Safety and quality, long-standing hallmarks of Wyandot Snacks' manufacturing culture, have again been formally recognized by an independent food industry association.
The Safe Quality Food (SQF) Institute has awarded Wyandot Snacks its coveted SQF Food Safety and Comprehensive Quality Management System Code for Manufacturers, Edition 8.0. This certification was formerly and more commonly known as SQF Level 3. The award attests to Wyandot's commitment to food safety through the use of risk-based, industry-recognized standards and processes. This is the eighth time the company has achieved this status under the food safety code, and Wyandot's first time to receive SQF's certificate under the quality code.
"Qualification to the SQF code validates Wyandot's efforts in consistently meeting customer and consumer expectations of quality," said President & CEO Rob Sarlls. "The dedication of our board and our senior leadership team, partnered with adequate resources and floor level-execution, set Wyandot's quality efforts apart from industry peers.
"The entire Wyandot food safety and quality system – from formulation to material ordering through processing, packaging, and shipping – is covered in the scope of the SQF audit process," Sarlls added.
Independently audited programs include pest control, preventative maintenance, sanitation, environmental monitoring, foreign material reduction and detection, training, management commitment, storage and transport, allergen management, approved supplier, and other areas. The rigorous on-site audit over more than a four-day period includes a facility inspection, program review, employee interviews, and records review.
"Wyandot's highest business priority is assuring the quality and safety of our products," said Mike Wells, Senior Vice President for operations. "This certification validates our practices."
Paul Hritz, Vice President of Sales, added: "The Company's certification to the SQF Code builds trust and affirms our commitment to customers and consumers alike."
The SQF Code certifies food industry suppliers through an internationally recognized system, emphasizing the systematic application of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points, or HACCP, for preventative control of food safety hazards. The system addresses a buyer's food safety requirements and provides assurances for businesses supplying both local and global food markets. Annual third-party audits verify adherence to the strict requirements of the SQF Code.