Safe Quality Food (SQF) Certified Practice Exam

How long should records be retained according to SQF standards?

1. Indefinitely

2. As required by customer or regulatory requirements

3. For a minimum of two years

4. Only during audits

The correct answer is: As required by customer or regulatory requirements

According to SQF standards, the appropriate retention period for records is guided primarily by customer and regulatory requirements. This flexibility allows the food safety management system to align with both the specific demands of clients and the legal responsibilities set forth by governing bodies. It's crucial for companies to remain compliant and be able to produce records when needed, which may include audits or inspections. In contrast to the option that suggests retaining records indefinitely, such a practice can lead to inefficient storage and management issues. Retaining records for only a minimum of two years may not meet the needs of all businesses, as some may have longer customer or regulatory requirements. The option suggesting records are only kept during audits fails to account for ongoing compliance and operational needs that necessitate consistent record-keeping beyond audit periods. Therefore, aligning record retention with explicit customer and regulatory guidelines ensures both accountability and compliance within the SQF framework.