SQF consultant trusted by hundreds of food manufacturers
Our SQF consultants and former SQF auditors help you develop and implement your SQF program, so you pass your SQF audit and earn SQF certification the first time.
- A complete SQF program built to SQF Edition 9 and mapped to your food sector category
- Gap assessment, documentation, implementation, and mock audit in one engagement
- Guidance from a team that has conducted more than 500 GFSI audits
A 30-minute call with an SQF expert. No cost and no obligation.
What is SQF certification?
SQF stands for Safe Quality Food. It is a food safety certification program recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and administered by the SQF Institute, a division of FMI. A single SQF certificate is accepted by retailers and buyers worldwide, which is why so many require it from their suppliers.
SQF certification proves that your facility runs a documented food safety management system built on HACCP principles, prerequisite programs, and management commitment. An accredited certification body audits your site against the SQF code that matches your operation, then issues the certificate when you meet the requirements.
The current standard is SQF Edition 9. The SQF Institute published Edition 10 in March 2026, and it takes effect no earlier than January 1, 2027, once GFSI benchmarking is complete. We build your program to Edition 9 today and prepare you for the move to Edition 10.
Why food businesses pursue SQF certification
SQF is often the difference between winning a retail contract and losing it. Here is what certification does for your business.
Meets retailer requirements
Major retailers, food service operators, and co-manufacturers require a GFSI-recognized certification. SQF opens those accounts and keeps them.
Accepted worldwide
Because SQF is GFSI benchmarked, one certificate satisfies buyers across markets, so you audit once instead of repeating a separate audit for each customer.
Reduces recall and liability risk
A documented, verified food safety system catches hazards before they reach product, which lowers the odds of a recall, a withdrawal, or a failed inspection.
Supports regulatory compliance
An SQF program aligns with FDA FSMA preventive controls and USDA requirements, so one system covers both certification and regulation.
Builds a food safety culture
Clear roles, training, and monitoring turn food safety into daily practice rather than a once-a-year scramble before the audit.
Strengthens your brand
Certification signals to buyers and consumers that your product is made under a recognized standard, which supports pricing and growth.
Which SQF program fits your operation?
SQF Edition 8 retired the old numbered Level 1, 2, and 3 tiers, and Edition 9 keeps that structure. The program is now a progression: the SQF Fundamentals program for emerging sites, the GFSI-benchmarked SQF Food Safety Code for full certification, and the optional SQF Quality Code layered on top. Your consultant confirms which one your customers require.
SQF Fundamentals
For small and emerging businesses building toward certification. Offered in Basic and Intermediate tiers as a stepping stone, not a GFSI-benchmarked certificate on its own.
- Entry program
- Basic and Intermediate tiers
- Good Manufacturing Practices and core controls
- Management commitment and documentation
- Basic and Intermediate tiers
SQF Food Safety Code
The GFSI-benchmarked certification most retailers and co-manufacturers require. A HACCP-based food safety plan and prerequisite programs, certified against the code for your sector.
- GFSI-benchmarked
- HACCP-based food safety plan to the SQF code
- Prerequisite programs and sanitation
- Allergen and supplier management
- Environmental monitoring where required
Food Safety Code plus Quality Code
The SQF Quality Code adds product quality management on top of a Food Safety Code certification. It signals a commitment to both food safety and consistent product quality for premium and global buyers.
- Optional add-on
- Everything in the Food Safety Code
- Quality management system
- Quality control points and specifications
- Continuous improvement and complaint handling
Not sure which SQF program your customers require? Ask an SQF consultant.
The SQF code that applies to your operation
SQF publishes sector-specific codes, so requirements match your process. During your gap assessment we confirm the code and food sector category that apply to your facility. These map across the SQF food sector categories. Smaller and lower-risk sites can start with the SQF Fundamentals program, then step up to a full GFSI-recognized certification as their customers require it.
1. Primary Production
Growing, harvesting, and primary plant or animal production.
2. Food Manufacturing
Processing and manufacturing of food and beverage products.
3. Storage and Distribution
Warehousing, cold storage, and distribution operations.
4. Food Packaging Manufacturing
Manufacture of packaging that contacts food.
5. Dietary Supplement Manufacturing
Nutraceutical and dietary supplement production.
6. SQF Quality Code
Optional add-on that layers product quality management on top of a Food Safety Code certification.
Your path from gap assessment to SQF certificate
Five core phases used by hundreds of manufacturers to pass their SQF audit with confidence. Most sites reach audit readiness in weeks, not the 12 to 18 months traditional firms quote.
PHASE 1
Gap assessment
We review your existing documentation and facility against the SQF code that applies to you, then map every gap and the exact steps to close it.
- Document and facility review against SQF Edition 9
- Confirmation of your SQF code and food sector category
- Prioritized gap report and action plan
PHASE 2
SQF program and documentation development
Our team builds every document the standard requires, tailored to your operation rather than pulled from a generic template.
