It comes as no surprise that food safety is a top priority in the cold storage industry, where any lapse in temperature control or product mishandling can compromise supplies. That’s why many companies, including Interstate Cold Storage, pursue Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification, a globally recognized program that verifies adherence to rigorous food safety and quality standards.
Achieving SQF certification demonstrates a company’s commitment to excellence, ensuring food is stored, managed and distributed in a way that meets or exceeds customer and industry expectations. For Interstate Cold Storage, which recently secured SQF certification for its Columbus II warehouse, it wasn’t just about compliance, it was also about reinforcing our dedication to quality and instilling confidence in our customers.
Read on to explore why a third-party cold storage provider should be motivated to pursue this important milestone.
By proactively identifying and assessing food safety hazards through a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points-based (HACCP) food safety plan, customers can be reassured that their products are managed, stored and distributed in a manner that will minimize food safety risks throughout all process steps. Interstate Cold Storage is certified by the Food Safety Code for storage and distribution. Other manufacturing industries might pursue certifications to the following codes depending on their product scope:
Achieving SQF certification goes beyond yearly audits; it influences every aspect of a cold storage warehouse’s daily operations to ensure consistent food safety and quality. Certified facilities must adhere to strict guidelines in key operational areas, including:
Beyond these core areas, SQF certification also requires cold storage facilities to manage allergens and chemicals carefully to prevent cross-contact, ensure proper handling of hazardous materials, and maintain strict shipping and receiving protocols to verify product integrity. Additionally, ongoing employee training is necessary for keeping staff informed on best practices and regulatory requirements. By embedding these standards into daily operations, cold storage providers enhance efficiency, reduce risks and build trust with customers.
Securing SQF certification requires careful planning and execution. The process begins with hiring an SQF Practitioner, an expert responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining the SQF system for the facility. From there this person will:
Achieving SQF Certification is a thorough process that requires a facility to meet elevated food safety and quality standards. Even for sites with a strong foundation, such as those already certified in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), there are challenges in adapting to the more comprehensive requirements of SQF.
One of those challenges is expanding existing protocols to align with SQF’s more detailed and stringent standards. While GMP Certification provides a solid baseline, SQF demands additional documentation, enhanced process controls and a more structured approach to risk management. This often requires revising procedures, strengthening monitoring systems and ensuring seamless implementation across all departments.
Another challenge is maintaining team alignment throughout the process. Clear communication and ongoing collaboration are essential to successfully implementing new policies and process improvements. Regular meetings and training sessions help ensure that all team members understand changes, stay engaged and contribute to the cold storage facility’s overall compliance efforts.
A strong commitment to food safety, proactive problem-solving and teamwork can make all the difference in overcoming challenges. For Interstate Cold Storage, this commitment to excellence has led to a significant achievement, SQF certification at its Columbus warehouse!
Led by SQF Practitioner, Megan Beachler, the certification process took nine months from start to finish, involving two key phases: development and implementation. In the development phase, ICS established comprehensive SQF procedures and forms, creating the foundation for a robust food safety system. The implementation phase focused on integrating these procedures into daily operations, requiring clear goal-setting, role designation, strategic rollouts, continuous communication, training and internal audits to ensure seamless adoption.
Key improvements and new protocols
To meet SQF standards, ICS enhanced existing programs and introduced new protocols to strengthen its food safety framework. Some of the most significant improvements included enhancements to the current crisis management plan. ICS now conducts an annual crisis management drill to assess and refine emergency response strategies. These drills provide valuable insights for further improving the plan.
Additionally, the Columbus warehouse now adheres to stricter SQF facility condition guidelines, leading to a more robust preventative maintenance program to ensure all equipment and infrastructure remain in optimal condition. Cleaning and sanitation procedures are now fully documented and verified through an internal audit program to maintain compliance with SQF’s stringent standards. All new hires now undergo SQF training upon onboarding, and all employees receive annual SQF refresher training. Leadership teams also complete additional refresher courses in HACCP, internal audits, recall procedures and food defense to strengthen the organization’s overall food safety culture.
Achieving certification is just the beginning as maintaining compliance is an ongoing priority. ICS is dedicated to continual monitoring, reassessment and improvement to uphold the integrity of its SQF system. This responsibility is shared across all levels of the organization, from top management to frontline workers, ensuring a strong food safety culture where every employee understands the importance of their role in maintaining compliance.
Looking ahead, ICS plans to pursue SQF certification at additional locations, further reinforcing its commitment to excellence in food safety and quality across its entire network.
Ensuring your third-party cold storage provider is SQF-certified is an important step toward safeguarding the quality and safety of your products. If you're looking for a trusted partner who prioritizes food safety and quality at every stage of the process, contact Interstate Cold Storage today to learn more about how we can support your business needs.
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(more…)Are you in search of comprehensive cold storage solutions that meet your specific needs? Interstate Cold Storage has an efficient way to start your journey with our "Request A Quote" option available on our website. This feature offers a seamless experience for businesses looking to understand and evaluate the services and costs associated with cold storage solutions.
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