SQF Meaning: An Easy Guide to Getting Your SQF Certification

The Safe Quality Food (SQF) program is considered a gold standard for food safety and quality in the entire food supply chain.

• The SQF is a GFSI-benchmarked certification program that ensures a globally-recognized level of food safety and quality standards.

• The SQF program is based on the principles of the HACCP system and incorporates deeper food safety management programs.

• You can satisfy all the requirements of the SQF certification program and build a HACCP-based food safety system using our digital solutions at FoodDocs.

The main efforts of the food industry to protect customers from foodborne illnesses are seen through the strict food safety standards that experts established. A well-known proof and example of this is the SQF program, otherwise known as the Safe Quality Food program. 

The globally-known food safety certification model is a sign of a certified business' commitment to protecting and serving consumers. The program aims to show how food safety is very important in the industry. The SQF program requires an extensive compilation of documents regarding the policies adopted by a food business and how the team implements them within everyday operations. The program ensures that every gap and hazard in a food business is properly identified and analyzed to protect consumers from food safety problems and quality complaints. SQF-certified food businesses are expected to be more globally competitive and have a better reception from food providers all over the world.

Find out what does SQF mean and how to establish a HACCP-based food safety management system, which is the main requirement of an SQF program, with the help of FoodDocs.

Here is a list of the topics discussed in this piece:

SQF meaning

SQF means Safe Quality Foods. The SQF program started as a food safety standard that was developed in Australia in 1994. Currently, the program is considered an internationally recognized certification system for food safety and quality management. 

The SQF food safety program is managed by the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI), a subunit of the Food Marketing Institute. To date, the SQF certification program is considered a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) benchmark for auditing food businesses worldwide. The GFSI is a privately owned organization that manages auditing bodies and sets criteria for food safety management systems all over the world.

In the food industry, the SQF meaning is synonymous with a very high food safety system. 

Food business owners would benefit significantly by understanding what is SQF and how can it improve food safety. The SQF program applies to all sectors of the food supply chain, whether food manufacturing, service, or retail of food products.

What are the benefits of SQF?

Companies audited by an SQF-certified body can assure their customers that the business is operating under a well-structured and strict food safety management system. The goal of a GFSI-recognized program, such as the SQF, is to ensure that food businesses are well-equipped with the required food safety measures.

The SQF program covers food safety and quality controls for all areas of the food supply chain. The program requires controls from farming up to the distribution of food products to the customers. 

The program can specifically offer food companies the following benefits when established:

• Reduced food safety and quality risk. The main objective of the certification program is to identify the safety and quality risks in a food business operation. Through this objective, the program also encourages the food safety team to adopt proper manufacturing practices to protect their food products from contamination risks. 
• Improve cost-effective operations. Getting certified under the SQF program has been proven to help businesses increase yield by optimizing operations and reducing factors that can lead to profit loss. Fewer reworks and recalls are expected with an SQF certification.
• Food safety team preparedness. The SQF program prepares a food business team on addressing food safety risks through proper training and appropriate monitoring procedures.
• Increased customer confidence. As a globally-recognized program, securing an SQF certification reassures your customers that your food products and raw material supplies are safe and top quality. It shows your team's commitment to food safety and quality.
• Bigger market for products. Becoming an SQF-certified business will allow your company to enter further markets and tap into new business opportunities. The program offers competitive advantages for food companies. 

An SQF certification opens doors for any certified food business. It serves as a written confirmation that your team follows the highest food safety standards known in the industry.

Did you know that food safety statistics of food facilities that implemented a GFSI-recognized program saw 34% fewer cases of recalls?

The SQF offers modular programs on basic food safety as well as additional modules that cover specific food safety programs, such as the Food Safety Modernization Act of the U.S.

Is SQF mandatory?

The SQF certification program is a voluntary auditing system. Although voluntary, it covers the majority of the regulatory requirements established by federal government agencies, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Canada's Canadian Food Inspection Agency. 

Who needs to follow the SQF standards? 

The Safe Quality Foods standards are applicable to all food businesses starting from the farm level up to the distribution channels of food products, such as retail stores.

