Every bite a consumer takes should be safe, but keeping food safe in large-scale manufacturing can be difficult. Food companies have a lot of responsibility when it comes to preventing contamination, illness, or recalls. That’s why businesses worldwide trust the SQF (Safe Quality Food) certification to prove they follow strict food safety rules.
What does SQF mean?
SQF stands for "Safe Quality Food". It is one of the most credible, accepted, and trusted food safety standards for the food industry. The "Safe Quality Food" label is used by food manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers to demonstrate that their products meet strict safety and quality regulations, which are recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).
While many food safety programs focus solely on preventing contamination or hazards, SQF adds another layer by requiring businesses to also actively maintain high-quality standards.
In a word, being SQF certified means that the food producer follows strict standards prooactively.
Table of Contents
What is the SQF certification?
SQF certification is a global food safety standard. It stands for Safe Quality Food, and on the simplest level, it helps food manufacturers show that their products are safe to eat. But there's much more to it than that. Since 2021, SQF is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), which means that major retailers and distributors around the world trust it.
Where is SQF Recognized?
SQF certification is accepted around the world and is especially valued by large international retailers and food service providers. In return, they often expect food producers they work with to comply with the standard.
Thus, SQF certification is widely used in industries like meat and poultry processing, dairy, confectionery, and ready-made meals. Companies like Walmart, Costco, and Nestlé require their suppliers to be SQL-certified to make sure they’re meeting the highest safety standards.
Even McDonald's and Amazon, the world's largest digital marketplace, requires it!
The benefits of being SQF certified
Being certified by a GFSI-recognized program like SQF opens doors to partnerships with major retailers. You can see that clearly from the above selection of world's leading brands that accept SQF. Additionally, you certify your product safety, and helps avoid the costly consequences of foodborne illnesses or recalls.
Here’s a summary of how your business benefits:
Reach New Markets: Many retailers, including Walmart, require suppliers to be SQL-certified. Without certification, your company might miss out on big business opportunities.
Build Customer Trust and Your Brand: Consumers trust SQL-certified brands because they know the food has gone through rigorous safety checks.
Premium Pricing Power: The food industry operates on razor-thin net profit margins. That's because it is one of the most competitive industries in the world. Caring about your food safety is a smart play to position your products in a higher product category.
Improved Productivity and Efficiency: Quality, production, and maintenance teams can work better together once they have a clear structure that everyone can trust.
Reduce Risks: SQF helps businesses identify and fix safety risks early, reducing the likelihood of contamination or recalls. Never forget, the cost of recalls can be astounding.
A 2016 study found that the average cost of a produce recall was $1.56 million, but that study only considered the market value of the lost product. In many recalls, the other expenses - like lost revenue and reputational damage - could be much greater than the cost of lost product. - CRC Group
A brief history of SQF
The Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification is one of the most respected food safety programs globally, but how did it start? SQF was first developed in 1994 in Western Australia by the Department of Agriculture to address the growing concerns of food safety and quality in the region. The goal was to create a standardized system that could manage food safety risks while also confirming that products met high-quality standards.
Initially, SQF was developed for domestic use in Australia, primarily focused on agriculture and raw ingredients. However, as global food trade expanded and foodborne illnesses became a growing public concern, the program caught the attention of international food retailers. By 2004, the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI), a division of the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) in the United States, acquired SQF.
FMI's represent an industry in the US that does $800 billion in annual sales and has more than six million employees.
This transition to a new level of scale helped SQF become a globally recognized certification. Especially after it was recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), a benchmark for food safety certification schemes.
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One of the biggest headaches of not only quality managers but also production and maintenance teams is tracking and reporting non-conformances. The manual back-and-forth is, well, quite literally back-breaking. You lose data, things get misunderstood, and in the end your company suffers. That's why we developed Inspectle Food – an AI-powered food safety inspection software. Inspectle makes dealing with non-conformances and staying compliant with standards like SQF a breeze. Take the tour below and if you like what you see – sign up for a free trial.
