Do major retailers require SQF or another GFSI certification?

Many large retailers, distributors, and foodservice companies require a GFSI-benchmarked certification such as SQF for supplier approval. Requirements vary by buyer.

Can SQF be combined with other audits?

Yes. Sites often combine SQF with other standards (e.g., ISO 9001, GMP audits) to reduce duplication and audit time.

What happens if non-conformities are found during the audit?

You must submit corrective actions within the time allowed by the certification body. After verification, certification can be granted.

How should we prepare for an SQF audit?

Complete a gap analysis against the applicable SQF Code, train your SQF Practitioner, implement and operate your system to generate records, and perform internal audits and management reviews before the certification audit.

SQF Certification | SQF Audit

Q: What is SQF certification?

The Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification is a third-party audited food safety and quality management program developed by SQFI. It is benchmarked by GFSI and recognized by retailers, manufacturers, and regulators.

Q: What is the difference between SQF Fundamentals, Food Safety, and Quality programs?

Fundamentals is an entry-level program for developing sites; Food Safety is the GFSI-benchmarked program with HACCP-based sector codes; Quality is an optional add-on focused on product consistency and defect prevention.

Q: How much does SQF certification cost?

Costs vary by site size, scope, and audit duration. Fees typically include annual SQF registration, the certification body’s audit fee, and auditor travel.

Q: How long is an SQF certificate valid?

Certificates are valid for 12 months. Sites maintain certification with annual surveillance or recertification audits.

Q: Do I need an SQF Practitioner?

Yes. Each site must designate a qualified SQF Practitioner responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining the SQF System, including HACCP training and knowledge of the SQF Code.

What is SQF Certification?

The Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification is a third-party audited food safety and quality management program developed by the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI). It is benchmarked by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and recognized worldwide by retailers, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies.

SQF certification verifies that a facility:

Implements a HACCP-based food safety plan.
Meets documented Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs).
Maintains consistent systems for production, storage, and distribution.

Program	Who It's For	Why You Need It	Prerequisites	GFSI Benchmarked/Compliant	Applicable Scopes / Categories
Food Safety Program	All food producers in the food industry	Helps integrate robust food safety standards and often required for market entry	None	Benchmarked	Primary Animal Production Primary Plant Production Aquaculture Food Manufacturing Animal Product Manufacturing Dietary Supplements Pet Food Animal Feed Manufacture of Food Packaging Storage and Distribution Food Retail Foodservice Quality
Fundamentals Program	Small and medium-sized enterprises	Addresses buyers’ food safety requirements for local and global markets	None	Compliant	Primary Production Food Manufacturing Applicable product categories from Food Safety Codes
Quality Program	Sites with existing food safety plans	Uses risk-based methods like Codex HACCP to monitor quality threats and corrections	Already implemented SQF Food Safety Plan or equivalent	Compliant	Quality
Foodservice Program	Foodservice industry businesses	Creates a food safety culture to reduce risks; supports internal/external inspections; multi-site options	None	Not Benchmarked	Restaurants Caterers Central kitchens (retail-prepared foods) School foodservice Hospitals
Food Retail Program	Food retailers	Builds transparency, verifies processes, links corporate policies to store practices, and offers third-party verification	None	Not Benchmarked	Food Retail

ASI: SQF CERTIFICATION SERVICES

ASI Food Safety can support in preparation for SQF certification in several ways:

Expert Guidance They provide expert consultation and guidance on understanding SQF requirements specific to your industry sector, helping you comprehend the standards and necessary steps.

Gap Analysis ASI Food Safety conducts a thorough gap analysis of your current food safety management system against SQF standards, identifying areas needing improvement.

Customized Solutions They offer tailored strategies and solutions to align your existing procedures, policies, and protocols with SQF standards.

Training Services ASI Food Safety provides training and educational resources for your team, ensuring they understand and implement necessary changes effectively.

Documentation Support Assistance in developing required documentation and records aligned with SQF standards, ensuring completeness and accuracy.

Pre-assessment Support ASI can conduct mock audits or pre-assessments to gauge readiness for the official SQF certification audit, identifying any remaining gaps for correction beforehand.

