And… That’s a Wrap!
The 2019 SQF Conference kicked off with a BANG! With thrilling performances, rousing breakout sessions, and plenty of coffee breaks, this year’s SQF Conference was truly the premier food safety education and networking event of the year.
In this month’s issue of the SQF Newsletter, we recap some of the highlights of our annual event...
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In this Newsletter:
Industry Updates & Trends
Page 1
Upcoming Classes & Training
Page 2
SQFI Update
Page 3 ~ 4
2019 SQF Conference Album
Page 5 ~ 8
Featured Resources
Page 9
Contact, Survey & Reminders
Page 10
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INDUSTRY UPDATES & TRENDS
WHAT WE'RE READING
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1.) Scholarships Awarded in San Antonio by FMI Foundation - via Food Safety News
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The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) Foundation in partnership with the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI), a division of FMI, awarded 15 academic scholars with the 2019 Food Safety Auditing Scholarship and Education Travel Grant at the SQF International Conference in San Antonio.
[...]”
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Read the rest of the story on Food Safety News
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2.) USDA Publishes Hemp Rules: Will it Impact Food? - via FoodSafetyTech
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On October 29, 2019, the USDA released its long-awaited draft rule establishing a domestic hemp production plan, providing clarity to growers and ancillary businesses about how the USDA will regulate the hemp crop.
The USDA, under authority provided by the 2018 Agricultural Improvement Act (2018 Farm Bill), was tasked with promulgating regulations and guidelines to establish and administer a program for the production of hemp in the United States. [...]
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Read the rest of the story on FoodSafetyTech
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3.) Whether Donating or Receiving Food this Thanksgiving, Everyone Can be Thankful for Food Safety - via USDA
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Thanksgiving is a time when many people give back, including volunteering to prepare holiday meals or donating food to those who are less fortunate. This is also a time when people are handling and receiving food in unfamiliar settings. Improper food handling has led to past foodborne illness outbreaks during the holiday season. Those handling food in a different kitchen or preparing food in a new way must be even more aware of basic food safety practices to prevent illness outbreaks.
[...]
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Read the rest of the story on on USDA.gov
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4.) China Publishes Long-Awaited Food Safety Law Implementation Regulation - via National Law Review
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On October 31, 2019, China's State Council published the Regulation on the Implementation of the Food Safety Law ("Regulation"). The new Regulation contains 10 chapters and 86 articles, outlining detailed rules for food surveillance and assessment, food safety standards, food inspection, food import and export, etc. The Regulation will become effective on December 1, 2019.
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Read the rest of the story on National Law Review
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5.) FDA Will Test Romaine Lettuce for Pathogens During the Next Year - via Food Dive
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With this latest sampling project, the FDA is responding to recent illness outbreaks linked to romaine lettuce — and perhaps the widespread criticism from not informing the public for six weeks about the most recent one, which sickened 23 people in 12 states between July 12 and Sept. 8
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Read the rest of the story on Food Dive
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UPCOMING CLASSES AND TRAINING
LEARN AND LEAD - WINTER 2019-20
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SQF Professional Update - January 8
Jan 8, 2020 @
12:00pm - 4:00pm US-Eastern
Cost:
$200 USD
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Auditing SQF Systems - Chicago, United States
(4 Day)
March 16, 2020
Cost:
$1300 USD
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Auditing SQF Quality Systems - Chicago, United States (1 Day)
March 20, 2020
Cost:
$375 USD
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Auditing SQF Systems - Melbourne, Australia
(4 Day)
March 30, 2020
Cost:
$1300 USD
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SQFI UPDATE
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT SQFI
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Technical, Training, and Compliance Update
- The stakeholder survey has been closed and the results will be posted on the SQF Conference website. Look for details so you can see the outcome of the survey and how it will effect edition 9.
- Initial dates for 2020 Auditing SQF Systems and Auditing SQF Quality Systems courses has been set. Please check the Events and Training tab on sqfi.com for dates and locations for auditor training in the US. We will be adding dates for auditor training in Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Australia and Asia soon.
