SQF Certification

The Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification is a rigorous food safety and quality program recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). The SQF food safety and quality codes are designed to meet consumer, industry, and regulatory requirements for all sectors of the food supply chain, from farm to fork.

QIMA's streamlined SQF certification process helps you safeguard your consumers, enhance your market access, and elevate your brand's reputation. With SQF certification, you can demonstrate that your food products have been grown, produced, processed, prepared and handled according to the highest standards of food safety and quality.

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

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 based on 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:

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 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

Why Choose QIMA for SQF Certification?

Seamless Communication & Service

• Responsive technical support at every stage

• Transparent certification process & on-time certification delivery

• Exceptional service quality validated by 72 NPS score

Cost & Time Optimization

• Multi-scheme audits reduce site visits and costs

• Streamlined processes minimize operational disruption

• Optimized local auditor deployment

Industry Leadership

• Preferred certification partner - highest ranked GLOBALG.A.P. and PrimusGFS provider in North America

• 30+ years pioneering food safety, organic, and sustainable standards

• Comprehensive farm-to-fork certification ecosystem

• Advanced technology for compliance monitoring

Want to learn more? Download our insert and discover how we can support your business.