A summary of key topics
Here's all you need to know at a glance.
The three levels of certification
The SQF certification focuses on every step of food production, from raw materials to final products. Being certified helps food businesses control risks like contamination, product recalls, and foodborne illness. There are three levels of certification, depending on the size of your business and the type of food you produce:
Level 1: Covers basic food safety for low-risk products. This level works best for businesses that handle simple ingredients. Such as smaller manufacturers.
Level 2: Focuses on food safety based on the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) system, which is a global standard for controlling food safety risks.
Level 3: Includes everything in Level 2 but also adds controls for food quality. This level is for businesses that want to manage both food safety and the quality of their products. This level is what most mid-size and larger food manufacturers need.
For large manufacturers, keeping up with SQF requirements is a massive challenge. Regular inspections and safety protocols can easily overwhelm manual systems. Inspectle helps simplify this process by using real-time digital inspections.
Instead of dealing with paper trails, spreadsheets, or static software, businesses can use Inspectle’s mobile app to document issues with photos, assign tasks, and automatically send compliance reports and your hygiene score to the right people. All in real time.
The more products and units you produce each day, the harder it becomes to keep track of safety measures, inspections, and compliance documents.
Many businesses, like Puratos, are turning to Inspectle. Inspectle’s software helps them manage inspections and keep track of their compliance efforts. Start a 30-day free trial here.
SQF vs. Other Food Safety Standards
There are a handful of major food safety standards, but SQF stands out for its combination of food safety and quality controls. Here’s how SQF compares to other common standards:
SQF vs. ISO 22000. ISO 22000 focuses on food safety but doesn’t cover product quality. SQF Level 3 covers both, making it a better option for companies that want to manage both safety and quality.
SQF vs. HACCP. HACCP is a system for controlling safety risks, but it doesn’t offer the structured management approach that SQF provides. SQF includes HACCP principles but also adds management controls that help companies oversee their safety efforts more effectively.
SQF vs. GFSI. GFSI is a global benchmarking system that recognizes multiple standards, including SQF, ISO 22000, and BRC. SQF’s recognition by GFSI makes it a top choice for companies that need global market access.
Good to know: With Inspectle, food companies can manage compliance with all of these standards. Its visual inspection workflow makes tracking non-conformances and your overall hygiene score. No matter which certification you need to follow.
What Are the Three Principles of SQF?
The Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification is built on three main ideas: food safety, food quality, and following the law. These principles guide food companies to make sure their products are safe, of good quality, and meet all legal requirements.
1. Food Safety
The first principle, food safety, focuses on keeping food safe for people to eat. Companies need systems in place to avoid contamination and prevent food from getting spoiled. They must watch out for dangers like bacteria, chemicals, or other harmful substances at different stages of food production.
Businesses must also teach workers how to handle food properly and monitor key points in the process, known as critical control points (CCPs), where problems are most likely to happen.
2. Food Quality
The second principle, food quality, is about making sure the food meets expected standards. This means checking that the food looks, tastes, and feels the way it should every time.
Companies working toward Level 3 SQF certification must show that their food is not only safe but also of consistent quality. Regular checks and inspections help companies keep their products uniform and reliable.
3. Following the Law (Regulatory Compliance)
The third principle, regulatory compliance, is about following the rules and laws about food safety in the countries where the company operates. Businesses need to keep accurate records of how they handle food safety and quality. This helps them prove that they are meeting the rules during audits or inspections. If laws or rules change, companies must update their processes to stay in line with those changes.
These three principles work together to make sure food companies are providing safe, high-quality products that meet legal standards.
Levels and Scope of SQF in Detail
Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification is structured in multiple levels, each one designed to address different types of food production environments and their associated risks. The three levels of SQF certification offer flexibility for businesses, ranging from basic safety controls to advanced systems that cover both food safety and quality management. These levels enable SQF certification to be tailored to the specific needs of businesses, whether they handle low-risk products or high-risk, ready-to-eat foods.
