One of the most accepted food certification programs is SQF, especially since it is a certification that is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI.)

Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification is a globally recognized food safety standard that is based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP). The program is designed to ensure that food products are produced, processed, and handled according to the highest possible standards. SQF certification is a comprehensive certification system that addresses food safety and quality management.

SQF certification is accredited by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), which is an international benchmarking organization that sets standards for food safety. The certification process involves a rigorous evaluation of a company’s food safety management system, including its policies, procedures, and practices.

Companies that achieve SQF certification can give assurances to their customers that their products have been produced, prepared, and handled according to the highest possible standards.

SQF certification is an important influence in the food industry today. In addition to helping companies build an effective food safety system, the certification provides evidence of compliance to that system and provides confidence in the product by customers and others in the industry. Companies that achieve SQF certification can also benefit from increased market access, reduced liability, and improved brand reputation.

What are SQF Standards?

Safe Quality Food (SQF) is a food safety management certification scheme based on HACCP that demonstrates compliance with all the processes and requirements as defined in the SQF code.

Understanding SQF Certification

The SQF certification process involves several steps. First, the company must learn about the SQF Code, which outlines the requirements for certification. Once the company is familiar with the Code, they can register for SQF certification.

The next step is to prepare for the audit. This involves conducting a self-assessment to identify any areas where the company may need to improve. The audit itself is conducted by a third-party auditor who evaluates the company’s food safety management system.

If the company passes the audit, they will receive SQF certification. However, this is not the end of the process. Companies must renew their certification annually and undergo regular audits to ensure that they continue to meet the requirements of the SQF Code.

The SQF certification program has three levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Each level has its own set of requirements, with Level 3 being the most rigorous. Companies can choose the level of certification that is appropriate for their business.

The fundamental goals of SQF certification are to ensure the safety and quality of food products and to provide a standardized system for food safety management. This certification program helps to protect consumers from foodborne illnesses and ensures that food products meet regulatory requirements.

What is the Importance of SQF in the Food Handling Industry?

Ensuring food safety over international supply chains can be incredibly challenging, and organizations in the food industry depend on suppliers to provide them with food products and ingredients that are manufactured, stored, or shipped safely.

Certification programs are widely regarded to be the most effective to ensure that organizations in the food industry have confidence in their suppliers. Being one of the most recognized food certification programs, SQF is certification is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI.)

What is the Relationship to GFSI?

The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) is a business-driven global food network that consists of food retailers and manufacturers around the world. The GFSI listed a set of requirements that are crucial to a food safety management system.

Consequently, the GFSI recognizes any food safety stand that includes their set of requirements, including SQF. The result is that if a business is certified to SQF, the GFSI will recognize the certification.

If one of your customers request that you become GFSI certified, an SQF certification will, therefore, be sufficient. Your business can also receive GFSI recognition if you have an FSSC 22000, BRC Issue 7, or International Food Standard Version 6 certification.

What are the Different Levels of SQF?

There are three levels of SQF Certification. The appropriate level for your business depends on the type of food business you have.

SQF Food Safety Fundamentals

This level was formerly known as SQF Level 1 and applies to low-risk products. This level consists of fundamental food safety controls and is not recognized by GFSI.

SQF Food Safety Code

This level is a certified HACCP food safety plan and was formerly known as an SQF Level 2 Certification. Most businesses opt for this level because of its recognition by the GFSI. The SQF Food Safety Code has versions available for:

• Manufacturers
• Primary food producers
• Food retailers
• Food packaging
• Storage and distribution

SQF Quality Code

SQF Quality Code is the highest SQF level and involves the extensive implementation of safety management systems that include the Food Safety Code.

How Do I Get SQF Certified?

1. Download the Code and Guidance documents from www.SQFI.com, and learn what is required for SQF certification.
2. Select the appropriate SQF level for your business.
3. Register at SQFI and designate your SQF Practitioner.
4. Apply the required process and food safety fundamentals and train your in-house audit team.
5. Keep records, perform internal audits, review performance, and make improvements where necessary.
6. Select a certification body.
7. Schedule and undergo your inspections.

Benefits of SQF Certification

Achieving SQF certification can bring numerous benefits to businesses operating in the food industry. The certification demonstrates a commitment to food safety and quality management, which can help businesses build trust with their stakeholders, including customers, retailers, and buyers.

