(Safe Quality Food) SQF Certification

The Safe Quality Food (SQF) Certification is a rigorous food safety and quality program recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). The SQF food safety and quality codes are designed to meet consumer, industry, and regulatory requirements for all food supply chain sectors, from farm to fork. 

QIMA/WQS's streamlined SQF certification process helps you safeguard your consumers, enhance your market access, and elevate your brand's reputation. With SQF certification, you can demonstrate that your food products have been grown, produced, processed, prepared, and handled according to the highest food safety and quality standards. 

Is SQF the Right Certification Scheme for You? 

QIMA/WQS offers SQF certification for all members of the food supply chain, including:

• Primary production (plant and animal)
• Food manufacturing
• Food packaging manufacturing
• Storage and distribution
• Food retail
• Foodservice

We offer three levels of certification so you can pick the scope most relevant to your needs

Level 1: SQF Food Safety Fundamentals:

Solutions for small and medium-sized suppliers who want to implement or improve their food safety management program.

Level 2: SQF Food Safety Code:

Identifies, assesses, and controls food safety hazards based on HACCP and ISO principles. The SQF Food Safety Code includes 11 distinct codes tailored to specific food industry sectors, from primary production to manufacturing to packaging and distribution.

Level 3: SQF Food Quality:

Goes above and beyond food safety to incorporate food quality. This site-specific process and product certification standard emphasizes the systematic application of CODEX Alimentarius Commission HACCP principles and guidelines for control of food safety and food quality hazards.

What Is Assessed During SQF Audits for Certification?  

During SQF audits, QIMA/WQS meticulously evaluates a range of critical areas to ensure comprehensive compliance with SQF standards. This includes a thorough examination of food safety and quality management systems, operational processes, and the implementation of effective risk management practices. QIMA/WQS’s expert auditors are specialists in the food industry, offering personalized support and helping you streamline the SQF audit and certification process.

The mandatory elements assessed inof an SQF food safety audit are:

• Food Safety Policy 
• Management Responsibility 
• Management Review 
• Complaint Management 
• Food Safety Management System 
• Document Control 
• Records 
• Food Legislation 
• Good Manufacturing Practices 
• Food Safety Plan 
• Approved Supplier Program 
• Product Release 
• Validation and Effectiveness 
• Verification and Monitoring 
• Corrective and Preventative Action 
• Internal Audit 
• Product Identification 
• Product Trace 
• Product Withdrawal and Recall 
• Food Defense Plan 
• Allergen Management for Food Manufacturing (mandatory for food manufacturers only) 
• Allergen management for Pet Food Manufacturing (mandatory for pet food manufacturers only) 
• Training Program 

Why Do You Need SQF Certification? 

SQF certification with QIMA/WQS allows you to:

• Promote confidence in food safety, quality and legality 
• Enhance your brand’s marketing image 
• Create a platform for consistent improvement in process quality and safety 
• Streamline process management by helping to identify and manage risk proactively  
• Encourage more responsible agricultural and manufacturing processes 
• Provide proof of due diligence and lay the groundwork for compliance with regulatory requirements 
  

Why Choose QIMA/WQS for SQF Certification?

When you partner with QIMA/WQS, you gain access to a dedicated team with over 30 years of experience in the food industry supply chain, offering specialized, end-to-end solutions designed to streamline the certification process and provide unparalleled support at every step.

• A team with over 30 years of experience in the food industry supply chain, ready to deliver end-to-end solutions to your business.   
• Specialize in the food industry, with a structure designed to facilitate and expedite the complex certification process and support you every step of the way.  
• Local experienced food auditors approved for multiple schemes specializing in all food safety quality areas.
• More than 9,000 satisfied clients at every stage of the food supply chain.