The Safe Quality Food (SQF) Certification is a credible food safety and quality certification programme that is recognised by retailers, brand owners, and food service providers worldwide. The SQF collection of food safety and quality codes is designed to fulfill industry, customer, and regulatory requirements for all sectors of the food supply chain – from the farm all the way to the retail stores. 

This rigorous farm-to-fork food safety and quality certification also helps food producers assure that their food products meet a global food safety standard that is recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative.

SQF Certification will guide you through the method of fixing a comprehensive food safety management system on your farm or in your warehouse or facility, then assess your work by examining your processes with an annual audit. 

SQF certification is delivered by Eurofins Assurance India Pvt Ltd in the USA. You can view the relevant scope of accreditation here. While the accreditation is held by our offices in the USA, our local teams in India are responsible for managing the certifications and audits, ensuring local expertise while maintaining compliance with international standards.

Scope of SQF Certification

SQF Certification offers a comprehensive solution that helps you verify and demonstrate that food safety and quality control are effectively implemented, validated, and monitored. The results of a robust SQF programme are safe products, brand confidence, and reassured customers. 

Currently the latest SQF Food Safety Codes is Edition 9, which came into effect in May 2021. There are 11 codes in total: 

• Primary plant production
• Primary animal production
• Aquaculture
• Food manufacturing
• Pet food manufacturing
• Animal feed manufacturing  
• Animal product manufacturing
• Dietary supplement manufacturing
• Storage and distribution
• Manufacture of food packaging 
• Quality code 
  
  

SQF Quality Code and Quality Shield

Included in SQF Standard Version 9, the SQF Quality Code is an optional module for any food manufacturers looking for advancement in their food safety performance and commitments after obtaining SQF Food Safety Certificates. The key focus areas of the SQF Quality Code include proper implementation of CODEX Alimentarius Commission HACCP principles and guidelines for controlling food safety and food quality hazards. 

Upon completion of SQF Quality Code certification, SQF Quality Shields can be used on primary product packaging, giving added assurance to consumers that the product fulfills stringent safety and quality criteria.  

Currently, SQF is the only GFSI-recognised scheme that allows such seal usage, which further demonstrates the significance of the SQF Quality Code and Quality Shield.  

Benefits of becoming an SQF-certified company

Manage risk

First and foremost, establishing an SQF system provides your company with a way to effectively manage food safety hazards, by creating an environment that is capable of producing safe products and a management system that continually monitors, validates and improves. 

Retain existing customers 

Statistics show that around 1 in 4 certified companies ask their suppliers for certification, so if you haven't been asked yet, chances are you will be in the near future. Getting started with your certification can help you stay competitive and qualified with your current customers. 

Extend market research

Large retailers and multinational manufacturers or processors mostly require their suppliers to be certified, as a key part of effective supply chain management. By obtaining SQF certificates, you open up a larger market for business expansion. 

Prepare for upcoming regulatory changes 

Countries around the world are making changes to food safety regulations from time to time, including the US and its Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Undergoing SQF certification process prepares your organisation to meet most of the requirements of FSMA.

SQF Certification process

Outlined below are the steps of SQF certification. Like most schemes, annual certification is required.

Step 1

• Application form submission 
• Receive a quotation from Eurofins Food Assurance and agree to terms

Step 2

• Audit scheduling
• Certifictaion audit, close any findings/non-conformances

Step 3

• Audit file review 

Step 4

• Issue SQF certificate 
  
  

Why choose Eurofins Food Assurance?

Our office in the USA is a licensed Certification Body by the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) to issue SQF certificates, upon the SQF audit conducted by our Eurofins Food Assurance team in India. The team in India prioritises providing excellent customer service to support you and your company based on below competencies:

• High-quality audit reports  
• Stringent compliance with protocols
• Robust experience and competences of auditors 
• Reliable turnaround time 
• Customer-centric attitude 

Send us an enquiry about your next SQF certification anytime!