One of the main benefits of SQF certification is that it helps businesses ensure the safety and quality of their products. The SQF Food Safety Management Program provides a HACCP-based approach to meeting regulations and proactive prevention strategies to mitigate risks. This helps businesses establish a food safety management program or replace their current one with a more robust system.

SQF certification is also recognized globally by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), which is an industry-driven collaboration to advance food safety. This recognition can provide businesses with a competitive advantage in the global food supply chain, as many retailers and buyers require GFSI-recognized certifications.

In addition to demonstrating a commitment to food safety and quality, SQF certification can also support business development. The certification can help businesses expand their customer base, as many retailers and buyers require suppliers to have SQF certification. This can open up new opportunities for businesses to grow and expand their operations.

Moreover, SQF certification provides businesses with valuable insights into their quality management system. The certification process involves an audit that evaluates the effectiveness of the system and identifies areas for improvement. This can help businesses optimize their processes and improve their overall performance.

Overall, SQF certification can bring numerous benefits to businesses operating in the food industry. It demonstrates a commitment to food safety and quality management, provides a competitive advantage in the global food supply chain, supports business development, and provides valuable insights into quality management.

SQF Certification in Different Industries

SQF certification is a globally recognized food safety and quality management system that ensures food manufacturers, distributors, and other entities comply with international, regulatory, and other specified standards. The SQF program is designed to manage and reduce safety risks across all stages of food production and service.

Food Manufacturing and Distribution

Food manufacturing and distribution are two industries that benefit greatly from SQF certification. SQF certified sites demonstrate their commitment to food safety management systems and compliance with the food safety code. SQF certification helps food manufacturers and distributors meet the GFSI requirements and regulatory standards. It also helps them to gain the trust of their customers and retailers by assuring them that their products are safe and of high quality.

Primary Production and Packaging

Primary production and packaging are two other industries that require SQF certification. SQF certification helps primary producers and packagers to ensure that their products are safe and of high quality. It also helps them to comply with regulatory standards and meet the GFSI requirements. SQF certification is an important step for primary producers and packagers to gain the trust of their customers and retailers.

Storage and Transportation

Storage and transportation are two industries that also require SQF certification. SQF certification helps storage and transportation companies to ensure that their products are stored and transported safely. It also helps them to comply with regulatory standards and meet the GFSI requirements. SQF certification is an important step for storage and transportation companies to gain the trust of their customers and retailers.

In conclusion, SQF certification is an important program for different industries, including food manufacturing, primary production, packaging, storage, and transportation. SQF certification helps these industries to comply with regulatory standards, meet the GFSI requirements, and gain the trust of their customers and retailers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between HACCP and SQF?

HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) is a food safety management system that identifies, evaluates, and controls hazards that are significant for food safety. SQF (Safe Quality Food) certification is a food safety management system that incorporates HACCP principles and emphasizes continuous improvement, risk assessment, and traceability throughout the entire supply chain. SQF certification is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) as meeting international food safety standards.

How important is SQF certification?

SQF certification is important for food manufacturers, processors, and distributors who want to demonstrate their commitment to food safety and quality. SQF certification can help companies reduce the risk of product recalls, improve customer satisfaction, and increase market access. SQF certification is often a requirement for doing business with major retailers and food service companies.

What is the purpose of the SQF program?

The purpose of the SQF program is to provide a rigorous, internationally recognized food safety management system that helps ensure the safety and quality of food products. The SQF program is designed to help companies identify and control food safety hazards, comply with regulatory requirements, and meet customer expectations for food safety and quality.

What is SQF certification for individuals?

SQF certification for individuals is a program that provides training and certification for food safety professionals who want to enhance their knowledge and skills in food safety management. The SQF certification for individuals program includes courses on HACCP principles, SQF requirements, and food safety auditing.

What is SQF Practitioner certification?

SQF Practitioner certification is a program that provides training and certification for individuals who are responsible for implementing and maintaining an SQF food safety management system. The SQF Practitioner certification program includes courses on HACCP principles, SQF requirements, and food safety auditing.

What is a SQF certificate?

An SQF certificate is a document that certifies that a food manufacturing, processing, or distribution facility has implemented an SQF food safety management system and has been audited by a third-party certification body. The certificate indicates that the facility has met the requirements of the SQF program and is committed to continuous improvement in food safety and quality.

Work with an SQF Certified Company

Brimich Warehousing & Logistics’ food grade facilities are HACCP compliant, and SQF certified. Contact us today to discuss your needs.

