Bell Flavors & Fragrances’ manufacturing facility and corporate headquarters in Northbrook recently achieved Safe Quality Food (SQF) 2000 Level 3 recertification, the highest level of certification possible within the SQF Program. Bell’s Brossard plant near Montreal achieved the same distinction in June 2012.
The SQF certification program is a leading, global food-safety and quality certification program and management system designed to meet the needs of buyers and suppliers worldwide. The prestigious Level 3 certification requires a rigorous third-party audit process in addition to an extensive review of policies, procedures and systems.
The company maintained “Excellent" status by meeting a newly revised standard with additional requirements, and a more stringent scoring system. It recertification also confirmed that employees were well trained, retained information, and communicated well during employee interviews, which was a significant component of the audit.
“It was a challenge to recertify to a higher standard concurrent with Bell’s 85,000 sq. ft. warehouse acquisition, but we accomplished a goal of this magnitude as a team focused on food safety and food quality," said Stephanie R. Donato, Quality Systems Specialist at Bell.
