When a company sets out to become SQF Certified, it is necessary to appoint an SQF Practitioner to be the lead for the implementation of the SQF system. The company must give that person the authority to lead the development of the Food Safety Fundamentals and the Food Safety Plan.

Role of the SQF Practitioner:

The SQF Practitioner will not only lead the implementation but they will be responsible for maintaining the system and making sure it is effective through the use of verification and validation.

The SQF Practitioner will facilitate communication in the company of information related to the implementation and maintenance of the system.

SQF Training for the Practitioner: A collection of essential tools for the SQF Practitioner has been created by 22000-tools.com to help the SQF Practitioner with these responsibilities. They will make the project much easier, saving time and money in the process.

Requirements of an SQF Practitioner:

The SQF Code defines the required qualifications for this role in Section 8.2 “SQF Practitioner”:
2.1.2.5 The SQF practitioner shall:
i. Be employed by the supplier as a company employee on a full-time basis;
ii. Hold a position of responsibility in relation to the management of the supplier’s SQF
System;
iii. Have completed a HACCP training course;
iv. Be competent to implement and maintain HACCP based food safety plans; and
v. Have an understanding of the SQF Code  and the requirements for implementing and maintaining an SQF System relevant to the supplier scope of certification.