- HACCP-based food safety plan with hazard analysis and CCPs
- Prerequisite programs, SOPs, and SSOPs
- Allergen, supplier approval, traceability, and recall programs
PHASE 3
Environmental monitoring program
We build the sampling program your site needs, including pathogen environmental monitoring for Listeria and Salmonella where the process calls for it.
- Sampling plan, zones, and corrective actions
- Verification schedules and record templates
- Trend review your auditor will expect
PHASE 4
Implementation, training, and SQF Practitioner support
We train your team, help you appoint and prepare your SQF Practitioner, and get your records running before the audit.
- Role-based staff training on the SQF system
- SQF Practitioner coaching and internal auditor support
- Records live on paper or in the app
PHASE 5
Mock audit and certification support
We run a full mock audit against the SQF checklist, close any findings, and support you through the certification body audit.
- Mock audit with a scored findings list
- Corrective actions before the real audit
- Support during the desk and site audit
How the SQF audit and scoring work
Knowing how the audit is scored is half the battle. Here is what the certification body checks and how your rating is decided under SQF Edition 9.
Initial certification
Your first SQF audit has two parts: a document review, sometimes called a desk audit, followed by an on-site facility audit with employee interviews.
Annual recertification
An SQF certificate is valid for 12 months. You are audited every year within a set window before the certificate expires.
Unannounced audits
At least one audit in every three certification cycles is unannounced, so your program has to stay audit-ready all year, not just on audit day.
| Rating | Score | STATUS | What it means | Next audit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E - Excellent | 96 to 100 | Pass | Strong system with few findings | Annual |
| G - Good | 86 to 95 | Pass | Compliant with minor findings | Annual |
| C - Complies | 70 to 85 | Pass | Compliant, closer monitoring | Six-month surveillance |
| F - Fails | Below 70 | No certificate | Or any critical non-conformance | Reaudit required |
The SQF Practitioner requirement
Every SQF-certified site must designate an SQF Practitioner. This is a person employed by your business who is responsible for developing, maintaining, and overseeing your SQF system. The standard expects this person to be a full-time employee, to have completed a recognized HACCP training course, and to understand the SQF code that applies to your site.
For many small and mid-size manufacturers, appointing and preparing a qualified Practitioner is the hardest part of certification. We help you select the right person, complete the required training, and build the internal audit skills the role demands. If you need coverage during the build, our consultants work alongside your Practitioner, so the program does not stall.
SQF, BRCGS, and FSSC 22000 compared
SQF, BRCGS, and FSSC 22000 are all GFSI-recognized, so buyers accept any of them. They differ in origin, structure, and where they are most common. Your consultant helps you choose the scheme your customers actually ask for.
| SQF | BRCGS | FSSC 22000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner | SQF Institute (FMI) | BRCGS (LGC) | Foundation FSSC |
| GFSI recognized | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Common in | North America | United Kingdom and Europe | Global, large manufacturers |
| Structure | Sector-specific Food Safety Codes, plus Fundamentals' entry program | Single graded standard | Built on ISO 22000 |
| Quality option | Yes, optional SQF Quality Code | Add-on modules | Add-on quality module |
| Best fit | US retail and food service supply | European retail supply | Multi-site global operations |
Led by one of the most experienced SQF auditors in the country
CHIEF FOOD SAFETY OFFICER AND CO-FOUNDER
"I have audited more than 500 manufacturers for SQF and GMP certification. I know exactly what auditors look for, because I was one."
Dave Seddon, MBA, RDN, LDN, CFSO
Co-founder of FoodReady, longtime SQF auditor, and a finalist for SQF Auditor of the Year named by the SQF Institute.
- 500+ GFSI audits
- SQF Auditor of the Year finalist
- Licensed SQF experience
- GMP and BRC expertise
Veteran food safety experts across every major standard
Dave Seddon
Co-founder of FoodReady. More than 500 GFSI audits. SQF Auditor of the Year finalist.
Luke Duffy
SQF, BRC, USDA, and FSQA leadership at large food manufacturers across categories.
Denice Beccard
HACCP, PCQI, and GFSI SQF Practitioner and internal auditor in food manufacturing.
Maggie Kratovil
Certified food safety consultant and SQF practitioner supporting site implementations.
Sam Peña
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, plant manager, and sanitation expert bridging safety and operations.
Keep your SQF program audit-ready all year
Consulting delivers the program. The FoodReady app helps your team keep it current between audits, which matters because at least one SQF audit in every three cycles is unannounced. It is included with enterprise and manufacturing subscriptions and is entirely optional.
- HACCP and PCP builder -Plans with flow, hazard analysis, CCPs, and digital logs.