The SQF program offers modules for the different sectors of a food production system. Some of the areas covered by the most recent version of the SQF program include the following:

• Food manufacturing
• Dietary supplement manufacturing
• Pet food manufacturing
• Animal product manufacturing
• Animal feed manufacturing
• Primary plant production
• Primary animal production
• Aquaculture
• Food packaging manufacturing
• Storage and distribution
• Food quality

Food businesses dealing with any of the mentioned sectors can take the certification program. 

Safe Quality Foods Standards

The Safe Quality Foods standards can be summarized into three basic principles. Certification under the SQF standards reflects the commitment of a company to food safety based on the following principles:

1. to produce safe, quality food products,
2. comply with the SQF code requirements, and
3. comply with relevant food legislation.

The SQF standards are established to ensure that a food company correctly and efficiently manages food safety risks through a comprehensive food safety management system. 

The SQF standard programs are subdivided into three different levels for food business teams. Each level addresses different food industry requirements with increasing degrees of criticality.

1. Level 1. This level includes basic food handling practices and food safety principles. It introduces essential prerequisite programs such as the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and basic food safety tips and guidelines.
2. Level 2. Covers all programs under Level 1 and focuses more on HACCP-based food safety plans. This level is where hazards are identified, analyzed, and addressed with preventive controls. 
3. Level 3. Otherwise known as the SQF Food Safety and Quality Program, the highest level of the SQF certification program is dedicated to food safety and quality management system. This level also emphasizes the need to control the quality of the product.

Establishing a HACCP food safety plan covers the majority of the SQF standard requirements. Having a comprehensive HACCP plan can help ensure your compliance with an SQF certification program easily.

Using FoodDocs' digital solutions, you can get both a digital HACCP plan and a HACCP-based food safety management system in one. Our system can automatically generate a comprehensive digital HACCP plan with automatically defined CCPs that you can further customize and a food safety management system based on this safety plan. You can satisfy all of the requirements and ace the audit process with our solutions.

Use our free 14-day trial to experience how we can make your certification compliance easier!

What is SQF Code Edition 9? 

The SQF Code Edition 9 is the latest version of the SQF standards. Major changes in manufacturing categorization and auditing point system were established for the SQF code edition 9. More specific fields of manufacturing were explained in detail and guidelines were set for each field.

Effective last May 2021, all certification audits under the SQF program will be performed according to the 9th edition. The changes created under the SQF Edition 9 made the program applicable to other GFSI-recognized standards.

How does Edition 9 differ from Edition 8.1 and Edition 7.2? 

The previous editions of the SQF Code highlighted manufacturing fields in groups. The SQF Code Edition 8.1 covered plants, livestock, and aquaculture in one module, whereas the 9th edition laid out separate guidelines for each field.

To highlight the most significant SQF Code changes from the 7.2 and 8.1 editions, check out this list:

• Separation and expansion of manufacturing codes.
  • The following codes were added:
    • Primary plant production
    • Primary animal production
    • Aquaculture
    • Food manufacturing
    • Animal feed manufacturing
    • Animal product manufacturing
    • Dietary supplement 
• Auditing schedule and scoring changes
  • Major non-conformance during an audit now costs 5 points, which is a 50% decrease from the previous editions. Minor non-conformance will still remain at 1 point. 
  • Blended audits which are composed of remote and on-site auditing are now permanent parts of the auditing scheme.
• An additional SQF practitioner must be present as a company employee.
• Companies will undergo an unannounced audit within three years of the previous audit. Previously, one unannounced audit was required per cycle.
• SQF Code now covers auditing a company's food safety culture. Auditing includes documented performance measurements.
• Addition of internal laboratory practices and equivalent methods to ISO 17025.
• Establishment of label reconciliation requirements. This new Code addition covers procedures and documents needed to ensure correct labeling and reduce the risk of allergen labeling-related recalls. 
• Annual testing of ambient air is now required for high-risk areas. The sampling of ambient air must be done through passive or active air sampling.
• An SQF-certified facility must now determine the risk level of a contract manufacturer. This type of manufacturer is contracted by a certified facility as a third-party commissary to operate or store some of its products.

Businesses transitioning from Code Edition 8.1 to the 9th Edition can start by performing a gap analysis and a further assessment of their food safety programs. 

