SQF Certification

 

Frequently Asked Questions About SQF Certification and Food Safety

What is SQF Certification, and why is it important?  SQF Certification (Safe Quality Food) is a global food safety and quality management system administered by the SQF Institute, a division of FMI – The Food Industry Association. It ensures that food has been produced, processed, and handled in accordance with the highest safety standards. With over 14,000 certified sites in more than 40 countries, SQF is recognized globally and is fully benchmarked by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).

What industries can be certified against the SQF Program?  SQF Certification applies to a wide range of industries, including:

• Food manufacturing
• Primary production (farming, aquaculture)
• Pet food and animal feed manufacturing
• Dietary supplements
• Food packaging manufacturing
• Storage and distribution
• Retail and catering operations

The flexibility of the SQF Program makes it suitable for businesses across the entire food supply chain.

What are the key requirements for obtaining SQF Certification?

To obtain SQF Certification, a business must:

• Implement a food safety management system based on HACCP principles
• Designate a trained SQF Practitioner
• Conduct internal audits
• Maintain proper documentation and records
• Undergo a third-party certification audit

Our Mérieux NutriSciences Training Department offers custom SQF training and gap assessments tailored to specific industries (e.g., dairy, meat, pet food).

How does SQF certification benefit food businesses and manufacturers? SQF Certification demonstrates a strong commitment to food safety and quality by:

• Building customer trust and enhancing brand reputation
• Enabling access to global markets
• Earning recognition from major retailers and food service providers

How long does the SQF audit take? The duration of an SQF audit depends on:

• Facility size
• Number of HACCP plans
• Complexity of operations
• Number of employees

We provide an SQF audit duration calculator to help you estimate your audit length.

What is the difference between SQF and other food safety certifications like BRCGS, IFS, and FSSC 22000?  While all are GFSI-recognized schemes, each has its focus and structure. Visit our  Your Guide to GFSI brochure for a full comparison of SQF vs. BRCGS, IFS, and FSSC 22000.

How often does a company need to renew its SQF certification? SQF Certification is valid for 12 months. To maintain certification:

• Annual audits are required
• Every third audit must be unannounced
• Lower audit scores may lead to more frequent evaluations.

How can Mérieux NutriSciences help businesses achieve SQF Certification? We support food businesses through every step of the SQF certification process, including:

• Customized industry training
• Gap assessments
• Internal audit preparation
• Regulatory guidance

You can contact our food safety team directly or follow the steps in the last page of our  Your Guide to GFSI brochure to get started.