Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) Implementation

Aligned with SQF Code Edition 9 – System Element 2.6.1

Requirement Overview

According to SQF Code Edition 9, System Element 2.6.1 mandates:

“Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) shall be implemented and maintained to ensure the production of safe and quality food products.”

GMPs serve as the operational foundation of any food safety system, helping ensure consistency, regulatory compliance, and consumer protection.

Disclaimer: Food Safety Systems is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI). This article is for internal training and compliance support. For official SQF documentation, visit www.sqfi.com.

Key Compliance Objectives

  • ✓ Establish and enforce a comprehensive GMP program across all facility zones

    ✓ Train staff on hygiene, behavior, and environmental controls

    ✓ Document sanitation and maintenance procedures

    ✓ Conduct routine monitoring and verification audits

Step-by-Step Implementation Guide

1. Develop Your GMP Policies and Procedures

  • Include standards for:

    • • Personal Hygiene – handwashing, illness reporting, PPE, grooming

      • Facility Maintenance – pest control, lighting, ventilation, waste removal

      • Equipment Maintenance – food-contact surface care, calibration protocols

      • Material Handling – storage practices, allergen control, FIFO

    Evidence to Maintain:

    • • Approved GMP Manual

      • Departmental GMP work instructions

      • Regulatory alignment with FDA 21 CFR 117, CFIA, or EU guidelines

2. Implement Employee Hygiene and Behavioral Controls

  • Sample Controls by Area:

    Area Control Measures
    Hygiene Handwash stations with signage and soap checks
    Health Illness reporting forms and first aid logs
    Behavior Jewelry, eating, smoking, and visitor policies

    Evidence to Maintain:

    • • Training attendance and competency records

      • Supervisor observation checklists

      • Internal policy signage (multilingual if needed)

3. Maintain Facilities and Equipment

  • GMP Facility Checklist Includes:

    • • Floors/Walls/Ceilings: Non-absorbent, cleanable, free from damage

      • Lighting: ≥540 lux in inspection and processing areas

      • Ventilation: Positive pressure with filtered airflow

      • Pest Control: Documented bait/trap placement and service logs

    Evidence to Maintain:

    • • Monthly facility inspection reports

      • Pest control contracts and service records

      • Preventive maintenance logs

4. Monitor and Verify GMP Compliance

  • Ongoing Activities:

    • • Daily GMP walkthroughs by team leads or QA

      • Weekly swab tests for high-contact zones (e.g., doors, tools)

      • Quarterly GMP audits and scorecards

    Evidence to Maintain:

    • • Non-conformance and corrective action reports

      • Swab result trends and verification reports

      • Program review meeting notes

Common Audit Findings & Recommended Fixes

Finding Recommended Fix
Inadequate hand hygiene compliance Increase training and install hygiene sensors
Facility not properly maintained Implement preventive maintenance checklist
No GMP documentation Formalize written procedures and audit tools
Inconsistent enforcement Assign GMP compliance champions by department

Auditor’s Checklist for SQF System Element 2.6.1

Auditors typically:

  • • Observe employee hygiene and behavior

    • Inspect facility and equipment condition

    • Review sanitation logs, pest control records, and GMP audits

    • Interview employees about hygiene procedures

Implementation Roadmap

Build Your Program

  • ✓ Develop GMP procedures aligned with global regulations

    ✓ Customize policies per facility zone and job function

Train Your Team

  • ✓ Deliver onboarding and refresher training

    ✓ Use demonstrations and job-specific examples

Implement Facility Controls

  • ✓ Schedule and document sanitation and equipment inspections

    ✓ Monitor pest control, ventilation, and water systems

Maintain and Improve

  • ✓ Conduct monthly GMP audits and walkthroughs

    ✓ Review trends and initiate improvement actions

Why This Matters?

A well-maintained GMP program:

  • ✓ Prevents contamination and protects public health

    ✓ Meets certification and retailer expectations

    ✓ Reduces risk of recalls or enforcement actions

    ✓ Improves efficiency and employee accountability

Need Help Building Your GMP Program?

Food Safety Systems offers:

  • ✓ GMP SOP templates and role-based work instructions

    ✓ Self-audit tools and walkthrough checklists

    ✓ Digital logs for sanitation, pest control, and equipment monitoring

    ✓ Employee hygiene training modules and signage templates

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.