How Many Levels of SQF Are There?
There are three levels of SQF certification, and each level builds upon the previous one, addressing the complexity and risk associated with different types of food production:
Level 1
The first level focuses on basic food safety controls and is meant for businesses that handle low-risk products. These might include food packaging companies, storage facilities, or manufacturers of ingredients that do not pose significant food safety hazards. Level 1 certification provides a solid foundation of basic safety requirements so businesses can follow key practices to prevent contamination.
Level 2
Level 2 is the most common level of SQF certification, and it incorporates the principles of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), which is a systematic approach to identifying, evaluating, and controlling food safety hazards. This level is designed for businesses involved in the handling, processing, and packaging of higher-risk food products. The inclusion of HACCP take the next step. So companies are not only following safety protocols but are actively assessing and managing potential risks.
Level 3
Level 3 certification is the highest tier in the SQF program, covering both food safety and food quality. While Level 1 and Level 2 primarily focus on checking that food products are safe, Level 3 adds a comprehensive quality management system.
This level is ideal for businesses that want to stand out in a competitive market by demonstrating a commitment to producing both safe and high-quality food products. In industries where product consistency and quality are critical, such as ready-made meals or confectionery, Level 3 certification can give companies a competitive edge by showing their commitment to excellence.
Each level requires businesses to implement and maintain a food safety management system that matches the complexity and risks of their operations. Businesses must go through an annual audit to maintain their certification, certifying that they continue to meet the evolving standards of food safety.
Why do the different levels matter?
The different levels of SQF certification allow businesses to choose the certification that best fits their needs and operations. For example, a company that processes low-risk, non-perishable food products may only need Level 1 certification, while a company producing ready-to-eat meals that must maintain strict temperature controls and prevent cross-contamination will likely require Level 2 or Level 3 certification.
This flexibility is important because not all food companies face the same risks. A facility producing dried goods will have different safety concerns than a business that makes fresh or frozen meals. The ability to choose the appropriate level of certification helps to see that food safety practices are proportionate to the risks associated with each specific operation.
The SQF Certification Process: Step-by-Step
The road to SQF certification involves several steps, each designed to help businesses build a strong foundation for food safety and quality:
Preparation and Self-Assessment: Companies begin by assessing their current food safety practices and identifying any gaps between their practices and the SQF requirements. Many businesses choose to hire SQF consultants to help with this process.
Developing the Food Safety Management System: Businesses must create and implement a food safety management system that meets the requirements of their chosen level of certification. This system must cover everything from staff training to monitoring critical control points.
Pre-Audit Internal Review: Before the official audit, businesses conduct internal reviews to confirm that their system is working as intended. This step allows them to fix any issues before the formal SQF audit.
Official SQF Audit: An independent SQF auditor visits the facility to review the company’s food safety management system. The audit looks at both documentation and the actual conditions in the facility.
Certification and Continuous Improvement: If the company passes the audit, they receive their SQF certification. However, certification is not a one-time event. The company must continue to follow SQF guidelines and will be audited annually to maintain their certification.
For a business, being SQL-certified is a signal to both customers and partners that the company follows the highest standards of food safety. It shows that the business has implemented a well-structured food safety management system (FSMS) that focuses on every stage of food production, from sourcing raw materials to packaging and distribution.
How Much Does it Cost to Get SQF Certified?
Getting SQF certification is a valuable investment for food businesses, but it does come with both costs and time commitments. For companies looking to improve food safety, quality, and compliance, understanding the financial and time aspects of this certification is crucial for planning.
The cost of getting SQF certified can vary based on several factors. These include the size of the business, the level of certification being pursued, and the complexity of the processes that need to be evaluated. On average, the main costs involved include:
Application and Registration Fees: To apply for SQF certification, companies need to pay a registration fee to the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI). This typically ranges between $100 to $1,200 per year, depending on the size of the company and its annual revenue.
