SQF
Food Safety Code Certification
SQF is a scheme owner's certification programme: Food Safety Code Certification. SQF is a facility-based food safety and quality management system certification programme covering the ENTIRE food supply chain, from farm to retail. It applies to food businesses where a retailer or buyer requires SQF certification by name.
- Class
- Scheme owner's certification programme
- Scheme owner
- SQFI (a division of FMI)
- Related sectors
- 1
- Last verified
What is this programme?
SQF is a facility-based food safety and quality management system certification programme covering the ENTIRE food supply chain, from farm to retail. Its scheme owner is SQFI, a division of FMI. SQF holds full GFSI recognition.
Who is it for?
Food businesses where a retailer or buyer requires SQF certification by name.
Who issues the certificate?
The certificate is issued by a certification body licensed under the SQF Programme, not by SQFI directly.
What to verify before you accept it
Confirm the certification body's current SQF licence and the specific SQF module and edition the buyer requires. This verification round did not confirm the accreditation standard applied to SQF certification bodies — check that directly with SQFI before relying on it.
What triggers an assessment?
- A retailer or buyer requires SQF certification by name.
- GFSI-recognised food safety certification is required.
What does it not replace?
- It is not the same scheme as BRCGS, FSSC 22000, IFS or PrimusGFS; the buyer's requirement specifies exactly which one is accepted.
Official source
Last verified:
This page is for information only; it is not legal advice. A programme appearing here does not mean it is required for your business. This library does not issue certificates.