TIC Gums Completes SQF Audit

WHITE MARSH, Md.TIC Gums achieved a near-perfect 99% rating after an audit of its manufacturing practices, food security measures, and virtually every function of its operations.

The Safe Quality Food (SQF) audit focuses on food safety, security and quality, and is accredited as one of the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) audit schemes now being required by major food interests, including Wal-Mart.

TIC Gums pursued level 3 SQF certification, "the most inclusive and difficult to achieve," says Ian Sklar, director of quality and regulatory affairs.

Sklar notes that TIC Gums recently completed the final phase of the four-and-a-half day SQF audit, which involved documentation reviews, physical plant inspections, employee interviews, and system reviews. Preparation for the audit lasted months and included the development of entirely new programs and protocols, documentation and practices.

Implementation of the SQF programs involved almost every function of the company, says Sklar, and had to be completed on an abbreviated time schedule to meet demands.

"Thanks to every TIC Gums' employee's hard work and dedication, we achieved this outstanding 99% rating," says Sklar.

He adds the company will maintain the same high level of compliance and dedication to food safety and quality systems "in order to ensure the continued safety and quality of our products and the health and success of the company."

The audit was submitted to review by the certifier and TIC Gums has just received the official audit certificate which can be requested from the company.

"The goal of any audit is not only to pass, but to validate our current systems and to look for opportunities for improvement," says Sklar. As with any audit, he adds, annual re-certification/surveillance audits will be required to maintain certification.

The audit was submitted to review by the certifier and TIC Gums has just received the official audit certificate which can be requested from the company.

"The goal of any audit is not only to pass, but to validate our current systems and to look for opportunities for improvement," says Sklar. As with any audit, he adds, annual re-certification/surveillance audits will be required to maintain certification.