When I help a food company with its SQF program development, I always ask who an SQF Practitioner is. These professionals are the linchpins in ensuring that food safety standards are not only met but exceeded, safeguarding public health and maintaining the integrity of food supply chains. This blog post will delve into who an SQF Practitioner is, their essential roles, and the key requirements necessary to excel in this critical position. Whether you’re considering a career in food safety or simply want to understand more about this vital role, this comprehensive guide will provide valuable insights.
Who is an SQF Practitioner?
An SQF Practitioner is a person that have attended the HACCP-based food safety courses, and understands the SQF requirements and the SQF system.
Perhaps the better questions to ask are, do I need to have a specific degree or skills to be an SQF Practitioner? Let’s start by understanding the role of the SQF Practitioner.
The Role of an SQF Practitioner
The role of an SQF Practitioner is multifaceted, involving various responsibilities that ensure the safety and quality of food products. One of their primary duties is to develop, implement, and manage the facility’s SQF System. This includes ensuring that food safety requirements are met, monitoring food safety practices, and ensuring all staff are adequately trained in the latest food safety protocols. Additionally, they are responsible for maintaining detailed records and documentation, which are critical for both internal assessments and external audits.
Essential Skills for an SQF Practitioner
Beyond formal education and training, successful SQF Practitioners possess a unique set of skills that enable them to excel in their roles. Strong analytical skills are crucial, as practitioners must assess and interpret complex data to identify potential food safety risks. Attention to detail is another essential skill, ensuring that all aspects of the SQF System are meticulously managed. Effective communication skills are also vital, as practitioners must convey complex information clearly to both management and staff. Additionally, problem-solving abilities are key, as practitioners often need to devise innovative solutions to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
Highly Recommended -The Importance of Continuous Learning
The field of food safety is dynamic, with regulations and best practices continually evolving. As such, continuous learning is a cornerstone of an SQF Practitioner’s career. Staying abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and regulatory changes is essential for maintaining the effectiveness of the SQF System. Practitioners often engage in ongoing professional development through workshops, conferences, and online courses. By doing so, they not only enhance their own skills but also contribute to the overall improvement of food safety practices within their organization.
Challenges Faced by SQF Practitioners
While the role of an SQF Practitioner is rewarding, it is not without its challenges. One of the primary challenges that we often hear from our clients (regardless of size) is the resources and management commitment.
SQF Practitioners often feel unheard or that their program is not fully supported. Are you feeling the same?
That is exactly where we come in to support with their program, help and assistance to bounce ideas and work with management to gather resources needed to fully implement the program.
Even if you are presented with the best written programs, if it is not implemented, what is the use?
Find a Time with Felicia Loo to work with us on building and implementing food safety programs that are customized to your food facility. Working on your SQF Ed. 10 preparations, visit our training website to learn about how we can support you and upcoming complimentary training.
The second most common challenge is that the SQF Practitioners are questioned with the requirements, policies and procedures -ie. Did you make the procedures or rules?
I felt exactly the same when I was an SQF Practitioner, before I became an independent consultant. My manager doubted my judgment because I didn’t have the right credentials. They ended up hiring a food safety consultant who reflected the same conclusion.
Sometimes, it is not you! It is about finding the right supporting system that reinforces what we say. That’s where we offer training, gap assessment and consultation to help reinforce food safety concepts and why we need to have the food safety controls.
Working with a food safety consultant like me helps you understand and strengthen the food safety implementation, as well as build the team’s support. That’s the exact reason why I love delivering customized food safety training for the food safety team (who need this extra kick) to run their program better.
