What is SQF Certification? | Certify Consulting

Understanding SQF

What is SQF?

The Safe Quality Food (SQF) program is a rigorous, globally recognized food safety and quality management certification scheme. It is one of the leading GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) benchmarked standards, meaning it meets the highest international food safety requirements.

Owned and managed by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), SQF is built on HACCP principles and Codex Alimentarius guidelines. The program provides a systematic approach to managing food safety risks and ensuring product quality throughout the supply chain.

GFSI Recognized

Benchmarked by the Global Food Safety Initiative, accepted by major retailers worldwide.

Worldwide Acceptance

Recognized by retailers, food service providers, and food manufacturers across the globe.

HACCP-Based

Built on HACCP principles and Codex Alimentarius guidelines for systematic hazard control.

Owned by FMI

Managed by the Food Marketing Institute, ensuring industry-driven standards and continuous improvement.

Choose Your Level

SQF Certification Levels

SQF offers three certification levels, allowing organizations to start with foundational food safety and progress to full food safety and quality management.

1

Food Safety Fundamentals

The entry-level SQF certification. Covers basic food safety requirements and is ideal for small or developing businesses that are just beginning their food safety journey.

Basic food safety controls
Good Manufacturing Practices
Suitable for small/developing businesses

Most Common

2

Food Safety Code

The most widely pursued SQF level. Requires a fully developed, HACCP-based food safety plan. This is the level most retailers and food service buyers expect from their suppliers.

HACCP-based food safety plan
Required by most major retailers
GFSI benchmarked certification

3

Food Safety + Quality Code

The highest SQF certification level. Combines the Food Safety Code with the SQF Quality Code, addressing both food safety and quality management in a single integrated system.

Complete food safety + quality system
Product consistency and quality management
Highest level of SQF recognition

Industry-Specific Standards

SQF Codes

SQF publishes separate codes tailored to different sectors of the food industry. Each code addresses the unique food safety and quality challenges within that sector.

SQF Food Safety Code

Edition 9 — the primary standard for food safety management.

Applicable to:

Food manufacturing
Storage & distribution
Food retail operations
Food service operations

SQF Quality Code

Addresses quality management beyond food safety, covering product consistency, labeling accuracy, and customer specifications.

Key areas:

Product quality management
Specification & labeling control
Customer satisfaction monitoring
Required for Level 3 certification

SQF Food Safety Fundamentals

A simplified code designed for small and developing businesses as a stepping stone to full SQF certification.

Best for:

Small businesses starting out
Developing food operations
Pathway to Level 2 certification
Basic GMPs and food safety controls

The Path Forward

Getting SQF Certified

The SQF certification process involves several key steps. Here is what to expect on your journey to certification.

1

Choose a Certification Body

Select an SQF-licensed certification body (CB) that will conduct your audit. The CB must be approved by the SQF Institute.

2

Select Your SQF Code & Level

Determine the appropriate SQF code for your industry sector and the certification level (1, 2, or 3) that meets your business needs.

3

Implement Your Food Safety System

Develop and implement your food safety management system, including HACCP plans, prerequisite programs, and all required documentation.

4

Pass the Certification Audit

Complete the initial certification audit conducted by your chosen CB. Auditors will verify your system meets all applicable SQF requirements.

Need Help Getting SQF Certified?

Our experienced SQF consultants guide you through every step of the certification process — from gap assessment and documentation to audit preparation and beyond.

Talk to an SQF Consultant

Common Questions

SQF Certification FAQ

What does SQF stand for?

SQF stands for Safe Quality Food. It is a GFSI-recognized food safety and quality management certification program owned by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI). SQF certification demonstrates that a company's food safety management system meets rigorous international standards.

How much does SQF certification cost?

SQF certification costs vary depending on the size of your facility, the SQF level you pursue (Level 1, 2, or 3), and the complexity of your operations. Costs typically include SQF registration fees, certification body audit fees, and consulting fees for implementation support. Contact us for a free consultation and personalized cost estimate.

How long is SQF certification valid?

SQF certification is valid for one year. Certified sites must undergo annual surveillance audits to maintain their certification. A full recertification audit is required every three years. Between audits, organizations are expected to maintain their food safety management system and address any corrective actions.

What is the SQF Quality Code?

The SQF Quality Code is an additional certification module that goes beyond food safety to address quality management. It covers product quality, specification control, labeling accuracy, and customer satisfaction. Organizations pursuing SQF Level 3 certification must comply with both the Food Safety Code and the Quality Code, achieving the highest level of SQF recognition.

Have more questions about SQF certification?

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Ready to Get SQF Certified?

Schedule a free 30-minute consultation. We'll assess your current food safety system, recommend the right SQF level for your operation, and outline a clear path to certification — no obligation.

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