Your FSMA Preventive Controls Checklist

By: Sarah Malenich

Food companies have become increasingly concerned over how they’re going to meet the new FSMA requirements and, as a result, standard owners are stepping up to provide modules, or checklists, that can help businesses meet the new FSMA requirements.

SQFI is devoting a lot of resources to this project. Consuming safe food is a basic human right for all, and being in the food safety industry gives us the opportunity to contribute to the strengthening of food safety requirements. According to the FDA, the “Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is the most sweeping reform of our food safety laws in more than 70 years…” We at SQFI realize the importance of this reform and have taken the necessary steps to create additional resources that will assist our stakeholders to strengthen their food safety programs and meet the robust requirements of the FSMA Preventive Controls rule.

In response to FSMA, SQFI has developed a voluntary Preventive Controls audit checklist and guidance document for stakeholders to use as a guide for identifying the necessary steps to bridge any gaps between a company’s SQF Program and the PC rule.

It is important to note, however, that using these documents does not guarantee compliance – nor does it absolve the supplier from ensuring that they meet all aspects of the FSMA Preventive Controls Rule for Human Food.  While this checklist is voluntary and will not be scored, it is a valuable tool to help suppliers identify and understand any differences between the SQF Program and the Preventive Controls rule.

SQFI holds regular webinars and events to help companies learn the basic components of the Food Safety Modernization Act and to get answers to frequently asked questions regarding SQF and the Preventive Control Rule. We help suppliers learn what to do in order to be compliant, and we share tools and resources to become more prepared for FSMA. Check www.sqfi.com/events for more details.

Sorting through the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Final Rules can be a time consuming and confusing task. We’ve put together a FSMA Resource page to help you understand the legal and regulatory complexities of FSMA while alleviating some of the pain points our stakeholders are struggling with regarding implementation and execution.  With such big changes afoot, it’s crucial that we tackle food safety assertively and with commitment.

About the Author

Sarah Malenich is the Senior Manager for Sales & Marketing, Safe Quality Food Institute and she has many years of experience in marketing, sales, and business development within the food and pharmaceutical industry.  The Safe Quality Food (SQF) program is recognized by retailers and foodservice providers around the world as a rigorous, credible food safety management system. It is the only certification system recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) that offers certificates for primary production, food manufacturing, distribution and agent/broker management.