When it comes to storing sensitive inventory items, climate controlled-warehousing is a game changer. But exactly how does it differ from other types of warehousing?

It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity. This is the most defining factor in the relationship between climate and temperature controlled warehousing. Let’s take a closer look and make sure a climate controlled facility really is the right fit for you.

What is a Climate Controlled Warehouse?

By definition, a climate-controlled warehouse is a storage facility equipped with environmental control systems that maintain a consistent and precise range of interior factors. These include temperature, humidity, and air quality designed to preserve the quality and integrity of stored goods.

Depending on the nature of the supply chain sector, the environmental control systems of a climate-controlled warehouse may include heating, ventilation, air conditioning, dehumidification, and air filtration equipment to regulate and monitor storage conditions.

For products that must avoid hot and cold extremes, “Climate Controlled” is another way of describing “room temperature”, or normal storage conditions that must maintain a range between 56°F (13.3°C) and 75°F (23.9°C) in a consistent atmosphere.

What’s the Difference Between a Climate Controlled Warehouse and a Temperature Controlled Warehouse?

It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity. This is the most defining factor in the relationship between climate and temperature controlled warehousing.

In other words, a temperature controlled facility focuses on temperature conditions whereas a climate controlled warehouse manages both temperature and humidity.

Climate and Temperature Controlled Warehousing Compared

Climate Controlled Warehouse:
Advantages: Dehumidifiers and air quality monitoring help you keep mold, dust mites, mildew, etc. from growing on your goods.
Disadvantages: Operationally top-heavy and not easily accessible.
Building Type: A climate-controlled facility is generally a much larger area comprised of multiple floors.
Operational Cost: Compared to temperature-controlled facilities, climate controlled units tend to cost approximately 15 to 20 % more.
Environmental Management: Climate controlled warehouses incorporate modern equipment such as HVAC along with thermostats to control and maintain optimal interior environmental conditions – the use of dehumidifiers instead of air conditions constituting the primary difference.

Temperature Controlled Warehouse:
Advantage: Ability to protect inventory from drastic temperature extremes associated with external conditions.
Disadvantage: Does not control relative humidity levels.
Building Design: Temperature controlled warehouses are typically part of larger warehouse facilities and relatively small compared to climate controlled units.
Operational Cost: Relative to climate controlled facilities requirements and size, temperature controlled warehouse are not that expensive. Being more agreeable to budgetary constraints, they can be easier managed based on customer requirements.
Environmental Management: Similar to climate controlled units, temperature-controlled warehouses need to be constantly monitored to maintain temperatures. As AI technology and equipment have advanced, the same monitoring work can be done more efficiently and send alerts for extraordinary temperature fluctuations.

Importance of Climate Controlled Warehousing

While a temperature-controlled warehouse maintains a consistent temperature range, a climate-controlled warehouse maintains a stable temperature, humidity, and air quality. Climate-controlled warehousing is critical for the storage of sensitive goods which can be damaged by fluctuations in humidity and air quality in addition to temperature.

Types of Products That Require Climate Controlled Storage

The range of products that flow through the climate-controlled supply chain are fairly diverse and part of our daily lives. Some of the items that may require climate-controlled storage include:

• Pharmaceuticals
• Nutraceuticals
• Electronics
• Artwork
• Wine
• Food items with a short shelf life
• Sensitive documents
• Cosmetics
• And natural fibers such as wool and silk.

These products and many others can be sensitive to fluctuations in temperature, humidity, and air quality, and require precise environmental control to ensure their quality and longevity.

What Certifications are Required?

In Canada, the regulatory certification required to operate a climate-controlled warehouse depends on the type of products stored. For example, along with SQF and HACCP certification, food products may require compliance with the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR), while pharmaceuticals may require adherence to the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) guidelines.

Safe Food for Canadians Regulations formed January 15, 2019

In the United States, the regulatory certification required to operate a climate-controlled warehouse depends on the location, type of products stored, and whether the warehouse engages in interstate commerce. For example, food products stored in a climate-controlled warehouse may require compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), while pharmaceuticals may require adherence to the Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) guidelines.

Current Good Manufacturing Practices originally finalized in April of 1969

Both countries have additional certifications that can be pursued, such as the ISO 9001:2015 for quality management systems and the ISO 22000 for food safety management systems.

