SQF stands for "Safe Quality Food" and is a comprehensive and rigorous safety and quality program based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) . It is a food safety management certification scheme created and managed by the SQF Institute, which is a division of FMI - The Food Industry Association. SQF certification provides an independent and external verification that a product, process, or service complies with international, regulatory, and other specified standard(s) and enables a food producer to give assurances that food has been produced, prepared, and handled according to the highest standards in food safety.
The SQF program is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and is a leading global food safety and quality certification and management system. It is designed to help food manufacturers set up robust food safety control systems in their facilities, and it addresses food safety and quality management in various areas of the food industry, including food and ingredient manufacturing, food packaging manufacturing, storage, distribution, transportation, and logistics, among others.
SQF certification is a powerful differentiator that sets companies apart from competitors and instills confidence in customers and stakeholders. Achieving SQF certification is a testament to a companys commitment to quality and safety and reflects its unwavering dedication to meeting and exceeding industry regulations. By becoming SQF certified, a company can enhance its reputation as a trusted and reliable partner in the food industry and open doors to new business opportunities.
To become SQF certified, a company needs to follow a series of steps, including downloading the Code and Guidance documents, learning what is required for the food safety management system, selecting the applicable modules for its industry segment and activities, registering in the SQFI database, designating and training its SQF Practitioner, designing, documenting, and implementing the required processes and food safety fundamentals, and training its internal audit team.
