SQF Certification: Food Safety & Quality You Can Trust
Discover an overview of the Safe Quality Food program including: food-safety standards, certification steps, and the assurance it offers retailers and consumers. Audits for SQF are conducted by our Validus team.
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What Is SQF Certification?
The Safe Quality Food (SQF) program is a globally recognized food safety management system designed to ensure the quality and safety of food products throughout the supply chain. Under the Where Food Comes From brand, our Validus team conducts SQF audits to help businesses achieve SQF certification, demonstrating their commitment to food safety and quality.
The SQF certification is a comprehensive framework developed by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) and accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). It aligns with GFSI recognized certification standards, making it an essential certification for food manufacturers and processors. This program applies to all sectors of the food industry, including manufacturing, processing, packaging, and distribution.
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Why SQF Certification Matters
Obtaining SQF certification instills confidence among retailers and buyers, facilitating access to global markets. It significantly reduces food safety risks, ensuring that products meet stringent safety and quality requirements. As consumers increasingly demand transparency and quality, certification can enhance a company's reputation and marketability.
Who Needs SQF Certification
SQF certification is essential for:
Food processors and manufacturers
Packaging companies
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Warehousing and distribution center
Co-packers and private label brands
What Food Safety Categories Can We Audit To?
We currently conduct audits in 13 different SQF Food Sector Categories (FSC). These audits include:
FSC 1 – Production, Capture and Harvesting of Livestock and Game Animals
FSC 7 – Slaughterhouse, Boning and Butchery Operations
FSC 8 – Manufactured Meats and Poultry
FSC 9 – Seafood Processing
FSC 10 – Dairy Food Processing
FSC 12 – Egg Processing
FSC 20 – Recipe Meals Manufacture
FSC 22 – Processing of Cereal Grain
FSC 32 – Manufacturing of Pet Food
FSC 34 – Manufacturing of Animal Feed
Audits conducted by “Validus” team. Validus is licensed by the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) and accredited by the American National Standards Institute to perform SQF audits, both on farm and in plants processing raw agricultural goods.
Who Audits to SQF?
Our Validus auditing team conducts audits for SQF, and many other programs. Validus is an ISO 9001: 2015 and 17065 certified company that delivers socially responsible, scientifically based and economically viable solutions that enhance the relationship between producer, seller and buyer.
How to Get SQF Certified
The SQF certification process involves several steps:
Audit Preparation
Understanding the SQF certification requirements and preparing the necessary documentation.
Conducting a SQF Audit
A thorough evaluation of your processes and systems by our auditors.
Ongoing Compliance Support
SQFI provides resources and guidance to help maintain compliance and prepare for future audits conducted by Validus.
Benefits of Partnering with Us
By choosing Validus for your SQF audit, you benefit from:
An experienced audit team familiar with SQF for food processors and manufacturers.
The WFCF team providing support for multi-program bundling opportunities(SQF + CARE, SQF+Organic+Non-GMO Project, Feed Safety, etc.), ensuring comprehensive compliance with various standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We're here to help.