Safe Quality Food (SQF) Certification

The Safe Quality Food (SQF) Certification is a credible food safety and quality certification programme that is recognized by retailers, brand owners, and food service providers world-wide. The SQF family of food safety and quality codes are designed to fulfill industry, customer, and regulatory requirements for all sectors of the food supply chain – from the farm all the thanks to the retail stores. 

This rigorous farm-to-fork food safety and quality certification also helps food producers assure their buyers that their food products meet this global food safety standard which is recognized by Global Food Safety Initiative. 

SQF Certification will guide you through the method of fixing a comprehensive food safety management system on your farm, in your warehouse or facility, then assess your work by examining your processes with an annual audit. 

Scope of SQF Certification

SQF Certification offers a comprehensive solution that helps you verify and demonstrate that food safety and quality control are effectively implemented, validated, and monitored. The results of a robust SQF Program are safe products, brand confidence, and reassured customers. 

Currently the latest SQF Food Safety Codes is Edition 9, which became effective since May 2021. There are 11 codes in total: 

• Primary plant production 
• Primary animal production 
• Aquaculture 
• Food manufacturing 
• Pet food manufacturing 
• Animal feed manufacturing  
• Animal product manufacturing 
• Dietary supplement manufacturing 
• Storage and distribution 
• Manufacture of food packaging 
• Quality code 

SQF Quality Code and Quality Shield

Included in SQF Standard Version 9, SQF Quality Code is an optional module for any food manufacturers who look for advancement in their food safety performance and commitments after obtaining SQF Food Safety Certificates. Key focus areas of SQF Quality Code are proper implementation of CODEX Alimentarius Commission HACCP principles and guidelines for control of food safety and food quality hazards. 

Upon completion of SQF Quality Code certification, SQF Quality Shields can be used on primary product packaging, giving added assurance to consumers that the product fulfills stringent safety and quality criteria.  

Currently, SQF is the only GFSI-recognised scheme that allows such seal usage and this further demonstrates the significance of SQF Quality Code and Quality Shield.  

Benefits of becoming SQF Certified Companies

Manage Risk 

First and foremost, the establishment of an SQF system provides your company with effective management of food safety hazards by creating an environment capable of producing safe products and a management system to continually manage, monitor, validate and improve the system. 

Retain existing customers 

Statistics show that around 1 in 4 certified companies ask their suppliers for certification, so if you haven't been asked yet, chances are you will be in the near future. Getting started with your certification can help you stay competitive and qualified with your current customers. 

Extend market reach 

Large retailers and multinational manufacturers or processors mostly require their suppliers to be certified, as a key part of effective supply chain management. By obtain SQF certificates, your qualification opens up a larger market for business expansion. 

Prepare for upcoming regulatory changes 

Countries around the world are making changes to food safety regulations from time to time, including the US and its Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Undergoing SQF certification process prepares your organization to meet most of the requirements of FSMA. 

SQF Certification process

Outlined below are the steps of SQF certification. Like most schemes, annual certification is required. 

Why choosing Eurofins?

Our office in USA is a licensed Certification Body by Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) to issue SQF certificate, upon the SQF audit conducted by India office. The team in India always strikes to provide excellent customer service which supports you and your company based on below competencies:

• High-quality audit reports  
• Stringent compliance with protocols
• Robust experience and competences of auditors 
• Reliable turnaround time 
• Customer-centric attitude   

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