Fuchs North America Obtains SQF 2000 Certification

August 30, 2012 – Fuchs North America has achieved SQF 2000 certification for its main manufacturing facilities in Owings Mills, Md., USA.  The SQF designation comes from the Safe Quality Food Institute, which has a stated mission “to deliver consistent, globally recognized food safety and quality certification programs based on sound scientific principles, consistently applied across all industry sectors.”

The SQF 2000 certification means that all Fuchs products are manufactured under certified, validated food safety and quality standards.  SQF certification is recognized by retailers, foodservice providers and regulatory agencies that require their suppliers to have implemented HACCP food safety and quality management systems.

Moreover, the SQF Program is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) that links primary production certification to food manufacturing, distribution and agent/broker management certification.

Certification according to the GFSI global standard aligns Fuchs North America’s quality assurance practices with its multinational food customers.

According to Felix Venezuela, director of operations for Fuchs North America, SQF certification standardizes food safety requirements, provides proof of the company’s due diligence, and also complies with the most stringent regulatory requirements.  “We’re proud of the fact that our organization has been recognized for promoting confidence in food safety and quality.  SQF certification enhances our market image,” he said.

SQF certification contributes to the company in other ways, too.  Mark Richardson, Fuchs North America’s quality assurance manager, commented that the SQF initiative is part of a broader effort of companywide education on product manufacturing quality and consistency.

“The SQF certification ties in with an extensive educational program we’ve undertaken at all levels of the company – from senior management to floor-level personnel,” Richardson said.  “SQF is one of many tools by which we are raising the bar on quality and achieving better outcomes for our customers.”