SQF Certification

SAFETY IS A PRIORITY FOR THE WORLD'S BIGGEST RETAILERS.

That's why major retailers like Whole Foods, Target and Wal-Mart are requiring their suppliers to be SQF certified, which means that they meet a set of requirements for product safety.

If you want to sell your products in these stores or anywhere else in the world, it's important to have an audit done on your business by a third-party auditor who is qualified to assess your processes and procedures.

WHAT IS SQF CERTIFICATION?

SQF, or Safe Quality Food, is a comprehensive assessment of a food manufacturing or processing facility's adherence to food safety and quality standards. It evaluates practices, processes, and documentation to ensure the production of safe and high-quality food products.

Achieving and maintaining SQF certification is crucial for food businesses seeking to meet regulatory requirements, enhance consumer trust, and access broader markets. Learn more about SQF audits and their significance for your food-related enterprise on our website.

THE ASI DIFFERENCE

ASI doesn't just provide services; we create partnerships. We're committed to your success and your journey towards SQF certification. With ASI by your side, you're not just meeting a certification standard; you're embracing a culture of excellence.

Make the choice that reflects your commitment to food safety and quality. Choose ASI as your trusted partner on the road to SQF certification. Your success is our mission, and together, we'll build a safer, more prosperous food future.

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

PREPARING FOR SQF AUDIT:

Understand the SQF Code:

Familiarize yourself with the SQF Code, which outlines the specific requirements for food safety and quality.
Determine the specific SQF Code edition that applies to your industry, such as food manufacturing, packaging, distribution, or storage.

Appoint an SQF Team:

Designate a dedicated team responsible for SQF audit preparation.
Include individuals from various departments, such as quality assurance, production, and documentation.

Conduct a Gap Analysis:

Perform a gap analysis to identify areas where your current practices and documentation may not meet SQF requirements.
Address and close these gaps before the audit.

Document Your System:

Create a comprehensive food safety and quality management system, including policies, procedures, and work instructions.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of all aspects of your operation.

Employee Training:

Ensure that all employees receive proper training on food safety and quality procedures and standards.
Keep training records up-to-date and easily accessible.

Facility and Equipment Maintenance:

Regularly maintain facilities and equipment to ensure they meet SQF standards for cleanliness and safety.
Address maintenance issues promptly.

Supplier and Ingredient Verification:

Verify the compliance of your suppliers and the safety of your ingredients.
Maintain records of supplier evaluations, ingredient testing, and certifications.

Mock Audits:

Conduct mock audits or self-inspections to simulate the real audit process.
Use the results to identify and address potential issues.

Pre-Audit Checklist:

Develop a checklist that covers all SQF requirements to ensure nothing is missed during the audit preparation.

Auditor Training:

Ensure your SQF team is well-prepared for the auditor's questions and requests.
Familiarize your team with the audit process and expectations.

Schedule the Audit:

Coordinate with the audit team and schedule the SQF audit with a recognized certification body.
Ensure you have a clear understanding of the audit scope and objectives.

Be Prepared on Audit Day:

On the day of the audit, have all relevant personnel available and ready to cooperate with the auditor.
Be transparent and responsive during the audit.

Post-Audit Actions:

After the audit, address any findings or recommendations made by the auditor promptly.
Develop a corrective action plan if necessary and implement improvements.

Proper preparation is essential to a successful SQF audit, ensuring that your food safety and quality management system complies with the SQF Code and that the audit process proceeds smoothly.

FAQs ABOUT SQF CERTIFICATION

What is SQF certification?

SQF (Safe Quality Food) certification is a rigorous and globally recognized food safety and quality management system certification. It ensures that products are produced, processed, prepared, and handled according to the highest standards of safety and quality.

Why should my business get SQF certified?

SQF certification demonstrates your commitment to food safety and quality, enhancing consumer confidence in your products. It also opens doors to new markets, as many retailers and buyers require SQF certification from their suppliers.

How long does it take to become SQF certified?

The time to achieve SQF certification varies based on factors such as your current food safety practices, size of your operation, and readiness for the certification process. Typically, it can take several months to a year to implement the necessary changes and complete the certification process.

What is involved in the SQF certification process?

The process includes several key steps:
Preparation: Assessing your current practices against SQF requirements.
Implementation: Making necessary improvements and documenting procedures.
Audit: A third-party certification body conducts an on-site audit to evaluate compliance with SQF standards.
Certification: Upon successful completion of the audit, you receive SQF certification.

How often is SQF certification required?

SQF certification is typically valid for one year. Annual audits are required to maintain certification, ensuring ongoing compliance with SQF standards.

Can SQF certification be integrated with other management systems?

Yes, SQF certification can be integrated with other management systems, such as ISO 9001 (Quality Management) or ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management), to streamline processes and enhance overall efficiency.

How much does SQF certification cost?

The cost of SQF certification varies depending on factors such as the size of your operation, complexity of processes, and location. It includes costs for initial assessment, implementation support, audit fees, and ongoing maintenance.

What are the benefits of partnering with a certification body for SQF certification?

Working with a certification body ensures that your certification process is conducted impartially and professionally. Certification bodies provide expertise, guidance, and support throughout the certification journey, helping you achieve and maintain SQF certification efficiently.

How can I prepare for an SQF audit?

Preparing for an SQF audit involves thorough documentation of procedures, training of personnel, and conducting internal audits to identify and correct any non-conformities. Your certification body can provide specific guidance and resources to help you prepare effectively.