; producing safe food for consumers.
Fido is more than man’s best friend, he is family now. Many pets like dogs and cats are now more like family to many that own them. We rely on pet food companies to make the food that we feed our pets. For the purpose of this article, we will be focusing on the regulation and pra
Whether you have a simple or complex supply chain, documentation management can be overwhelming. At the moment, you’re probably manually tracking and managing your food safety documentation. I’ll even bet that the documents are stored in a binder in someone’s office or saved in a
Imagine, it’s your first day in a new Food Safety & Quality (FSQ) role at a new company. You’re anxious to review things like the HACCP and Food Safety plans and review supplier approval documents to understand the current plan and the critical elements of your food safety progra
The British Retail Consortium Global Standard is formally known as BRC, widely recognized now as BRCGS, was created in 1996.¹ The BRCGS standard exists to standardize food safety across the supply chain. This was also the first standard accepted by the Global Food Safety Initiati
Well before the date of the BRCGS audit, review all food safety documentation for any changes to your process, supplies, or ingredients. Do not leave this to the last minute. Technically, you should be food safety document audit-ready at ALL times! Supply documents like Organic,
Safe Quality Foods (SQF) was first developed in Australia in 1994 and recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative in 2004.¹ The standard was purchased by Food Marketing Institute (FMI) in 2003 and now benefits from direct input from food retailers, manufacturers, and producti
SQF has released the changes they are making from the 8.1 edition to the 9th Edition. The new additions are focused on creating and maintaining a food safety culture at your plant, updated training requirements, recall testing, and supplier and formulation documentation. The SQF
When starting a Quality Management System, whether internal or external, I always ask how the team will manage all the related documents. In a recent conversation with a Food Safety & Quality Manager with several years of experience, I assumed we had a shared understanding of the
