Elevate Your Food Safety Program with SQF Certification
The Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program is a globally recognized food safety and quality certification system. It is designed to help food producers, manufacturers, and distributors meet rigorous food safety and regulatory compliance standards. As an SQFI-licensed certification body accredited to ISO/IEC 17065:2012, FoodChain ID ensures a structured, reliable certification process that aligns with your operational needs.
Why Choose FoodChain ID for SQF Certification?
Comprehensive Expertise
Our deep understanding of food safety regulations and SQF requirements ensures that your certification process is streamlined and well-managed.
Expansive Auditor Network
With FoodChain ID, scheduling conflicts and last-minute disruptions are minimized, thanks to our extensive, well-coordinated auditor pool.
Dedicated Customer Support
Certification should empower your food safety program. Our industry-leading service ensures clear communication and proactive guidance.
Multi-Site Coordination
Managing certification across multiple locations? FoodChain ID ensures consistency, efficiency, and alignment, reducing complexity and operational risks.
Who Benefits from SQF Certification?
Whether you are transitioning to a new certification standard, consolidating after M&A activity, or ensuring compliance with buyer requirements, FoodChain ID simplifies the process and provides actionable insights that help strengthen your food safety program.
TALK TO THE EXPERTSWhat is SQF Certification?
SQF Certification is a comprehensive solution to verify and demonstrate the effective implementation, validation, and monitoring of food safety and quality controls. As a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)-benchmarked standard, it provides buyers with confidence that your food safety management system follows Codex Alimentarius HACCP principles and complies with regulations such as European Food Law and FSMA. A strong SQF program leads to safe products, brand confidence, and reassured customers.
How It Works
Determine the Relevant Code – Identify which SQF Code applies to your operations.
Implement the SQF System – Develop and implement food safety and quality programs, incorporating HACCP principles, GMPs, and regulatory requirements.
Internal Audits – Review your system and correct non-conformities before the official audit.
Apply for Certification – Work with FoodChain ID, an SQFI-licensed certification body, to schedule your audit.
Undergo a Certification Audit – Includes on-site inspections, food safety plan evaluations, and process validation.
Address Non-Conformities – Correct any identified gaps and verify corrective actions.
Achieve Certification – Upon successful completion, certification is valid for 75 days from the anniversary date of initial certification.
Ongoing Compliance – Annual recertification and surveillance audits ensure continued compliance and program improvement.
Our Accredited SQF Certifications
We offer accredited certification to the following SQF Food Safety Codes:
Primary Animal Production
Edition 9.0 – Ensures food safety for livestock, poultry, and other animal-based food production.
Aquaculture
Edition 9.0 – Focuses on food safety standards for farmed seafood and aquatic animals.
Animal Product Manufacturing
Edition 9.0 – Addresses food safety for meat, dairy, eggs, and other animal-based food processing.
Pet Food Manufacturing
Edition 9.0 – Ensures compliance for pet food production facilities.
Manufacturing of Food Packaging
Edition 9.0 – Addresses food-safe packaging materials and production processes.
SQF Quality Code
Edition 9.0 – Ensures food quality management beyond basic food safety compliance.
Primary Plant Production
Edition 9.0 – Covers food safety practices for fruits, vegetables, grains, and other plant-based products.
Food Manufacturing
Edition 9.0 – Certifies food safety in production and processing facilities.
Dietary Supplement Manufacturing
Edition 9.0 – Covers food safety in the production of vitamins, minerals, and other dietary supplements.
Animal Feed Manufacturing
Edition 9.0 – Certifies safety standards for livestock and pet feed production.
Storage and Distribution
Edition 9.0 – Covers best practices for warehousing, transportation, and logistics to maintain food safety.
Each certification provides a tailored approach to food safety, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulatory expectations.
Guidance on the Certification Process
Not sure where to start? Here’s how FoodChain ID can help:
Download the applicable SQF Food Safety Code
Understand the requirements for your industry.
Choose Your Code
Conduct a gap analysis
Use the applicable SQF self-assessment checklist to identify areas for improvement.
Browse Checklists
Pre-assessment audit
Ensure readiness for certification with expert insights from our consulting group.
Find A ConsultantSQF Fundamentals Audits
In addition to full SQF certification, FoodChain ID also offers SQF Fundamentals audits. These programs are not GFSI-recognized but are SQF Certified, serving as stepping stones toward full GFSI-SQF certification programs.
The SQF Fundamentals programs are designed for companies at the beginning of their food safety journey, available at Basic and Intermediate levels. These audits provide a structured introduction to SQF certification, helping businesses build strong food safety foundations before progressing to full certification.
We offer the following SQF Fundamentals programs:
- Fundamentals for Primary Production – Covers food safety practices for primary agricultural operations. Learn more here.
- Fundamentals for Manufacturing – Tailored for food manufacturing facilities looking to strengthen food safety controls. Learn more here.
Unlike similar programs, our SQF Fundamentals programs can also be adapted for:
- Food Packaging Manufacture
- Storage & Distribution Facilities
Are you ready to make your food safety program more structured, reliable, and insightful?
Contact our experts today to discuss your SQF certification needs and take the next step toward enhanced compliance and operational excellence.