The Safe Quality Food (SQF) program is a globally recognized food safety certification scheme, benchmarked by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). It integrates both international and domestic regulations to help businesses meet the highest food safety standards.

Eurofins Assurance has been actively contributing to the Certification Body Committee, the Training Center Committee, and previously serving on the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).  

SQF certification is delivered by Eurofins Assurance Audit and Certification Services US, LLC. You can view relevant scope of accreditation from the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) here.

SQF audits Eurofins Assurance offers:

Our experienced teams are ready to support you these SQF codes: 

• SQF Food Safety Code: Animal Feed Manufacturing Edition 9.0
• SQF Food Safety Code: Animal Product Manufacturing Edition 9.0
• SQF Food Safety Code: Aquaculture Edition 9.0
• SQF Food Safety Code: Dietary Supplement Manufacturing Edition 9.0
• SQF Food Safety Code: Food Manufacturing Edition 9.0
• SQF Food Safety Code: Manufacture of Food Packaging Edition 9.0
• SQF Food Safety Code: Pet Food Manufacturing Edition 9.0
• SQF Food Safety Code: Primary Animal Production Edition 9.0
• SQF Food Safety Code: Primary Plant Production Edition 9.0
• SQF Food Safety Code: Storage and Distribution Edition 9.0
• SQF Quality Code Edition 9.0
• SQF Fundamentals Edition 8.1

Process of SQF audit

1.  Register on the SQFI Assessment Database – Visit the SQF Website

2.  Designate an SQF Practitioner

3.  Determine the Scope or Certification – Visit the SQF website to determine the right SQF code for your business.

4.  Document your SQF System

5.  Implement your SQF System

6.  (Optional) Pre-Assessment Audit – Pre-Assessment audits can help determine if you are ready for your audit.

7.  Select a Certification Body (CB) – Choose an accredited CB to conduct your certification audit.

8.  Complete the Audit – Undergo an assessment by the CB.

9.  Audit Reporting and Closeout – Non-conformances issued, and corrective actions assessed.

10.  Grant Certification – Upon successful completion, your SQF certificate is valid for one year.

Benefits of SQF Certification

By achieving SQF certification, your company can enjoy various benefits: 

• Meet HACCP requirements for retail and food service clients
• Enhance food safety protocols and management systems
• Boost consumer confidence in your products
• Strengthen your brand reputation in the marketplace
• Demonstrate compliance effectively to regulatory and industry standards

Where can the requirements be found?

All SQF documentation is available free of charge on the SQF website. There you will find the code, and additional useful material such as the Guidance Document and Rules. 

Our certification activities are provided by independent Certification Bodies, separately from any consulting activities. Impartiality is safeguarded by Eurofins Assurance’s relevant policies to avoid conflicts of interest.