American Food Safety Services

American Food Safety Services is a licensed training center for the Safe Quality Food (SQF) standard which is the most highly recognized Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standard for food safety in North America.  We specialize in on-site training classes to help employees become SQF Practitioners and effectively implement the SQF standard.

Because we are on-site for training, we can also provide specific and critical information concerning the implementation of the SQF standard at your facility.  Other certification bodies may not provide this all-important, supplemental information addressing the specific questions your staff may have regarding the final audit.  With one of the widest recognized consulting category registrations in North America (19 categories), we bring a wealth of technical and business operation experience to address your company's requirements.  See more specific information on our consulting services below.

HACCP and GMP TRAINING:

We train according to the 12-step Codex HACCP process customized to meet the needs of SQF and BRC audits.  Our materials and methods have been reviewed and approved by the International HACCP Alliance.  Few, if any organizations, offer such a comprehensive and specifically focused class to satisfy audit requirements.  We offer both regular and advanced HACCP training. 

DOCUMENT REVIEW AND GAP ANALYSIS:

We help companies seeking guidance in certification under the SQF 1000 and 2000 standards by reviewing the in-house programs to ensure they are properly documented according the SQF standard requirements.

Few organizations offer such a diverse experience upon which to draw when developing the gap analysis.  We offer consulting expertise in 19 different categories of food products, including high risk examples.  Complete information is available at www.sqfi.com under the "How Do I?" tab. 

HACCP PLAN VALIDATION:

We routinely examine and validate the all-important HACCP plan for companies at all stages in the supply chain: field harvest and production to retail and food service outlets.  Our 30 plus years of technical experience is an invaluable asset in ensuring best practice and implementation of HACCP plans. 

MOCK AUDIT:

We perform a complete dry run analysis on your SQF system, following the current and offical certification body audit format which is used when the auditor comes to your facility.  Our organization regularly assists the SQF Institute with its Auditor Training course, so we have the knowledge and expertise to review your documentation and records and interview your key employees just as will be done during your certification audit.  We will provide you with a report that details the non-conformances and outlines the changes you'll need to get through the actual certification audit.   

RECALL AND BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLANNING:

Many companies in the food supply chain need specialized programs to help them in times of crisis.  Adulterated and unsafe ingredients are an increasing reality to the processor and retailer alike.  All third party standards require companies in the food supply chain to possess and practice their ability to recover and remove adulterated products when a problem occurs.  Recall and traceability are not equivilent activites, and yet both are needed in a time of crisis.  We can help your company sort through the network of requirements to build and effective recall system and a corresponding business continuity plan, to restore normalacy when the unthinkable happens. 

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY PROGRAMS

A leading cause of business failure, is the sudden rise in workers compensation insurance premiums that happens when a spat of silly worker injuries occur.  Equally importantly, are the massive fines and penalties that await a company whose employees continue to seek medical attention for even minor injuries.  The food industry can offer more than its share of occupations that expose workers to injury or industrial related illnesses.  Companies need effective training and record keeping programs to avoid the adverse impact of an OSHA compliance failure.  As certified traininers, American Food Safety Services can help with business expense avoidance by helping make sure your people are properly trained and your site is reviewed for potential sources of employee injury.