SQF Certification - Safe Quality Food Certification

SQF (Safe Quality Food) is a GFSI-recognized food safety and quality certification programme for organizations throughout the food supply chain. The SQF programme provides a framework for managing food safety risks, meeting regulatory requirements and demonstrating compliance with customer expectations.
SQF certification is widely recognized by retailers, food manufacturers and food service organizations worldwide.

SQF certification is intended for organizations operating within the food supply chain, including food manufacturers, primary producers, packaging manufacturers, storage and distribution providers, and food ingredient suppliers.
The programme can be applied across a broad range of industry sectors and food categories.

SQF certification helps organizations demonstrate that food safety and quality controls are effectively implemented throughout their operations. Certification can support supplier approval processes, strengthen customer confidence and provide independent verification of food safety management practices.
As a GFSI-recognized certification programme, SQF is accepted by many retailers and food businesses globally.

The certification process typically includes:
1.  Application and quotation
2.  Registration in the SQF Assessment Database
3.  Preparation and implementation of SQF requirements
4.  On-site audit by a qualified auditor
5.  Review of audit findings
6.  Closure of non-conformities (if applicable)
7.  Certification decision
8.  Issuance of certificate
Kiwa's experts can support organisations throughout the certification process.

Yes. SQF is benchmarked and recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). This recognition demonstrates that the programme meets internationally accepted requirements for food safety management and supply chain assurance.

SQF certification is maintained through annual certification audits. The audit frequency and certification cycle depend on the organization's performance and applicable SQF programme requirements.
In addition, organizations may be subject to unannounced audits as part of SQF and GFSI requirements.

The cost of SQF certification depends on factors such as facility size, number of employees, food sector category, scope of certification and audit duration.

Because every organization is different, certification costs are calculated individually. Kiwa can provide a quotation based on your specific activities and certification requirements.

Organizations interested in SQF certification can contact Kiwa for a tailored quotation. The proposal will be based on factors such as organizational complexity, certification scope and number of locations.

SQF and BRCGS Food Safety are both GFSI-recognized food safety certification programmes. Both aim to provide assurance that food safety management systems and operational controls meet internationally accepted requirements.
The choice between SQF and BRCGS is often influenced by customer requirements, supply chain expectations and existing business practices.

SQF and FSSC 22000 are both internationally recognized and GFSI-recognized certification programmes.
SQF combines food safety management requirements with detailed operational and food sector requirements. FSSC 22000 follows an ISO-based management system approach built on ISO 22000, sector-specific prerequisite programmes and additional scheme requirements.
The most appropriate certification programme depends on customer requirements, business objectives and organizational needs.

The SQF Food Safety Code contains the requirements organizations must implement to achieve certification. The code includes food safety management system requirements, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and sector-specific requirements applicable to different parts of the food supply chain.
The applicable code depends on the organization's activities and food sector category.

SQF includes provisions for unannounced audits as part of its certification programme. Unannounced audits help verify that food safety systems and operational controls are consistently implemented during normal day-to-day operations.
In line with GFSI benchmarking requirements, certified organizations are expected to undergo an unannounced audit at least once every three years, subject to the applicable scheme requirements.

SQF, BRCGS Food Safety, IFS Food and FSSC 22000 are all GFSI-recognized food safety certification schemes. Each programme is designed to provide assurance that food safety management systems and operational controls meet internationally accepted requirements.
While there is significant overlap in their objectives, the most appropriate certification scheme depends on factors such as customer requirements, supply chain expectations, target markets and the maturity of existing management systems.
Many organizations select a certification programme based on customer specifications or industry expectations 

Kiwa can help identify the certification scheme that best aligns with your business activities, customer requirements and certification objectives.