SQF (Safe Quality Food) is a comprehensive food safety certification scheme administered by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI). It covers from primary production to manufacturing, packaging, storage, and transportation. Its code-based scope allows adapting it to the specific sector (SQF Food Safety Code for Manufacturing, for Packaging, for Storage & Distribution, etc.). Edition 10 (2020, ongoing revisions) reinforced focus on food safety culture and food fraud analysis.
- Meet North American retailer requirements (Walmart, Costco, Kroger)
- Certify the mandatory SQF Practitioner role in your team
- Cover multiple sectors under one scheme (manufacturing, packaging, distribution)
- Demonstrate measurable and auditable food safety culture
- Facilitate exports to the United States and Canada
Food and beverage manufacturing, primary and secondary packaging, distribution and storage centers, primary production (agricultural and fishing), catering and food services. Applies to companies exporting or selling to North American retail.
Food manufacturer exporting to Walmart U.S. that requires SQF Manufacturing certification
Packaging company in Mexico supplying U.S. retail brands
Border distribution center handling refrigerated product under SQF Storage & Distribution
Annual audit by an SQFI-accredited certifier. Score E (Excellent) / G (Good) / C (Complies). Valid for 12 months. Requires an accredited SQF Practitioner with valid training.
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