STROUDSBURG, PA--(Marketwire - December 1, 2010) - STR-Registrar, LLC has become fully accredited to certify food companies in accordance with the voluntary Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program developed by the SQF Institute (SQFI). The ANSI ISO/IEC Guide 65 Accreditation allows STR-Registrar to grant the use of the SQF 2000 certification trade mark for food items that have met the specific SQF program requirements. STR-Registrar, LLC is one of approximately 11 ANSI Accredited ISO/IEC Guide 65 certification bodies worldwide that provide SQF 2000 Code certifications.
The SQF Program is a complete food safety and quality management certification system. Comprised of the SQF 2000 Code for food manufacturing and distribution and SQF 1000 Code for primary production, the program provides independent certification that a supplier's food safety and quality management system complies with international and domestic food safety regulations. SQF is an internationally recognized certification program -- including recognition by the Global Food Safety Initiative -- that meets global market requirements.
"Food manufacturers and suppliers that choose to certify their products, processes, or services under the SQF program are demonstrating a commitment to the highest possible standards of quality and safety at all levels of the supply chain," said Bryce E. Carson, Sr., President and CEO of STR-Registrar, LLC. "With SQF certification, suppliers can meet customers' expectations for safe, quality food and enhance their reputation in the global marketplace."
Food companies that apply for SQF 2000 Certification undergo a rigorous third-party audit to verify adherence to all requirements of the code, including: addressing food safety requirements; practicing the "due diligence" principle; engaging in responsible good manufacturing practices; and complying with regulatory and product traceability requirements. The steps in the audit process include a pre-assessment gap analysis, document review, and onsite review. The entire process takes approximately one to two months.
Certification bodies such as STR-Registrar are carefully selected by SQFI based on key attributes such as competence in the performance of audit and registration activities; consistency in the interpretation of standards without prejudice; commitment to the quality, integrity, and business ethics of its audit-based certification programs; and a strong record of exemplary customer service.
SQFI has partnered with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to independently assess the competence of product certification bodies like STR-Registrar, LLC using requirements found in international standards and guidance documents ISO/IEC Guide 65, General Requirements for Bodies Operating Product Certification Systems, associated International Accreditation Forum Guidance Documents, and program requirements set forth by the SQFI.
About SQFI
The Safe Quality Food Institute was established to administer the SQF Program, a leading global food safety and quality certification and management system. The Program provides independent certification that a supplier's food safety and quality management system complies with international and domestic food safety regulations. This enables suppliers to assure their customers that food has been produced, processed, prepared and handled according to the highest possible standards, at all levels of the supply chain. SQFI is a division of the Food Marketing Institute.
About ANSI
ANSI is a private non-profit quasi-government organization whose mission is to enhance U.S. global competitiveness and the American quality of life by promoting, facilitating, and safeguarding the integrity of the voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system. ANSI is also actively engaged in accrediting sector specific programs that assess conformance to national and international standards -- including globally-recognized cross-sector programs such as the ISO 9000 (quality) and ISO 14000 (environmental) management systems. Its membership is comprised of businesses, professional societies and trade associations, standards developers, government agencies, and consumer and labor organizations. The Institute represents the diverse interests of more than 125,000 companies and organizations and 3.5 million professionals worldwide.
About STR-Registrar, LLC
STR-Registrar, LLC is an ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB) accredited international provider of management system certification and registration services. In addition to ANSI ISO/IEC Guide 65 Accreditation, STR-Registrar, LLC maintains accreditations and offers ISO 9001, AS9100, and AS9120 management system certifications as well as ANSI/AIHA Z10 and OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety management system certifications. Further accreditations held include SA8000, Social Accountability International granted by Social Accountability Accreditation Services (SAAS). STR-Registrar is a subsidiary of Specialized Technology Resources, Inc. (STR), which provides testing, audit, certification, and responsible sourcing services to help ensure that clients have the highest level of confidence in the quality, safety, and social standards of their products and systems. Based in Enfield, CT, STR has sophisticated laboratories and offices in over 30 countries across five continents, and the reach to provide audit services in over 140 countries around the world. Visit STR at www.STRQuality.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on current information and expectations, and are subject to risks and uncertainties discussed in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from expected results. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement contained in this release, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.
Contact Information:
Contact:
Amy Blumenthal
Blumenthal & Associates
617-879-1511
amyb@blumenthalpr.com