What Is SQF Certification?
Safe Quality Food (SQF) is a GFSI-recognized food safety management scheme owned and administered by the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI). It provides a tiered certification framework used by food producers, manufacturers, packaging companies, and distributors to demonstrate structured food safety control to buyers and retailers worldwide.
QIMA conducts SQF audits as an accredited certification body. Our auditors evaluate whether an organization's food safety management system meets the requirements of the current SQF Code edition across all applicable modules and the chosen certification level.
Is SQF the Right Certification Scheme for You?
QIMA offers SQF certification for all members of the food supply chain, including:
Primary production (plant and animal)
Food manufacturing
Food packaging manufacturing
Storage and distribution
Food retail
Food service
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We offer three levels of certification so you can pick the scope most relevant to your needs:
Level 1: SQF Food Safety Fundamentals:
Solutions for small and medium-sized suppliers who want to implement or improve their food safety management program.
Level 2: SQF Food Safety Code:
Identifies, assesses, and controls food safety hazards in accordance with HACCP and ISO principles. The SQF Food Safety Code includes 11 distinct codes tailored to specific food industry sectors, from primary production to manufacturing to packaging and distribution.
Level 3: SQF Food Quality:
Goes above and beyond food safety to incorporate food quality. This site-specific process and product certification standard emphasizes the systematic application of CODEX Alimentarius Commission HACCP principles and guidelines for control of food safety and food quality hazards.
What Is Assessed During SQF Audits for Certification?
During SQF audits, QIMA meticulously evaluates a range of critical areas to ensure comprehensive compliance with SQF standards. This includes a thorough examination of food safety and quality management systems, operational processes, and the implementation of effective risk management practices. QIMA’s expert auditors are specialists in the food industry, offering personalized support and helping you streamline the SQF audit and certification process.
The mandatory elements assessed in an SQF food safety audit are:
| Food Safety Policy | Food Legislation | Corrective and Preventive Action |
| Management Responsibility | Good Manufacturing Practices | Internal Audit |
| Management Review | Food Safety Plan | Product Identification |
| Complaint Management | Approved Supplier Program | Product Trace |
| Food Safety Management System | Product Release | Product Withdrawal and Recall |
| Document Control | Validation and Effectiveness | Food Defense Plan |
| Records | Verification and Monitoring | Training Program |
| Allergen Management for Food Manufacturing (mandatory for food manufacturers only) | Allergen management for Pet Food Manufacturing (mandatory for pet food manufacturers only) |
All applicable system elements and the relevant GAP & GMP module(s) are assessed as part of the SQF audit. Where an element is not applicable and appropriately justified, the SQF food safety audit marks it as "not applicable" (N/A) in the audit report.
Mandatory elements are designated with “Mandatory” in the system elements in the SQF Food Safety Code for Manufacturing, System Elements. Mandatory elements must be audited, and compliance/non-compliance reported (cannot be reported as “not applicable” or “exempt”).
Why Choose QIMA for SQF Certification?
Protect your certifications and market access with one partner across food safety, organic, and sustainability
Responsive, expert support throughout your certification journey, trusted by clients with a 72 NPS
Reduce audit fatigue with combined audits that save time and cost
Pay faster with QIMA Click & Pay, using instant quotes and secure online payments to keep audits and certification timelines on track
Want to learn more? Download our insert and learn how SQF works.
Why Do You Need SQF Certification?
SQF certification with QIMA allows you to:
Promote confidence in food safety, quality, and legality
Enhance your brand’s marketing image
Create a platform for consistent improvement in process quality and safety
Streamline process management by helping to proactively identify and manage risk
Encourage more responsible agricultural and manufacturing processes
Provide proof of due diligence and lay the groundwork for compliance with regulatory requirements
Typical Time to Initial Certification
4 – 9 months | Varies by site readiness, complexity, and CAPA resolution speed
Organizations already operating food safety programs may complete the process more quickly. New systems or multi-module scopes require additional preparation time.
What SQF Auditors Evaluate
QIMA auditors evaluate conformance against the applicable SQF Code modules. The audit scope is defined at the application stage and reflects the organization's products, processes, and chosen certification level.
Key areas of evaluation include:
| Food Safety System Elements HACCP-based food safety plan — hazard analysis and CCPs Prerequisite programs (PRPs) — GMP, sanitation, pest control, allergen management Management commitment and food safety culture indicators Internal audit program and management review | Documentation & Records Documented food safety policies and procedures Monitoring records for CCPs and operational PRPs Corrective action records and trend analysis Training and competency records for food safety personnel |
|---|---|
| Operational Verification On-site observation of practices against documented procedures Personnel awareness of food safety responsibilities Traceability system effectiveness Product testing and environmental monitoring programs (where applicable) | Level 3 — Quality Extension Quality management system integration with food safety controls Customer complaint management and analysis Finished product specifications and quality monitoring Continuous improvement processes beyond corrective action |
Auditors document findings as Critical, Major, or Minor nonconformities based on SQF grading definitions. Corrective action requirements and response timelines vary by nonconformity classification.
Ready to Start Your SQF Certification Journey?
QIMA's audit teams operate across 100+ countries. We combine global reach with sector-specific auditor expertise so your SQF audit is structured, predictable, and professionally managed from application to certificate.
Request an SQF Audit Quote - Submit your site details, and we will confirm scope, timeline, and pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions — SQF Certification
| How long does an SQF audit take? |
| Audit duration depends on the site's size, number of employees, product complexity, and scope of the SQF Code modules being assessed. A small single-product facility may complete a Stage 2 audit in one day. Larger, multi-product operations typically require 2–3 days. QIMA confirms the estimated audit duration during the application stage, based on your specific site profile. What is the difference between SQF Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3? Level 1 covers foundational Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and prerequisite programs. Level 2 adds a HACCP-based food safety plan and is the most commonly required level for retail supplier approval. Level 3 extends the scope to include a quality management system alongside food safety controls. Most major North American retailers and foodservice buyers specify Level 2 as the minimum certification requirement. What happens if a nonconformity is found during the audit? Nonconformities are classified as Critical, Major, or Minor under the SQF Code. Critical nonconformities — involving immediate food safety risk — may result in suspension or refusal of certification. Major nonconformities require documented corrective action and evidence of resolution before certification can be granted. Minor nonconformities must be addressed within timeframes defined by SQF requirements and are reviewed at the next scheduled audit. QIMA issues a formal audit report detailing all findings and required response timelines. Do we need to register with SQFI before applying for a QIMA audit? Yes. Organizations must register directly with the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) and obtain a valid SQF license before an initial certification audit can be conducted. SQFI registration is the scheme owner's process and is separate from the QIMA certification application. QIMA can advise on the sequencing of these steps during your inquiry stage. How often is the SQF audit conducted? SQF requires an annual audit cycle. Initial certification is followed by annual recertification audits to maintain the certificate. The recertification audit evaluates ongoing conformance with SQF Code requirements and may also assess corrective actions from previous audit cycles. QIMA recommends scheduling the recertification audit 8–10 weeks before the certificate anniversary date. Can we transfer our existing SQF certification to QIMA? Yes. Organizations certified by another accredited SQF certification body may transfer to QIMA. Transfer audits follow the SQF Code requirements for certificate transfer. QIMA reviews the prior audit history and certificate status as part of the transfer process. Contact our team to confirm eligibility and the required transfer documentation. |