Consulting Fees: Many businesses opt to hire SQF consultants to guide them through the certification process. These professionals help identify gaps in compliance and assist in preparing for audits. Consulting fees vary widely but can range from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on the level of support needed and the complexity of the business’s operations.
Auditor Fees: An SQF audit must be performed by a licensed third-party auditor, and the cost of the audit itself will depend on the size of the facility and the time required for the inspection. Auditor fees generally range from $1,500 to $3,500 per day. Most audits take one to three days, so this cost can add up quickly.
Training Costs: Employees must be trained to understand and implement SQF standards. SQF training courses for employees and managers can cost between $500 and $2,500 per person, depending on the course level and format (online or in-person).
Internal Resources: Beyond direct costs, there are internal expenses related to staff time, system updates, and operational changes required to meet SQF standards. These costs vary but should be accounted for when budgeting for certification.
How Long Does it Take to Get SQF Certified?
The time it takes to get SQF certified depends on several factors, including how prepared the company is, how complex its operations are, and the level of certification being pursued. On average, businesses can expect the process to take anywhere from six months to a year.
The timeline generally looks like this:
Initial Assessment (1-2 months): Companies begin by conducting a gap analysis or internal audit to assess their current food safety systems. This helps identify areas where they fall short of SQF standards and need to improve. Some businesses complete this step quickly if they already follow good safety practices, while others may need more time if significant changes are required.
System Development (2-4 months): After identifying areas for improvement, companies must develop or update their food safety management systems. This might involve creating new procedures, training staff, and ensuring that documentation is complete and accurate.
Internal Audits and Corrective Actions (1-2 months): Once the system is in place, businesses conduct internal audits to ensure they meet SQF standards. Any issues identified during these audits must be addressed before moving forward.
Scheduling and Completing the SQF Audit (1-3 months): The official SQF audit is performed by an approved auditor. Scheduling the audit can take time, depending on the availability of licensed auditors. Once the audit is completed, companies may need to make further improvements based on the auditor's findings.
Certification Decision (1-2 months): After the audit, the auditor submits their report to the SQFI, which reviews it and decides whether to grant certification. If the business meets all requirements, they receive their SQF certificate, which is valid for one year.
For businesses that operate in multiple locations or produce various types of products, the process may be more complex and require additional time and resources.
Comparisons with Other Food Safety Standards
When choosing a food safety standard, businesses often compare SQF with other well-known programs, such as HACCP, ISO 9001, and FDA regulations. Understanding the differences and similarities between these standards can help a company decide which certification is right for their operations. In this section, we will explore how SQF compares to other key food safety standards, focusing on their scope, application, and advantages.
What is the Difference Between HACCP and SQF?
At the heart of both HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and SQF is a common commitment to food safety. However, there are important differences between the two.
HACCP is a system designed to identify and control food safety risks throughout the production process, focusing primarily on preventing hazards before they occur. It works by pinpointing critical control points (CCPs) in the production process—those areas where potential hazards could arise—and putting controls in place to prevent or reduce those risks.
SQF, on the other hand, incorporates HACCP principles but extends further by integrating food quality management alongside food safety. While HACCP focuses strictly on safety risks like contamination, SQF adds additional layers to ensure that food products also meet high standards of quality, such as consistency in flavor, texture, and appearance. This dual approach makes SQF more comprehensive, as it addresses both safety and quality in a single framework.
In a word, SQF is more proactive.
Moreover, SQF certification is recognized globally through the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), whereas HACCP, while widely used, does not carry this same level of international recognition. For businesses aiming to access global markets, SQF offers a broader scope, covering both safety and quality with worldwide acceptance.
What is Higher Than HACCP?
When businesses ask what certification is "higher" than HACCP, they are often asking which certification adds more layers of scrutiny or offers more comprehensive coverage. SQF Level 2 is seen as a step up from HACCP because it includes the same hazard analysis and critical control point principles but expands to cover regulatory compliance and supplier verification.