- SQF hired their new Compliance Manager, Tammie VanBuren. Tammie brings with her 7 years of food industry experience as an SQF Practitioner where she implemented, monitored and maintained the SQF Program at her sites. Prior to that she worked as a Quality Engineer and Six Sigma Trainer for a variety of different companies and industries. We are excited for Tammie to join the SQF team!
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Marketing, Communications, and Sales Update
- The 2019 SQF Conference Photo Album is now available for viewing on our Flicker reel. Check out the fun here!
- The SQF Conference Website is currently under works! We look forward to bringing you highlights of 2019 and teasers for 2020! Join us next in Orlando, Florida for 3 days of education, networking, and fun!
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Business Operations, Database, and Customer Service Update
- SQFI Business Operations has been preparing for a new year of contacts and contracts in 2020. We have been collecting updated information from our Certification Bodies and Training Centers to foster a continued partnership between our organizations. We will also be updating the website directory using this information.
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SQFI UPDATE
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT SQFI
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INTRODUCING.... TAMMIE VAN BUREN!
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SQFI is excited to welcome
Tammie Van Buren as our new
SQF Compliance Manager!
Tammie brings with her 7 years of food industry experience as an SQF Practitioner where she implemented, monitored and maintained the SQF Program at her sites. Prior to that she worked as a quality engineer and six sigma trainer for a variety of different companies.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a Master of Science and Engineering Technology. Tammie will be responsible for the compliance and integrity program in which she will analyze our data to understand where we can grow and strengthen our program.
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Get to Know Tammie!
- Her favorite name is “Grammy”. She has 7 grandchildren and 2 (fingers crossed) soon-to-be step-grandchildren.
- She has been a licensed soccer referee since 2008. She referees kids from age 4 through high school.
- She hates for her food to touch on her plate which she understands is a symptom of OCD. This probably explains why her desk has to be organized at all times!
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A HEARTFELT GOODBYE TO JOHN SCHULZ
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After 11 years serving SQFI and its stakeholders, John Schulz has resigned as Senior Director of Business Operations. As a dedicated member of the SQFI team, John's inclusive and engaging management style has helped SQFI develop into the industry leader it is today.
John came to SQFI with previous experience as an executive chef at Marriott International and oversaw their food safety and quality programs. Today, John leaves SQFI with a burning passion for future safety and a desire to return to building food safety programs from the ground up.
Everyone here at SQFI will sincerely miss John, not just for the great Operations Director that he was, but for the man who would come into the office with something to brighten everyone's day. We are excited for John as he embarks on his latest journey and we are sure this is not the last we will see of John. For a man of such caliber, greatness is to be expected.
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From everyone in the SQFI family, we wish you all the best John!
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2019 SQF Conference
SQF Conference Photo Album
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2019 SQF Conference
SQF Conference Photo Album
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2019 SQF Conference
SQF Conference Photo Album
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2019 SQF Conference
SQF Conference Photo Album
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FEATURED RESOURCES
SQFI AUDITING SCHOLARSHIP
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FMI Foundation Scholarship
The critical issue for accredited third-party auditing in North America is to source the next generation of well-trained auditors. As a way to help fill that gap, the FMI Foundation is sponsoring scholarships to students currently enrolled in food and agricultural science majors who have a true interest in the field of accredited food safety auditing.
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Visit the FMI Foundation Scholarship website to access the application and additional details. Applications are now being accepted for the 2020 / 2021 Academic Year!
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CONTACT, SURVEYS & REMINDERS
CONTACT SQFI
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SQFI Customer Service
Email - info@sqfi.com
Website - www.sqfi.com
Database Assistance - SQFI
Email - database@sqfi.com
Sales, Marketing and Sponsorship
Email - smalenich@sqfi.com
SQF Compliance /Technical (Code) Questions
Email - compliance@sqfi.com
SQF Ethical Sourcing Program
Email - crice@sqfi.com
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SQFI Out and About!
Nov 26:
Global Markets Forum Brazil
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Feb 25 - 28:
2020 GFSI Conference
Seattle, Washington
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