Food Defense Plan

Aligned with SQF Code Edition 9 – System Element 2.8.3

Requirement Overview

SQF Code Edition 9, System Element 2.8.3, requires:

“A food defense plan shall be established and effectively implemented to ensure the site is protected from intentional acts of sabotage or terrorist-like incidents. The plan shall be based on a risk assessment of potential threats.”

A food defense program safeguards against intentional contamination by identifying facility vulnerabilities and implementing security and monitoring systems.

Disclaimer: Food Safety Systems is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI). This content is for internal compliance and training purposes only. For official program requirements, visit www.sqfi.com.

Key Compliance Objectives

  • ✓ Identify site-specific threats and access vulnerabilities

    ✓ Document and implement food defense control measures

    ✓ Monitor access and install security protocols

    ✓ Train employees and conduct simulation drills

Step-by-Step Compliance Implementation

1. Conduct a Site-Specific Threat Assessment

  • Key Areas to Assess:

    • • Perimeter and gate security

      • Raw material and finished goods storage

      • Processing, blending, and packing zones

      • Shipping, receiving, and driver access points

      • Utilities (e.g., water, HVAC, compressed air systems)

    Evidence to Maintain:

    • • Completed food defense vulnerability assessment

      • Facility layout with zone-specific risk classification

      • Security risk analysis with prioritized zones

2. Develop and Document the Food Defense Plan

  • Your Plan Should Include:

    • • Vulnerable areas and entry points

      • Physical and procedural barriers

      • Emergency and response protocols

      • Assigned roles and responsibilities

    Evidence to Maintain:

    • • Signed and version-controlled food defense plan

      • Internal SOPs for each control measure

      • Organizational chart showing designated response personnel

3. Install Security Measures and Access Controls

  • Example Controls:

    • • Badge or biometric access for employees

      • Visitor and contractor sign-in logs

      • CCTV coverage of critical areas

      • Sealed packaging zones with tamper-proof features

      • Lockable or restricted ingredient storage

    Evidence to Maintain:

    • • Access control records

      • Surveillance system inspection and maintenance logs

      • Visitor tracking logs and review summaries

4. Train Staff and Run Food Defense Drills

  • Training Program Must Include:

    • • Annual training for all site personnel

      • Role-specific training for security or facility leads

      • Simulated food defense breach scenarios

      • Documentation of response, gaps, and corrective actions

    Evidence to Maintain:

    • • Attendance records from food defense training sessions

      • Drill reports with findings and CAPAs

      • Evaluation forms from simulated incidents

5. Review and Update the Plan Annually

  • Annual Program Review Includes:

    • • Plan revalidation or update (especially after facility changes)

      • Review of any past incidents or audit findings

      • Improvements based on drill outcomes or supplier alerts

    Evidence to Maintain:

    • • Annual review log and sign-off documentation

      • Updated versions of food defense plans and SOPs

      • Meeting minutes or review notes

Common Audit Findings & Recommended Fixes

Finding Corrective Action
No written food defense plan Create a documented plan with assigned roles and updates
Inadequate perimeter security Install physical barriers or access control devices
No employee training on threats Conduct annual site-wide awareness training
No record of drills or updates Schedule simulations and maintain change logs

Auditor Verification Checklist

Expect SQF auditors to:

  • • Review the written and signed food defense plan

    • Inspect access control logs, cameras, and visitor records

    • Verify employee training and role-specific drills

    • Examine annual plan reviews or version history

Implementation Roadmap

Build Your Program

  • ✓ Conduct a site vulnerability assessment

    ✓ Create a zone-specific risk profile

Train and Validate

  • ✓ Train staff in awareness and breach response

    ✓ Run drills and evaluate effectiveness

Operate and Monitor

  • ✓ Control facility access and monitor sensitive zones

    ✓ Maintain logs for visitors and surveillance

Improve Continuously

  • ✓ Review and revise the plan annually

    ✓ Update after structural, supplier, or incident changes

Why This Matters?

An effective food defense plan:

  • ✓ Shields your operations from deliberate harm

    ✓ Supports compliance with SQF, FSMA, and GFSI standards

    ✓ Builds confidence among regulators, customers, and stakeholders

    ✓ Demonstrates proactive risk management

Need Support Developing Your Food Defense Program?

Food Safety Systems provides:

  • ✓ Editable food defense plan templates

    ✓ Drill simulation scripts and evaluation forms

    ✓ Access control SOP examples

    ✓ Audit checklists and annual review logs

GET STARTED NOW

This document is for internal training and compliance use only. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI).

Please refer to www.sqfi.com for official certification requirements.