SQF Audit Checklist – Ensure That Your Pest Control Program Is Well-Developed and Implemented

In order to pass an SQF audit with flying colors, it’s imperative that a comprehensive pest control program be designed and executed properly – particularly if you store or transport food.

Rodents in warehouse areas, chewed packaging materials and dead rodents in traps can all pose significant threats to product safety. To minimize these issues and stay ahead of potential issues, regularly review and update your sqf audit checklist.

1. Observation
An auditor will examine your documentation of pest control program during an SQF audit process, so make sure it is all organized and easily accessible prior to starting an audit process. Rentokil PestNetOnline may help ensure documentation remains up-to-date and easy to locate.

Make sure that any critical non-conformances are identified and addressed quickly to maintain SQF certification, gain access to larger food markets, and enhance opportunities for business growth.

To create an effective SQF audit checklist, begin by identifying all your key processes related to food safety. Next, identify any specific SQF requirements that should be met – for instance personal hygiene, sanitation, traceability and pest control should all be covered here. Finally, develop checklist items for each requirement with assigned responsibilities so you can monitor compliance with SQF requirements as well as internal food safety standards within your business.

2. Record
Food businesses looking to meet SQF audit checklist requirements need robust management systems in place that promote efficient processes, precise data collection and timely decision-making. Inecta Food ERP offers an all-in-one solution that streamlines food safety and quality management.

SQF audits can be complex processes, but with proper planning, training and internal support you can ensure its success. Effective communication between auditors and those under audit ensures they gain a deep understanding of your operations as well as providing valuable insights.

Preparing for an audit early is critical. A self-assessment can help identify areas for improvement and be addressed proactively before an actual audit occurs. Furthermore, conducting a small-scale audit allows you to fine-tune the checklist in accordance with your business needs.

3. Report
SQF audit checklists help your business demonstrate compliance with the SQF food safety code, increasing your chances of certification. A thorough checklist will allow you to identify pest issues and lower risks of noncompliance with SQF regulations.

Checklists must be regularly revised to accommodate for changes to operations and any updated food safety codes, while making sure employees are adequately trained in SQF food safety code compliance and audit procedures.

Staff authorized to conduct GMP inspections should watch for signs of pest activity such as signs of rodent activity at the base of flour silos, on lower walls within pallet racking areas and overhead conduits and pipes, or around building perimeters. They should take note if these areas have adequate sealing measures in place.

Pest control programs must include a map of the facility as well as devices for pest control such as lights, pheromones and traps to control insects. Employees should become familiar with this program’s methods, responsibilities and documentation.

4. Corrective Action
An SQF audit checklist is an integral component of food safety programs. A good SQF Audit Checklist must be comprehensive, clear, and tailored specifically to the operations of your business. Furthermore, regular updates should ensure it stays up-to-date and aligns with industry practices and the SQF code.

An unannounced SQF inspection may expose evidence of pest activity not addressed during that period, including rodent droppings and tracks in warehouse areas, chewed packaging materials, dead rodents trapped, spider webs on overhead pipes or equipment and any other signs that indicate your site is failing its master sanitation program. Such activity includes rodent droppings and tracks left unaddressed as well as chewed packaging materials chewed by rodents trapped by traps, spider webs on overhead piping or equipment and any other indications of deficiencies not addressed during that period of an inspection.

To address these challenges, all food businesses should regularly update their SQF audit checklist with updated best practices, keeping up with changes to SQF code, industry practices and internal business operations as well as improving SQF audit efficiency for more effective certification levels.