The SQFI provides clear guidance documents for transitioning and implementing the food safety and quality codes of the new SQF Code Edition.

What is an SQF audit?

The SQF audit serves as the verification part of the program after establishing a food safety management system following their guide. The audit ensures that your food business is compliant with the most current edition of the SQF Code and that your team is following the applicable food laws.

To date, SQF audits are conducted in two parts, which consist of a remote document audit and an on-site audit. The entire SQF audit process works like a regular food safety audit.

A certified auditing body representative will send an audit plan to your team for a scheduled visit. During the audit, the inspector will systematically analyze your documentation and on-site operations based on the SQF Code. After the process, a report will be provided to your team for review. All suggested corrective actions must be applied within the deadline specified by the auditor.

Your team will earn a certification once the audit is passed and the food business is now "SQF-certified."

How to get an SQF certification?

SQF Certification Process

The SQF certification program significantly varies depending on the process being audited. Guidelines for sites for inspection and document control requirements are provided by the SQFI.

The certification process involves ten detailed steps as described by the SQFI:

Step 1: Register on the SQFI assessment database

Determine the most appropriate classification of program and certification costs fit for your business.

Step 2: Designate an SQF practitioner

The selected SQF practitioner will represent the site management and ensure the effectiveness of the food safety system. A designated practitioner must meet the following requirements:

• Employed by the company 
• Satisfied the training requirements in HACCP courses
• Have an in-depth understanding of basic handling practices and the SQF Code

Step 3: Determine the scope of certification

Choose the level of certification appropriate for your food operations and target certification.

Step 4: Document your SQF system

Review the latest SQF Code and document the necessary and applicable guidelines in your operations. Document all systems, work operations, and policies of your processes.

Step 5: Implement your SQF system

Implement all documented policies into your everyday operations.

Step 6: Pre-assessment audit

Perform an in-house assessment with an assigned SQF practitioner to identify any potential gaps in your program.

Step 7: Select a certification body

Choose an SQFI-accredited certification body that offers a program suitable for your facility's needs.

Step 8: The initial certification audit

The certification body will perform document and on-site reviews on the scheduled date and time. 

Step 9: Auditing reporting and closeout

All non-compliance and major points for improvement are collected and reported to the team for correcting.

Step 10: Granting certification

If the auditor evaluated your food business as compliant with the necessary requirements and all corrective actions are applied, your food business will be declared Safe Quality Foods certified.

The SQFI also provides training to prepare food business teams for the actual audit. The auditing process usually takes 3 to 4 days to conclude, with an additional allotted time for preparation. The process will take more time depending on the number of corrective actions suggested.

The certification process can easily conclude if your food business already has a HACCP plan in place. Implementing the HACCP features covers the majority of the SQF Code.

Establish your own HACCP plan in just 1 hour with the help of our digital HACCP plan builder and get SQF-certified fast. By simply answering a few questions about your operations, our system can automatically generate a comprehensive HACCP plan template that you can further customize to fit your business.

SQF audit checklist

The tasks involved in an SQF audit depend on the program you are getting certified for. To help you cover the basic parts of the SQF audits program, use this SQF audit checklist we prepared:

• • Registered to the SQF assessment database
  • A qualified SQF practitioner has been selected
  • The SQF practitioner has undergone HACCP training courses
  • All team members are briefed and trained about the SQF certification.
  • A gap analysis was performed with the help of an SQF practitioner
  • Established prerequisite programs 
  • The business is equipped with a comprehensive HACCP plan
    • A hazard risk assessment was performed
    • Critical control points are identified
    • Proper monitoring procedures are established
    • Corrective and preventive actions are established
    • The plan is fully documented
  • Established a recall and traceability plan
  • Established a food defense plan
  • Established a performance evaluation for food safety culture
  • Satisfied an in-house audit based on the SQF Code
  • All documents related to policies, operations, and the food safety management system are prepared and compiled

More detailed and specific checklists based on the certification program you are aiming for are provided by the SQFI. You can also check out our free internal SQF audit checklist!

SQF training

SQF training refers to the programs offered by the SQFI or certified companies that help prepare businesses for the certification process. The SQFI itself provides training programs for SQF practitioners and in-person training for business teams.

