7 replies to this topic

[Altermanm]

Hello all,

We are an SQF certified manufacturer of low risk ready to eat food. At the front part of the building, in adjacent to the office area, we have a store that sells some of our products, souvenirs and tools for farmers.  

Once in a while we have a customer with a service dog that comes to the store.

The store has a door to  the storage area that is farther connected to the facility storage area.

Should I perform a documented risk assessment for the dogs inside the store? 

We are trying to figure out what risk is  introduced by the dogs in the store, they are not going to the storage or production area.

 

 

Thank you!

[SQFconsultant]

Should I perform a documented risk assessment for the dogs inside the store? 

 

Fast Answer -- YES you need to and keep it on file as a just in case at audit time.

 

Longer answer -- is your store under your SQF scope of certification ( I ask because we have a client that operates a bakery and has a coffee/donut shop attached) you will need create a policy on acceptance of "service animals" and post a sign authorizing same at entrances - plus do a risk assessment based on possibility of product impact, etc.

[Altermanm]

Should I perform a documented risk assessment for the dogs inside the store? 

 

Fast Answer -- YES you need to and keep it on file as a just in case at audit time.

 

Longer answer -- is your store under your SQF scope of certification ( I ask because we have a client that operates a bakery and has a coffee/donut shop attached) you will need create a policy on acceptance of "service animals" and post a sign authorizing same at entrances - plus do a risk assessment based on possibility of product impact, etc.

Hi Glenn,

Thank you for your response. The store is not in the SQF scope of certification. In this case do I still need a risk assessment?

Thank you!

[SQFconsultant]

I'd do one anyway and just hold onto it.

[Scampi]

BTW at former employer (SQF certified) the family dog was included as part of the "security system" because he'd bark like a maniac..........but he was never in production areas,.........auditor had no issue with it

[Scampi]

I don't think you can legally exclude service dogs btw.....

[Hoosiersmoker]

Even if the store is not listed in the scope it has a potential impact, albeit very minimal, as it is incidentally connected to the manufacturing facility. The Risk Assessment will show this and explain the reasoning for low / no risk to production. The risk assessment is for the manufacturing plant, not the store. It explores all risk to manufacturing from any potential sources.

[Altermanm]

Thank you all for your comments!