SQF certification is a globally recognized food safety standard that demonstrates a company’s commitment to producing safe, high-quality food products.
The Safe Quality Food (SQF) program is administered by the SQF Institute (a division of FMI, the Food Industry Association) and is one of the GFSI-recognized certifications – meaning it meets the benchmark requirements of the Global Food Safety Initiative for food safety management systems.
SQF stands for “Safe Quality Food,” and it is a HACCP-based system (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) that requires manufacturers to identify and control potential hazards in their operations. SQF is also ISO-based (built on ISO/IEC 17065) and integrates with regulatory requirements like FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) in the U.S, meaning that by following SQF, companies align with key laws and international standards.
In this guide, we will cover the following:
- Who needs SQF certification
- SQF certification levels & codes
- SQF certification process
- The integrated SQF certification option
Who Needs SQF Certification?
While SQF certification, theoretically, is voluntary, many companies find that they need SQF certification (or a similar GFSI-backed certificate) to meet customer and market requirements.
In today’s food industry, large retailers and foodservice companies often require their suppliers to have GFSI-recognized certifications like SQF. For instance, if you want to sell your food products to Walmart, Costco, or major grocery chains, you will likely be asked to show proof of SQF, BRCGS, or another accepted food safety certification.
Here’s a compilation of industries where SQF certification is most prevalent:
- Food Manufacturing
Includes processed foods, beverages, frozen goods, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals.
- Primary Production
Covers farming, aquaculture, seafood, and animal product harvesting.
- Food Packaging Manufacturing
Applies to manufacturers of primary packaging that comes into direct contact with food.
- Storage & Distribution
Warehouses, cold storage, and distribution centers handling food and food ingredients.
- Pet Food Manufacturing
Includes both wet and dry pet food, treats, and animal supplements.
- Dietary Supplements & Nutraceuticals
Especially those that intersect with food safety, such as gummies, protein powders, or functional foods.
- Ingredient Suppliers & Co-Packers
Providers of spices, flavors, oils, emulsifiers, and companies that manufacture products on behalf of brands.
- Central Kitchens & Commissary Operations
Used by catering companies, airlines, or multi-unit foodservice operations needing food safety assurance.
Why SQF Certification Matters in the Food Industry
One of the greatest benefits of SQF is risk reduction: companies that implement SQF’s rigorous system significantly lower their chances of food contamination and recalls. In an era where food recalls are on the rise and can cost millions of dollars (not to mention irreparable reputational harm), SQF offers manufacturers a way to proactively prevent problems. By identifying critical control points and strictly managing them, SQF-certified facilities help ensure that unsafe products never reach consumers.
Here are some other advantages of becoming SQF-certified:
- Many major retailers and food companies require SQF certification (or another GFSI-recognized certificate) from their suppliers. Being SQF-certified can therefore unlock new sales channels. Even when not explicitly required, having SQF gives you a competitive edge in selling to any quality-conscious buyer.
- By implementing SQF, you’re essentially meeting the FDA’s FSMA requirements and international Codex HACCP guidelines as part of your daily operations. This means fewer surprises during regulatory inspections and smoother entry into international markets that insist on certified HACCP-based programs.
- Over time, companies often find that SQF certification leads to more streamlined operations, for example, better traceability systems, improved cleaning and maintenance procedures, and clearer documentation. All of these can contribute to improved efficiency and less waste or downtime.
SQF Certification Levels and Codes
Historically, the SQF Program was described in terms of three levels – Level 1, 2, and 3, indicating increasing rigor. Today, SQFI has moved away from referring to “Levels” by number and instead describes its programs by name, but the concept is similar.
SQF offers three main certification options:
| Level | Name | GFSI Recognized? | Purpose | Who It’s For | Key Components |
| Level 1 | SQF Fundamentals | No | Basic food safety practices. Acts as a starting point for food safety system development. | Small businesses, low-risk producers, or those new to food safety compliance. | GAPs, GMPs, sanitation, and basic documentation. |
| Level 2 | SQF Food Safety | Yes | Comprehensive, HACCP-based system meeting full SQF Code food safety requirements. | Most food manufacturers aiming for market acceptance and global trade. | All Level 1 components + HACCP plan, risk-based controls, and detailed procedures. |
| Level 3 (Optional) | SQF Quality | Yes (built on L2) | Focuses on food quality management in addition to food safety. | Premium brands or manufacturers that want to demonstrate high quality and consistency. | All Level 2 components + quality control plans, process verification, and customer satisfaction systems. |
For practical purposes, most food manufacturing businesses seeking SQF will aim for the SQF Food Safety certification (Level 2), since that is what meets GFSI and customer requirements.