An SQF practitioner training program includes modules for courses that discuss the implementation scheme of the SQF. The training program discusses the fundamentals of SQF and how it can help food businesses. It also includes the major changes in the SQF Code Edition 9.

How can FoodDocs help you ensure SQF certification?

The Safe Quality Foods program is based on the HACCP principles. Establishing a comprehensive HACCP plan is an essential first step to passing an SQF certification audit. SQF certification is a strict program that will need a lot of your time as a food business owner. 

Once your team has established a HACCP plan, the SQF program will still require you to document the entire food safety management system. At FoodDocs, you can get both objectives done in record time. With our digital solution, you can get a customizable HACCP-based food safety management system that satisfies the SQF program.

Using our built-in customizable HACCP plan builder, you can get a comprehensive HACCP plan template in just 1 hour. All you need to do is describe your operations to our system, and it will automatically generate a detailed template for you.

Our digital HACCP plan builder will provide the following sections of your food safety plan:

• Prerequisite program and Standard Operating Procedure documents
• Hazard analysis 
• Critical control points with critical limits
• Monitoring procedures
• Corrective actions
• Verification procedures
• Recordkeeping procedures

HACCP plan Template from FoodDocs

Using artificial intelligence and a machine-learning program, our system can quickly create all the essential documents needed for a HACCP program. You can even further customize the HACCP plan according to the additional requirements of the SQF Code. 

Store all your HACCP-related documents and easily share them with the SQF practitioner with the dedicated cloud file storage for your team.

FoodDocs' software is mainly a HACCP-based food safety management system, which is what the SQF program requires. With our digital Food Safety Management System, you can intuitively and efficiently document all policies and food safety tasks. Setting up our digital FSMS software takes only 15 minutes.

With our system, you can check all boxes from the SQF Code requirements. Get the following features that will help you pass an SQF certification and consistently maintain compliance:

• Get automatically generated monitoring logs, checklists, and schedules from our digital FSMS. Each monitoring log is equipped with detailed information to guide food handlers in performing and monitoring the tasks.

Water Testing Log from FoodDocs

• Our system features a smart notification system that alerts food handlers of any incoming tasks. With this feature, you can finish an in-house audit fast.
• Upload a pre-existing audit checklist into our mobile app and use our software to perform your pre-assessment audit in preparation for the SQF certification. 
• Store and compile all of your digital food safety documents in one place with the cloud file storage system that comes with our system. 
• Get a real-time dashboard that gives you an overview of your entire food safety operations, so you can quickly identify non-compliant areas that need more attention.

 Food Safety System Set Up from FoodDocs

The SQF program used to rely significantly on paper-based documentation. As the industry moved towards the digital era, achieving an SQF certification has become more convenient. With our digital platform, the SQF certification can be a breeze.

Get SQF-certified with the help of our digital solutions. Our system accommodates easy customizations so you can incorporate additional SQF requirements. You can also use this feature to incorporate suggestions from the SQF auditor or create new digital monitoring logs based on the new SQF Code edition.

Start using our system and prepare your team with an internal audit using our software programs now. Use our free 14-day trial to ace your pre-assessment audit and continue your compliance status by purchasing our services now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need more information about the SQF program? Here are some frequently asked questions about the GFSI-certified certification system.

What does SQF stand for?

SQF stands for Safe Quality Foods.

What is SQF in the food industry?

The SQF is a certification system that contains sets of food safety standards based on the HACCP program. The program aims to ensure that certified food businesses are only producing safe and quality foods and are compliant with applicable food laws. 

What are the SQF food safety standards?

The three main requirements of an SQF certification program are summarized through the following standards:

1. Certified companies must produce only safe and good-quality foods.
2. Certified companies must comply with the latest SQF Code.
3. Certified companies must be compliant with applicable food laws.
   
   

Who requires SQF certification?

The SQF certification is globally known and highly favored by food businesses, including service providers, retailers, and food manufacturers, who require a comprehensive food safety management system.  

What is SQF certified?

The term SQF certified is awarded to food businesses that satisfied the requirements and standards established in the SQF Code. This title can be achieved by undergoing the SQF certification audit.