A SQF Auditor is an individual registered by SQFI to carry out Audits of a Supplier's SQF System on behalf of a licensed Certification Body. SQF Auditors must work for a licensed SQF Certification Body either as an employee or be employed on a sub-contract basis (Sub-contract Auditor).

The integrity of the SQF Program relies on efficient, effective and competent auditing of SQF systems. The role of the SQF Auditor is to collect objective evidence to determine that the SQF system is being implemented, verify the food safety controls are effective and that the SQF systems as a whole is being maintained as required. The Certification Body then evaluates the results of the audit and the recommendations made by the SQF Auditor to determine if an SQF Certificate is issued.

The audit, as an independent check on the system, provides a means for determining the efficacy of the validation and verification of the Food Safety and Food Quality Plans. The audit also provides an effective means of identifying ways to improve the SQF System.

SQF Auditors must be able to demonstrate that they have the relevant skills, experience and knowledge necessary to audit an SQF System in a specific food industry sector.

Applicants must demonstrate:

• through their qualifications and/or work experience, that they have achieved a satisfactory level of knowledge and experience in a particular food industry sector or sectors
• operational experience with food hygiene and food safety based programs involving HACCP or other appropriate risk management systems.

In addition, SQF Auditors must produce an audit log in order to demonstrate that their auditing experience was gained under the prescribed conditions, verified by a supervising auditor, employer or management representative.

Each applicant is reviewed by an independent expert panel after which a decision is made whether to grant registration. Details on the criteria for eligibility are available on the SQF website or by contacting the SQF Institute.

Details are available in the Criteria for SQF Auditors and applications can be obtained by contacting the SQF Institute(registration@sqfi.com).

Applications are invited from individuals affiliated with a licensed SQF Certification Body that can meet the above criteria. Prospective Auditors must specify their area(s) of food sector knowledge and experience and demonstrate that they have met the above criteria.

Auditors are then registered and their detail area of expertise food sector category etc. made available to licensed SQF Certification Bodies. SQF Auditors details are posted on the SQFI website.

Registered SQF Auditors can also seek the support from the SQF Institute, working collaboratively to promote the awareness and uptake of the program in the food industry.

Details of SQF Auditors are made available on the SQFI website and to Suppliers seeking assistance to implement an SQF System.