SQF Consultant | Certify Consulting | SQF Certification Expert

GFSI-Recognized Standard

What is SQF Certification?

The Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program is a rigorous, credible food safety and quality management certification system recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). It is designed to meet the needs of food industry suppliers and their customers — from farm to fork.

SQF is managed by the Food Quality Institute (FQI), a division of the Food Marketing Institute (FMI). The program uses three SQF Codes that address different stages of the food supply chain:

Food Safety Fundamentals

Basic food safety controls for small and developing businesses. A solid foundation for companies beginning their food safety journey.

Food Safety Code (Ed. 9)

Comprehensive HACCP-based food safety management system. The most commonly required code for suppliers to major retailers.

Quality Code

Adds quality management requirements on top of food safety. Demonstrates a commitment to both safety and product quality excellence.

SQF Certification Levels

Level 1

Food safety fundamentals — basic controls and good manufacturing practices.

Level 2

Certified HACCP-based food safety plans — required by most major retailers.

Level 3

Comprehensive food safety and quality management — the highest level of SQF certification.

Industries We Serve

Who Needs SQF?

SQF certification is essential for food companies throughout the supply chain, particularly those supplying major retailers and food service organizations.

Food Manufacturers

Companies producing food products at scale, from ingredients to finished goods ready for retail shelves.

Food Processors

Facilities that transform raw agricultural products into consumer-ready food through cooking, packaging, or other processing methods.

Food Packaging

Companies producing primary food packaging materials that come into direct contact with food products.

Storage & Distribution

Warehousing and distribution facilities handling food products, including cold chain and temperature-controlled storage.

Pet Food Manufacturers

Companies producing pet food and animal feed products, which are increasingly held to the same food safety standards as human food.

Retail Suppliers

Companies supplying major retailers like Walmart, Costco, Kroger, and Target that require GFSI-recognized food safety certification.

Our Proven Process

Our SQF Process

A structured, proven methodology that gets you SQF certified — from initial assessment through successful certification audit.

1

SQF Gap Assessment

Comprehensive evaluation of your current food safety systems against SQF Code requirements. We identify gaps and build a clear roadmap to certification.

2

HACCP / Food Safety Plan

Development of your HACCP-based food safety plan including hazard analysis, critical control points, monitoring procedures, and corrective actions.

3

Prerequisite Programs

Development of prerequisite programs including GMPs, sanitation, pest control, allergen management, and supplier approval programs.

4

SQF System Documentation

Complete SQF system documentation including policies, procedures, work instructions, and forms tailored to your specific operations.

5

Implementation & Validation

Hands-on support implementing your SQF system. Validation of critical control points and verification that all food safety controls are effective.

6

SQF Practitioner Training

Training your designated SQF Practitioner and key personnel on SQF requirements, HACCP principles, and food safety management.

7

Internal Audits & Mock Audit

Complete internal audit program and a full mock certification audit to identify and resolve any remaining gaps before your official SQF audit.

8

SQF Audit Support

On-site support during your SQF certification audit. We help coordinate with the certification body and ensure a smooth, successful audit experience.

The Certify Difference

Why Choose Certify Consulting for SQF?

Led by Jared Clark, our team brings deep expertise in food safety certification. We understand the SQF Code inside and out, and we know what auditors look for because we've been on both sides of the audit table.

CFSQA Certified — Certified Food Safety and Quality Auditor credential demonstrates deep competency in food safety auditing and GFSI standards.
GFSI Benchmarking Expertise — Deep understanding of how GFSI benchmarking works and what it means for your SQF certification journey.
Retailer Requirements Knowledge — We understand what Walmart, Costco, Kroger, and other major retailers require from their food suppliers.
100% Pass Rate — Every client we've taken through the SQF certification process has passed their certification audit on the first attempt.
A-to-Z Service — From initial gap assessment through certification audit support, we handle every step so you can focus on running your business.

Looking for other food safety certifications? Explore our BRC consulting or visit our general food safety consulting page.

Jared Clark

SQF & Food Safety Expert

CFSQA — Certified Food Safety & Quality Auditor

CPGP — Certified Professional in GMP

200+ successful certification projects

Food manufacturing industry experience

Common Questions

SQF Certification FAQ

What is the difference between SQF levels?

SQF has three certification levels. Level 1 (Food Safety Fundamentals) covers basic food safety controls and is suited for small or developing businesses. Level 2 (Food Safety) requires a fully implemented HACCP-based food safety plan and is the most commonly required level by major retailers. Level 3 (Food Safety and Quality) adds a comprehensive quality management component on top of Level 2, demonstrating both food safety and quality excellence.

How long does SQF certification take?

SQF certification typically takes 3 to 6 months depending on your company's size, complexity, and current food safety systems. Companies with existing HACCP plans or other food safety programs in place can often achieve certification faster. Our structured 8-step process is designed to get you audit-ready as efficiently as possible.

Is SQF required by law?

SQF certification is not required by law. However, it is increasingly required by major retailers, food service companies, and distributors as a condition of doing business. Retailers like Walmart, Costco, Kroger, and many others require their suppliers to hold a GFSI-recognized certification such as SQF. In practice, SQF certification is often a business necessity for food companies supplying these channels.

What retailers require SQF certification?

Many major retailers require SQF or another GFSI-recognized certification from their food suppliers. These include Walmart, Costco, Kroger, Target, Whole Foods, McDonald's, and numerous other large food retailers, food service companies, and distributors. Requirements vary by retailer and product category, so we recommend checking with your specific customers or contacting us for guidance.

Explore more food safety certifications:

Food Safety Hub | BRC Consultant | Food Safety Consultant

Ready to Get SQF Certified?

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

Schedule Free Consultation Call 858-240-4353

Or email us at [email protected]