FORT SMITH, AR: Each of O.K. Foods, Inc.'s poultry processing plants have achieved SQF certification. Heavener and Fort Smith processing facilities are now Level 2 certified and the processing plants in Muldrow and Fort Smith have received Level 3 certification, the highest recognition awarded by the SQF Institute.
Background on SQF Certification:
The Safe Quality Food (SQF) 2000 Code is administered by the SQF Institute (SQFI), a division of the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), and is the product of more than 15 years of development. SQF is a HACCP quality management system that utilizes NACMCF and CODEX HACCP Principles and Guidelines, proven methods used by the food industry to reduce the incidence of unsafe food reaching the marketplace. It is designed to support industry or company branded product and to offer benefits to Suppliers and their customers at all links in the food supply chain. The SQF 2000 Code is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative as a standard that meets its benchmark requirements. There are three certification levels of SQF:
Level 1
Food Safety Fundamentals
Indicates that prerequisite programs and fundamental food safety controls have been implemented to provide a sound foundation for the further development of the Organization’s management system
Level 2
Food Safety Plans Incorporates all Level 1 system requirements and indicates that a food safety risk analysis of the product and its associated process has been completed to identify the hazards and the actions taken to eliminate, prevent or reduce their occurrence.
Level 3
Comprehensive Food Safety and Quality Management Systems Development Incorporates all Level 1 and Level 2 system requirements and indicates that a food quality risk assessment of the product and its associated process has been completed, that the actions taken to prevent the incidence of poor quality and the remaining quality management systems procedures have been implemented.
O.K. Foods' commitment to customers is to produce safe, quality foods. SQF Certification aligns with this goal to exceed industry safety and quality standards. O.K. Foods is one of the first poultry processors to have Level 3 SQF certification, setting an example for the industry.
Source: Kellie Stormes
O.K. Foods Inc.
Fort Smith, AR