Additionally, SQF Level 3 goes beyond both HACCP and SQF Level 2 by introducing rigorous quality control measures.
For companies that want more than just a hazard control system, Level 3 SQF certification is often considered the highest level of certification available, ensuring that both safety and quality are integrated into their processes. This distinction matters for businesses in industries where product quality is just as important as safety, such as in confectionery or premium packaged goods.
What is the Difference Between SQF and FDA?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a regulatory body in the United States responsible for enforcing food safety laws. The FDA’s guidelines set the legal requirements for food safety within the U.S., and compliance with these rules is mandatory for all food companies operating within the country.
SQF certification, meanwhile, is a voluntary program that goes beyond legal requirements. It is designed for companies that want to demonstrate a higher level of commitment to food safety and quality management.
While FDA regulations focus primarily on preventing contamination and guaranteeing public health, SQF includes elements of continuous improvement and quality assurance that go beyond the FDA’s basic requirements. For example, SQF Level 3 includes controls to maintain product consistency and quality, areas that FDA regulations may not address directly.
Another key difference is that SQF is recognized globally, whereas FDA standards are specific to the U.S. market. For businesses that operate internationally or want to expand into other countries, SQF certification provides a global standard of food safety and quality that meets the requirements of major international retailers.
What is the Difference Between SQF and GMP?
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) are another set of guidelines designed to help companies produce safe, clean food products. Like SQF, GMP focuses on maintaining good hygiene and sanitation practices throughout the production process. However, GMP is more narrowly focused on production practices and does not include the same comprehensive system for hazard analysis or quality management that SQF offers.
While GMP covers the basics of cleanliness and operational safety, SQF digs deeper. It includes not only these basic practices but also the food safety management system (FSMS), which involves continuous monitoring and improvement. SQF also emphasizes traceability, requiring companies to be able to trace the origin of every product, from farm to table, which is not a requirement under basic GMP guidelines.
For companies that want to demonstrate a higher level of food safety and quality management, SQF provides a more robust system compared to GMP alone. Many businesses use GMP as a starting point and later move toward SQF certification to gain a more comprehensive framework for their food safety and quality efforts.
Make the Right Choice for Your Business
Choosing the right food safety standard depends on the unique needs of a business. For those that need a system focused purely on preventing hazards, HACCP may be sufficient.
However, those businesses tend to be smaller scale hospitality or restaurant operations. Any larger food producer or bigger hospitatlity operator with multiple facilities will need something more.
For companies that aim to cover both food safety and quality, especially if they operate internationally, SQF offers a more thorough and widely accepted certification.
When comparing SQF to other standards like FDA and GMP, SQF provides a stronger focus on continuous improvement and quality management. It is also globally recognized, making it a valuable tool for companies that want to access international markets and demonstrate their commitment to excellence in both safety and quality.
Try Inspectle to Help with SQF Certification
SQF certification is a significant step for any business, but for those serious about food safety and quality, it offers unmatched value and credibility in today’s competitive food industry.
With Inspectle’s food safety inspection software, you can use a mobile app to perform inspections, record any issues with pictures, and create reports automatically.
This helps you stay organized and prepared for audits, so you don’t miss anything.
Furthermore, Inspectle keeps track of everything in one place, so you can focus on getting certified without the extra hassle. You get reports for each facility and each area inside a facility. Plus, a combined hygiene score.
Want to see how Inspectle can help you? We’re offering a free 30-day trial so you can try out all the features for yourself. With Inspectle, you can manage inspections, stay on top of safety checks, and get ready for your SQF certification.
About the Author: Robert Jakobson
Robert Jakobson has worked in the manufacturing industry since 2010. With over a decade of experience in B2B marketing, he specializes in helping companies improve their operations with software and hardware solutions. His deep knowledge of the industry and passion for technology make him a trusted expert. Robert’s experience ranges from product development to marketing, giving him valuable insights into how businesses can use tools like the Inspectle Food Safety Inspection software to stay compliant and improve their processes.