How Climate Controlled Warehousing Works

A climate-controlled warehouse system works by using environmental control systems to regulate nature of the storage space within the facility. The specific mechanisms of a climate-controlled warehouse system may vary, but generally involve the following components:

1. Temperature control: Temperature control systems are used to maintain a consistent temperature range within the warehouse. This may involve heating, cooling, or both, depending on the climate and the products being stored.
2. Humidity control: Humidity control systems are used to maintain a consistent level of moisture in the air. This can help prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria, which can damage products and compromise their quality.
3. Air quality control: Air quality control systems are used to filter and circulate the air within the warehouse, removing contaminants and ensuring a clean, healthy environment.
4. Monitoring and automation: Climate-controlled warehouse systems often include monitoring and automation tools that allow operators to track environmental conditions in real-time and make adjustments as needed to maintain optimal storage conditions.

Together, these components work to create a controlled environment that preserves the quality and integrity of the products being stored in the warehouse.

Benefits of a Climate Controlled Facility

Compared to facilities that are only temperature controlled, using a climate-controlled warehouse to handle your products offers several key benefits:

1. Preservation of product quality: Because a climate-controlled warehouse maintains precise levels of temperature, humidity, and air quality, these warehouses can help preserve the quality and integrity of products that are highly sensitive to atmospheric conditions.
2. Extended shelf life: By maintaining optimal storage conditions, a climate-controlled warehouse can extend the shelf life of products, reducing waste and increasing profitability.
3. Protection against damage: Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can cause products to warp, crack, or otherwise become damaged due to a lack of environmental control. A climate-controlled warehouse protects against these risks, reducing the likelihood of product loss or damage.
4. Regulatory compliance: Some products, such as pharmaceuticals and food items, require specific storage conditions to comply with regulatory guidelines. A climate-controlled warehouse can ensure compliance with these regulations, reducing the risk of regulatory penalties or product recalls.

Overall, a climate-controlled warehouse provides a higher level of control over an interior environment and offers better protection for sensitive products over a facility that is only temperature controlled.

Trust Brimich for Your Environment-Controlled Warehousing Needs

With over 500,000 square feet of food-grade ambient warehousing and more than 275,000 square feet of food-grade cold storage space, Brimich is fully capable of handling your temperature controlled storage needs.

Contact us today to learn more about our HACCP compliant and SQF certified food-grade facilities.

What is Contract Warehousing?

Contract warehousing (or “dedicated warehousing”), is typically used when warehouse space and resources are required for longer terms. In other words, the “tenant” company commits to fixed, and therefor more predictable costs for the period of the contract.

The main alternative to contract warehousing offered by 3PL service providers is referred to as shared, general or “public” warehousing. In shared or general warehousing, the available warehouse space and facility provider’s resources are divided among many companies or warehouse tenants.

Advantages of Contract Warehousing

Lower Costs and Capital Investments. Instead of being saddled with the costs of maintaining a proprietary warehousing facility, contract warehousing offers a ready-made solution complete with staffing and equipment. Additionally, contracted facilities are typically divided into zones that can accommodate different varieties of goods and their particular storage requirements.

Locked-in Service Period. Whether the term is one year or ten, a contracted warehouse space protects your company from unexpected expenses. There is added stability as the contract will specify the terms costs – annual or monthly, as well as offer contingency for possible changes over the contract period such as period extensions.

Reliability. A contracted warehousing facility also offers the ability to efficiently react to and accommodate increases in demand and expanding warehousing needs. Along with related services such as co-packing, reverse logistics and quality controls, a good logistics partner can be trusted to help a business to grow by keeping their goods flowing in and out of storage smoothly.

Advantages of Shared or General Warehousing

Extra Flexibility. The advantages of this mode of warehousing are in extra flexibility of the amount of space used and the associated costs. For example, a smaller company may not need an extraordinary amount of storage space or require additional services. Therefor warehousing overhead for these smaller footprints can be more cost-effective for companies that have limited resources.

Scalability.  3PL providers able to accommodate changes in volume and scope. By providing flexible space, staff and equipment, they enable a business to expand and change storage requirements to suit a business’ needs.

Types of Contract Warehousing Models

For many businesses, contract warehousing provides the perfect balance between the total freedom and control associated with owning a private warehouse, and the relatively low cost of using a shared warehouse.

Depending on your business’ needs, contract warehousing can be divided into three basic models:

1. The third party logistics partner owns the warehouse and dedicates the facility and its associated resources, in part or in whole, to the operations of the tenant company.

