SQF (Safe Quality Food) Certification
Mérieux NutriSciences Certification LLC is an independent subsidiary of Mérieux NutriSciences that was established to provide clients with certification to many internationally recognized schemes. We are accredited through the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JASANZ) and our accreditation scope information can be found here (Reference 2.14 and 2.20).
1. Certification Introduction
SQF (Safe Quality Food) is a food safety and quality assurance system launched by the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) of the United States, covering everything from primary agricultural production to food processing, storage and retail. It originated from the food safety and quality assurance system standard developed by the Australian Agricultural Council for enterprises in the food chain.
In 2004, SQF was recognized by GFSI as meeting its benchmark requirements. SQF is currently the only GFSI-recognized standard whose governing body is based in the United States, and the only standard that incorporates both HACCP food safety and QMS quality elements, making it highly comprehensive and practical. Moreover, among GFSI-recognized certification schemes, SQF is the only one offering a complete farm-to-fork solution — from primary production standards, food processing and packaging materials to warehousing, transport, retail and foodservice — providing dedicated, fit-for-purpose system specifications and certification standards for every link of the food supply chain.
SQF certification is also unique in that, once a site is certified to the SQF standard, the certification body may authorize it to use the SQF Quality Shield mark on the packaging of the goods or products produced at the certified site and on related promotional materials, as well as on sales documents, corporate internal documents and training materials — demonstrating to the market and consumers its commitment to food safety and quality, and enhancing the credibility and visibility of the corporate brand.
Owing to these distinctive features, SQF certificates enjoy a high level of customer recognition worldwide, especially in the US market. Obtaining SQF certification not only demonstrates that both the company's quality management system and food safety management system meet a high standard, but also enables the company to promote its quality and food safety management through the SQF certification mark and the Quality Shield, raising its market visibility and share.
SQF extensively covers the food supply chain. Its standards include the SQF Fundamental requirements at the Basic and Intermediate levels, together with the SQF Food Safety Codes and SQF Quality Codes for each sector of the food chain. The Food Safety Codes address the requirements of different sectors, with dedicated codes for primary animal production, primary plant production, aquaculture, food manufacturing, animal product manufacturing, dietary supplement manufacturing, pet food manufacturing, food packaging material manufacturing, warehousing and distribution, food retail, and foodservice, meeting the management needs of each sector.
The ninth edition of the SQF Code was published in 2020, with global audits beginning in May 2021. To date, SQF has issued a total of 17 certification standards covering the entire food supply chain. SQF Quality certification under Edition 9 is open to applications from all companies certified to GFSI-recognized standards. The Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI), administered by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), works on behalf of retailers, suppliers and food brands worldwide to drive the development and renewal of global food safety and quality standards. FMI serves 1,255 corporate members worldwide (40,000 food retail stores and 25,000 pharmacies), providing services in public affairs, food safety, research, training and industry relations.
Please see the FMI/SQFI official websites: www.fmi.org, www.sqfi.com.
2. Certification Targets and Scope
SQF is currently the only GFSI-recognized food safety management system certification standard covering certification across the entire food chain from farm to table, and it is applicable to organizations at all levels. Organizations may choose, according to their own capabilities, certification to the fundamental food safety requirements, the Food Safety Codes, or the Quality Codes.
3. Benefits of Certification
(1) SQF is an international food safety standard administered and endorsed by FMI, the largest food industry association in the United States. With global credibility, it helps companies enhance their international image and advance their international market activities.
(2) As a GFSI-benchmarked certification, SQF strengthens brand protection and reduces risk. SQF certification provides an independent audit service verifying whether a product or process conforms to specific international standards, giving food suppliers confidence that the production, preparation and handling of their food conform to the most widely recognized standards.
(3) SQF is recognized as the most demanding food safety standard in the industry and is highly regarded by food professionals. Introducing SQF Quality certification can help you join the ranks of top retailers.
(4) With its complete set of elements and step-by-step methodology, SQF helps companies drive their annual food safety and quality improvement programmes.
(5) Adopting SQF certification across the whole food supply chain supports the supply chain's growth in food safety and quality.
4. Certification Process and Requirements
Basis: SQF Code Edition 9.
Requirements: before certification begins, companies must register in the SQF assessment database (annually) and must maintain their registration at all times to keep their certificate valid.
On-site inspection auditor-days and fee schedule: the number of auditor-days and the fees are determined according to the scale of factory production and the scope of products; for specific fee information, please refer to the Disclosure of Fee Standards of Mérieux Certification (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
5. Certification Mark and Sample Certificate
6. Certification Rules and How to Obtain Them
(1) Certification rules: SQF Code Edition 9 (click to view).
(2) How to obtain: the above certification rules are owned by Mérieux Certification (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., which holds the right of final interpretation of the rules. No organization or individual may use the information relating to the certification rules, in whole or in part or in any form, without the written permission of Mérieux Certification (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., except where required by law.
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Postal Code: 201112
Tel: 021-6221 8815 / 021-6496 7600
Website: https://www.mxns.cn
Email: audit.china@mxns.cn