The SQF Certification Process
Here is an overview of the general SQF certification process, from start to finish:
- Learn About the SQF Code: Begin by familiarizing yourself with the SQF requirements for your industry. SQFI provides free downloadable SQF Code documents and offers training courses on how to implement SQF.
- Register Your Company in the SQF Database: All sites seeking certification must register with the SQF Assessment Database (an online portal) and pay a registration fee. This step essentially notifies SQFI of your intent and gets your site listed in their system. Registration is renewed annually for as long as you maintain certification.
- Designate an SQF Practitioner: SQF uniquely requires that each certified site have an SQF practitioner, an employee (or sometimes a consultant) who is technically trained in food safety and has the authority to manage the SQF system.
- Document and Implement Your Food Safety System: This is often the most time-consuming part. You’ll need to develop documentation (food safety plans, Standard Operating Procedures, verification records, etc.) that meets all applicable SQF Code requirements. SQF certification covers areas like facility cleanliness, traceability, allergen control, supplier approval, HACCP plan implementation, and more.
- Conduct Internal Audits and a Trial Run: Before the official SQF audit, it’s highly recommended to perform an internal audit or even a pre-assessment audit (sometimes done by an SQF consultant or certification body as a practice run).
- Select a Certification Body and Schedule the Audit: SQF audits are carried out by third-party Certification Bodies (CBs) that are licensed by SQFI. When scheduling, make sure to allow enough time to complete Steps 1–5 before the audit date. The audit typically consists of a document review and an on-site inspection, often conducted together during a multi-day visit. You will also discuss the scope of your certification with the CB – i.e., which products, processes, and facilities are to be certified.
SQF Certification with Integrated Audits from CGA
Getting SQF certified is a major step for manufacturers, but it’s often delayed due to the challenge of managing it alongside other audits and certifications like GMP, making the process feel overwhelming.
This is why Carat Global Assurance (CGA), working alongside partners offers Integrated SQF Certification Audits. CGA is redefining how audits are done by combining SQF with other major certifications, like GMP, Halal, Non-GMO, and more into one seamless audit process.
Why are manufacturers choosing the integrated audit route?Save up to 30% in audit costs and resources
No need to schedule separate audits with different certifiers. The integrated model cuts down redundant inspections, reduces auditor travel time, and minimizes your internal prep workload.
Fewer disruptions to your production
One audit window means less downtime, fewer interruptions to operations, and less stress on your QA and production teams.
One team. One report. One certification cycle.
With CGA, you’ll work with a dedicated audit coordinator who oversees your entire integrated certification process so nothing falls through the cracks.
Apply for SQF Certification
If you’re interested in learning more about the SQF certification program or get a free consultation, get in touch with CGA’s SQF specialist through +1 (630) 386-856 or admin@caratga.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ
Find quick answers to common questions.
No, it’s voluntary—but many retailers and food service providers require their suppliers to be certified to a GFSI-recognized standard like SQF. It’s often a prerequisite to do business with major brands.
The timeline varies, but most companies take 4 to 12 months to prepare for their first SQF audit, depending on existing food safety systems, facility readiness, and team capacity.
The SQF audit includes a thorough review of your food safety plan, documentation, facility operations, employee practices, and compliance with the SQF Code. It’s conducted by an accredited third-party certification body.
You’ll receive an audit report outlining any issues. Minor and major non-conformities must be corrected within a set period (often 30 days), after which the certification body will verify corrections before issuing your SQF certificate.
CGA offers integrated audits combining SQF with Halal, GMP, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, Vegan, and more, saving you time and reducing overlapping audit efforts.
Integrated audits with CGA can save up to 30% in audit costs, minimize disruptions to your operations, and streamline your compliance efforts with a single audit window and coordinated reporting.
SQF certification is valid for 12 months, with annual surveillance audits required to maintain certification status.
You can begin by requesting a consultation or quote here. An SQF certification specialist will guide you through the documentation, training, and scheduling process to get your facility audit-ready.
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