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Chapter 3, Subject 4
QMP Reference Standard and Compliance Guidelines

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SCOPE

This subject sets out the requirements for the documentation and application of a federally registered fish processor's Quality Management Program (QMP) Plan. The QMP Reference Standard, hereafter called the "Reference Standard" is based on the Fish Inspection Regulations.

FIELD OF APPLICATION

Each federally registered fish processing establishment, as a condition of registration, must develop, document and apply a specific QMP Plan for the products and processes carried out in the establishment.

The purpose of the Reference Standard is to guide the development, implementation, and maintenance of a Quality Management Program to assure the production of fish and seafood products which meet the requirements of the Fish Inspection Regulations and to ensure that such processing is conducted in establishments which also meet regulatory requirements.

The Reference Standard is the blueprint for the development of the QMP Plan by a processor: it sets out the requirements for the documentation and application of a fish processing establishment's Quality Management Program. CFIA personnel use the Reference Standard during the systems verification and compliance verification.

This document is organised according to the seven elements of the Reference Standard. For each element, the document identifies:

1. The Reference Standard Requirements - these are the mandatory requirements established during the re-engineering of the QMP (1996-1998). Since the element(s), sub-element(s), and sub-sub-element(s) requirements are general in description, this document provides additional guidance for interpretive purposes.
2. The Intent Statement - indicates the primary objective of the Reference Standard Requirement. It is the stated intent of the Reference Standard Requirement which is key for CFIA personnel using this document in an assessment of a QMP Plan.
3. Compliance Guidelines - provide acceptable options to meet the intent of the Reference Standard Requirements.
4. For some elements, or parts thereof, Compliance Notes provide guidance on specific points.
5. The Appendices provide detailed guidance and options for the development of QMP controls to meet the requirements of the Reference Standard and the Fish Inspection Regulations. Additional appendices may be developed as needed.

The controls and methods described in this document are not necessarily the only valid means of achieving the desired results. Alternative strategies to those described in the Compliance section and/or the Appendices, that address the Reference Standard Requirement such that the Intent is satisfied, should be considered when assessing compliance.

A food production facility may be subject to a wide range of applicable legislation at the municipal, provincial and federal level. Quality system controls respecting acts, regulations and/or standards, other than those identified within this document, are not required to be addressed in the QMP Plan. Notwithstanding, processors should ensure that all processing operations and products meet other applicable legislation and market requirements.

CONTENTS

Reference Standard Requirements & Guidelines for Compliance

1. Management Roles and Responsibilities
2. Background Product and Process Information
3. The Prerequisite Plan
4. The Regulatory Action Points (RAP) Plan
5. The Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Plan
6. Verification and Maintenance of the QMP Plan
7. Record Keeping

Appendices

Appendix A - Guidelines for the development of a product description
Appendix B - Guidelines for the development of a sanitation program
Appendix C - Guidelines for the development of a pest control program
Appendix D - Guidelines for the development of a personnel hygiene program
Appendix E - Guidelines for the development of a supplier quality assurance agreement
Appendix F - Guidelines for the use of electronic records and signatures