- Operational checklists -Mobile forms for sanitation, inspection, and quality.
- Batch traceability -Production, BOM, and shipping links, recall-ready.
- Supplier documents -Automatic collection to keep supplier approval complete.
Dashboard
What manufacturers say about working with us
"Food safety as a mandatory path has only become important in the last 10-15 years in the food industry. Nowadays, the FDA, USDA, SQF, and consumers no longer care if the food quality is good if it cannot be proven food-safe. What attracted Eurobake to FoodReady software is that FoodReady started with food safety and food traceability as its core. And because of this construct, it can easily be bolted on to accounting or manufacturing modules without corrupting or overcomplicating the data gathering process"
"FoodReady helps reduce time and complexity in filling out our programs and keeping track of filled-out forms and it has reduced staffing needs."
"The people at FoodReady are excellent to work with and care to get involved with your company and make it as best as it can be. FoodReady staff also helped provide training to our QA team."
"FoodReady food safety software and SQF / GMP expert QA Manager Consultants helped us prepare for and develop the required haccp plans and SOPs and recall plan and checklists and batch monitoring for our future GMP certification audit which we passed. This has allowed us to expand our business relationship with a national grocery chain. We can’t thank FoodReady enough for the wonderful assistance they provided!"
"Having FoodReady has reduced the need to have two of me on staff. I would need another person just to handle the paperwork alone. That’s a major cost saving right there, not to mention the environmental impact and reduction in the cost of paper used daily."
Your next SQF audit just got easier
Book a free consultation with our SQF team. No pressure, just an honest look at where your program stands and what it takes to pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the usual timeline for SQF certification?
Timing depends on your current food safety program, facility size, and process complexity. With an experienced consultant it can take a few weeks to a few months, compared with the 12 to 18 months many traditional firms quote. You get a dated schedule after the gap assessment.
What is the role of a gap assessment in preparing for an SQF audit?
A gap assessment identifies areas in your existing food safety program that fall short of SQF standards. It provides a clear roadmap for improvements to ensure successful certification.
How can an SQF consultant assist with audit preparation?
An SQF consultant can help by conducting mock audits, reviewing documentation, providing staff training, and addressing any non-conformance areas, ensuring you are fully prepared for the official audit.
What is the difference between an SQF Food Safety Audit and an SQF Quality Audit?
The SQF Food Safety Audit focuses on food safety fundamentals, while the SQF Quality Audit includes quality management systems, demonstrating your commitment to both food safety and quality. A consultant can guide you on which audit is most appropriate for your business goals.
How long is SQF certification valid, and what is an unannounced audit?
An SQF certificate is valid for 12 months, so you are audited every year. At least one audit in every three certification cycles is unannounced, which means your program has to stay audit-ready year round. The FoodReady app helps your team keep records current between audits.
How is the SQF audit scored?
Under Edition 9, sites start at 100 points. A score of 96 to 100 earns an Excellent (E) rating, 86 to 95 is Good (G), and 70 to 85 is Complies (C). A score below 70, or any critical non-conformance, results in a failure. A minor non-conformance deducts 1 point and a major deducts 5. Our mock audit closes these findings before your certification audit.
What is an SQF Practitioner and do I need one?
Yes. Every certified site must designate an SQF Practitioner, a full-time employee who owns your SQF system, has completed a recognized HACCP training course, and understands your SQF code. We help you appoint the right person, complete the training, and build the internal audit skills the role requires.
What is the difference between the SQF Food Safety Code and the Quality Code?
The SQF Food Safety Code is the GFSI-benchmarked certification. It covers a HACCP-based food safety plan and is what most retailers require. The SQF Quality Code is an optional add-on that layers a full product quality management system on top of that certification. Premium and global customers sometimes ask for both, while most buyers require the Food Safety Code alone. Note that the numbered Level 1, 2, and 3 tiers were retired in earlier editions and no longer exist under Edition 9.
What SQF edition do you follow, and what about Edition 10?
We build to SQF Edition 9, the standard currently in effect, across the SQF food sector categories. The SQF Institute published Edition 10 in March 2026, and it takes effect no earlier than January 1, 2027, once GFSI benchmarking is complete. We prepare your program so the transition to Edition 10 is straightforward.
What does SQF consulting cost?
Cost depends on your facility size, current program maturity, and target SQF program. Certification body audit fees are separate from consulting fees, and we explain both, so there are no surprises. After a free consultation we provide a clear, fixed-scope quote for your operation.
Should we prepare for SQF ourselves or hire a consultant?
Cost depends on your facility size, current program maturity, and target SQF program. Certification body audit fees are separate from consulting fees, and we explain both so there are no surprises. After a free consultation we provide a clear, fixed-scope quote for your operation.
Book your free SQF consultation
Tell us about your facility and the SQF program your customers require. An SQF consultant will reach out to schedule your call.