2. The 3PL owns the warehouse but the tenant company independently runs and manages all operations within it without use of the 3PL’s resources and associates.

3. A company owns or leases warehouse space and hires a 3PL to manage all operations within that space on its behalf.

Additionally, contract warehousing can apply to just a portion of a warehouse. Because a company may not need the full warehouse space, they can commit to a proportional contract arrangement: 40,000 square feet out of a 150,000-square-foot warehouse. This also allows the 3PL to use the balance of the space for shared warehousing or other contract arrangements.

Companies Best Suited to Contracted Warehouses

Every business is different, yet there are a number of factors that indicate whether an operation should be using contracted or shared general warehouse space.

For example, if your company’s sales volumes change substantially, but infrequently because they’re tied due to peak holidays seasons, then shared warehousing is more likely the better choice.

If on the other hand, your warehousing needs ebb and flow within consistent ranges and you’re able to maximize the warehouse’s resources and space over time, contract warehousing would be a better fit.

Another consideration would be around your plans for growth, and your warehouse provider’s ability to provide additional space.

If your company needs to rely on more predictable costs, the fixed rates attached to long term contract warehousing offer the best solution to manage your logistical operations and storage needs.

Additionally, larger companies can help mitigate the risk associated with operating their own proprietary facilities by partnering with an experienced 3PL provider that already control existing warehousing space.

What Makes for a Good Contract Warehousing Provider?

Though the nature of warehousing can vary from temperature controlled refrigeration to dry storage and others, the basics of efficient modern warehousing, whether contracted or general, are essentially the same. A few examples of better warehouse providers include:

Strategic Locations. Since your goods will move from point to point eventually, you want to choose a 3PL partner withs location that enable efficient distribution to your customers.

A Warehouse Management System. Make sure your chosen 3PL partner has an up-to-date warehouse management system (WMS) that can monitor the flow of your inventory and orders, and report on them in the way you want them managed.

Temperature-Controlled Capabilities: If your products require temperature sensitive or climate controlled storage, a good 3PL partner will have all the necessary resources available to you.

Recognized Certifications. The best warehouse providers will also have gone through the rigours of inspections that guarantee proper and safe handling of goods. For example, food-grade facilities will be SQF certified and HACCP compliant.

Is Contract Warehousing Different Than 3PL Warehousing?

Contract warehousing is not necessarily different from 3PL warehousing. By leveraging a number of network facilities, or their own, better third party logistics providers have the capability to offer contracted warehouse space.

What are the Differences Between Contract and Private Warehousing?

Simply put, a contract warehouse space receives a guaranteed amount of storage space every month. The third party that controls the warehouse will not be able to give away the reserved space. Thus the occupying company can choose to either fill it or leave it empty.

Private warehouses on the other hand are usually company owned and operated, though they may choose to have a third party manage warehouse operations.

What Type of Warehousing Do You Need?

Whether you’re looking for public, shared or contract warehousing, Brimich has you covered. With access to over 1,000,000 square feet of certified warehouse space and complete fulfillment capabilities, contact us today for a quote!

Partners Moving Towards Sustainability

Through intelligent observation and leveraged opportunity through Canada’s SmartWay program, Brimich has positioned itself to take full advantage of the future.

In the article Rick Fergus, VP of Sales and Operations, states:

“Becoming a more environmentally responsible transportation logistics company is an advantage we want to leverage—for ourselves, our customers and our environment. Being a SmartWay partner holds our company accountable, prompting us to live up to our commitment to environmental sustainability.”

Values, Vision, and Excellent Leadership.

The article goes on to explain some of the extraordinary details that go into running a lean, efficient, and environmentally conscious logistics business.

Getting Smarter

From the article:

– Brimich Logistics uses its SmartWay partnership as a logistics provider not only to choose from the most environmentally responsible carriers, but also to improve the fuel efficiency of its emerging transportation division.

– As a third-party logistics provider, the company takes advantage of the SmartWay portal to identify and hire carriers that are also program partners. Brimich also uses the SmartWay newsletter to stay up to date about the latest advances in transportation sustainability. As an added bonus, Brimich considers being a SmartWay partner as a further means—along with Safe Quality Food certification—of standardizing and improving key aspects of its operations.

For more insight into what makes smarter partnerships, read the full article on the Government of Canada website here: SmartWay Partner Profiles