Hi Dehydrated,
The SQF Code requires specifications to be “current” and to be reviewed when there are changes. It does not specify a period for review directly but previous guidance indicated an annual review was required, although nothing specific regarding evidence of that specification review. The relevant requirements and guidance are quoted below.
SQF Food Safety Code: – System Elements Animal Product Manufacturing, Edition 9
2.3.2 Specifications (Raw Material, Packaging, Finished Product, and Services)
2.3.2.2 Specifications for all raw materials and packaging, including, but not limited to, ingredients, additives, hazardous chemicals, processing aids, and packaging that impact finished product safety shall be documented and kept current.
2.3.2.10 Specifications for raw materials and packaging, chemicals, processing aids, contract services, and finished products shall be reviewed as changes occur that impact product safety. Records of reviews shall be maintained.
TIP SHEET 8 SPECIFICATIONS
And to ensure the final product meets both company and customer requirements, finished product specifications are to be documented, approved by the customer and kept current.
Guidance for Developing, Documenting, Implementing, Maintaining and Auditing an SQF Food Safety System for Manufacturing SQF Code, Edition 8.1–SQF System Elements for Manufacturing
The supplier needs to ensure that the annual review of the SQF System (refer to 2.1.4.2) includes a review of the finished product specifications and that the list of specifications is maintained and kept current in a register (list).
Specifications are reviewed as part of the management review process (refer to 2.1.4.2).
I would expect the supplier to review a specification every 3 years. BRCGS really lead the way in laying down requirements, here is BRCGS Guidance on this matter:
Evidence that a review has been completed needs to be available and this should be achieved through the addition of a signature and date to the specification or through the use of a matrix showing specifications and the latest review date and reviewer.
6 years is taking the P, as a minimum I would want the supplier to confirm in writing that the specification has been reviewed and current.
Kind regards,
Tony