What Happens After You Fail an SQF Audit?

  • September 5, 2021
  • Posted by: Felicia L
  • Categories: Food Safety, SQF
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What Happens After You Fail an SQF Audit by SFPM Consulting

No one wants to hear this!

Due to the number of non-conformances or critical non-conformances observed at the facility, you have gained a score of less than 70%, and therefore, the facility is deemed to fail an audit!

It is heartbreaking and can happen to any facility that is not fully prepared or fails to implement food safety programs.

If you fail an SQF audit, here is what you need to do:

  1. Understand all the non-conformances raised
  2. Identify the problem – Ask yourselves what the real problem is. Is it a one-time or repeated (systemic) issue? Who can help you resolve this issue?
  3. Perform corrective actions within 30 days.
  4. Schedule a site visit within 30 days. Work with the certification body to schedule a site visit within 30 days. This visit is meant to confirm that the corrective actions are in place.

You may be required to perform a full process during the re-inspection date, although they are not scored.

Determine certification status or rating for an SQF-certified facility

To determine if a facility is certified to SQF standards, access this site: SQF Certified Site Directory

  1. Enter the facility information
  2. Select SQF certification standards
  3. Select audit rating

Pro-tips: You may want to verify your supplier information through this site as well.

How to prevent SQF audit failure?

SQF audit failure can be prevented in many ways:

  1. Know the latest SQF code requirements. If you haven’t already, here is the download link for the SQF code. Know which code to follow.
  2. Having a qualified SQF Practitioner to guide and lead SQF programs
  3. Validated food safety and SQF programs
  4. Properly maintained SQF programs
  5. Know what to expect for an SQF audit and be audit-ready.
  6. Know when to get help! SQF consultants like Felicia Loo can assist you in navigating SQF requirements and staying on top of SQF monitoring, verification, and validation requirements.

Find a Time with Felicia Loo

How can SFPM’s SQF Consultant help you restore your SQF system’s credibility?

Failing an audit is a big deal, and feeling stress is normal. This is because you face suspension, and if it is not handled correctly, your certification may be withdrawn. It is also listed as a withdrawn or suspended SQF facility on the database.

If you are curious about the suspended site, check this link: Suspended and Withdrawn Site 

With SFPM, we focus on helping navigate the stress while building and restoring the food safety culture at your facility. Whether it is a lack of qualified personnel or directions, we help restore the implementation of the food safety management system so you can start gaining customer trust in your programs.

Find a Time with Felicia Loo so we can help you build a blueprint to navigate through your SQF reaudit. We care about your success.