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The SQF certification is one of the most credible food safety certifications in the world. Being SQF certified means our food contact packaging materials are produced as safely as the food itself.
To continue to be certified, Versa Pak is audited on a regular basis to ensure that we meet and exceed the SQF requirements, which we have been certified in since 2016.
What are SQF Audits?
Every year, Versa Pak is audited by SQF so that we are able to keep our food safety certification. While it’s American-based and American-owned, the SQF audit is a globally recognized food safety certification that sets Versa Pak apart from other manufacturers and gives our companies a competitive advantage in the global marketplace.
During the audit, which typically takes two to three days, the auditor reviews all of Versa Pak’s policies, documents and records to ensure we have the correct methods in place to meet the standards.
Versa Pak Receives Excellence in SQF Program and Certification Standards
Joel Giesige, risk and compliance officer at Versa Pak
During these SQF audits, the auditor is responsible for seeking out companies that exhibit a high standard for the program, said Joel Giesige, risk and compliance officer.
“And in doing that, they are also looking for potential companies where they can train their new auditors to the standard,” he said. “When they’re bringing these trainees into a company, they know ahead of time that the place they’re bringing these trainees into, they’re going to have an easier time understanding what is going on because things are so well put together.”
In fact, during Versa Pak’s most recent audit, the company inquired about using our facility and audit to help train new auditors.
“They feel that the program that we have in place is extremely easy for someone new to come in and understand what they’re looking for,” Giesige said.
He added, “This inquiry reflects well on the direction that we are intending and trying to go in with our program. There’s a lot of effort being put into our core values, and certainly, it shows the efforts we are putting into place are showing their intended purposes.”
SQF Edition 9 and Versa Pak
SQF Edition 9 went into effect in May 2021 and was the primary focus of Versa Pak’s most recent audit. Giesige said the auditor who reviewed Versa Pak’s documentation and processes noted this new edition was an extremely difficult one.
“She made it a point to comment on the fact that this was an extremely difficult addition they had to meet this year, and so many other facilities were unable to meet the requirements for whatever reason. We not only excelled but set the bar as far as the standards are concerned,” he said.
Learn More About Why Versa Pak is SQF Certified
Versa Pak is proud of our SQF certification and continued excellent rating. Read our next blog to learn more about the benefits of working with an SQF-certified vendor.