THE SQF PROCESSS

The process of obtaining Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification typically involves several key steps:

Preparation

Download, your FOOD SAFETY CODE below, and understand SQF requirements

Development

Create and implement procedures meeting SQF standards

PRE-ASSESSMENT

Conduct a mock audit and review documentation

OFFICIAL AUDIT

Undergo certification audit by ASI

The SQF Certification Process

The SQF Certification Process is the sequence of steps a business follows to earn certification under the Safe Quality Food program. It’s designed to ensure your food safety management system is compliant with the SQF Code and meets GFSI-benchmarked standards.

1. Choose the Correct SQF Code Select the sector-specific SQF Code that applies to your operation (e.g., Food Manufacturing, Packaging, Storage & Distribution, Primary Production, Dietary Supplements, Pet Food).
Tip: Use the SQFI Code selector or consult with your certification body to confirm the right category.

2. Register Your Site

Create an account and register your facility in the SQF Assessment Database. Registration is required annually and links your site to the SQF program.

3. Appoint an SQF Practitioner

Designate a qualified individual responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining the SQF System.
Requirements:

HACCP training
Demonstrated knowledge of the SQF Code
Responsibility for ongoing compliance

4. Develop Your SQF System

Document and implement your food safety plan and prerequisite programs (GMPs, sanitation, allergen control, supplier approval, etc.).
Key components:

HACCP plan based on Codex Alimentarius principles
Documented procedures and work instructions
Recordkeeping systems

5. Implement and Operate the System

Run your SQF System long enough to generate objective evidence (records, monitoring logs, corrective actions) showing it works in practice.

6. Optional Pre-Assessment Consider a pre-assessment (mock audit) by your certification body to identify gaps and corrective actions before the official audit.
Note: The auditor will not give consulting advice—this is an impartial readiness check.

7. Certification Audit

A licensed, ANSI-accredited SQF certification body performs the audit. The auditor will:

Review documentation
Inspect your facility
Interview staff
Verify implementation
Non-conformities must be addressed with corrective actions within the allowed time.

8. Certification & Maintenance

Once corrective actions are approved, your site receives certification—valid for 12 months.
Ongoing requirements:

Annual surveillance or recertification audits
Continuous improvement and recordkeeping
System updates to meet new SQF Code editions

SQF Certification FAQs

SQF certification applies to a wide range of industries, including food and beverage manufacturing, packaging, storage & distribution, primary production (plant and animal), aquaculture, pet food, dietary supplements, and retail grocery operations.

What is the difference between SQF Fundamentals, Food Safety, and Quality programs?

Fundamentals: Entry-level program for small or developing businesses to establish core food safety controls.
Food Safety: GFSI-benchmarked program with HACCP-based sector codes, recognized globally by major retailers and manufacturers.
Quality: An optional add-on to Food Safety certification, focusing on product consistency, defect prevention, and customer satisfaction.

How much does SQF certification cost?

Costs vary depending on facility size, scope of operations, and audit duration. Fees typically include SQF registration, the certification body’s audit fee, and travel expenses for the auditor.

How long is an SQF certificate valid?

An SQF certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of certification. Annual surveillance or recertification audits are required to maintain certification.

What is an SQF Practitioner, and do I need one?

An SQF Practitioner is a qualified individual within your facility responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining the SQF System. This role is mandatory for certification.

Do I have to be SQF certified to sell to major retailers?

Many large retailers, distributors, and foodservice companies require a GFSI-benchmarked certification like SQF. Requirements vary by buyer, but SQF certification is often a prerequisite for supplier approval.

Can SQF certification be combined with other audits?

Yes. Many businesses combine SQF audits with other standards (e.g., ISO 9001, HACCP verification, GMP audits) to reduce duplication and audit time.

What happens if we have non-conformities during the audit?

You must submit corrective actions within the timeframe specified by the certification body. Once corrective actions are verified, certification can be granted.

Is SQF certification recognized internationally?

Yes. SQF is benchmarked by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), which is accepted by buyers and regulators in more than 100 countries.

How do I prepare for an SQF audit?

Preparation typically includes completing a gap analysis against the SQF Code, training your SQF Practitioner, implementing and operating the food safety system, and performing internal audits and management reviews before the certification audit.

GET SQF CERTIFIED

What is SQF Certification?

SQF AUDITS AND SQF CERTIFICATION

SQF Certification Programs

ASI: SQF CERTIFICATION SERVICES

THE SQF PROCESSS

The SQF Certification Process

SQF Certification FAQs