• The SQF Program offers many unique features that ensure trust and consistency in the auditing process and greater oversight of auditing activities conducted by companies and individuals operating on behalf of the SQF Institute.
• SQF is the only program, recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) that is headquartered outside of Europe.
• SQFI provides complimentary copies of the SQF codes and free, comprehensive practical guidance to assist in the implementation of SQF systems
• SQF is the only GFSI-recognized standard that incorporates a QUALITY certification component.
• Only the SQF Program can offer a seamless farm-to-fork food safety and quality solution for the entire food supply chain.
• SQF's Quickfire data management and audit capture software offers a unique solution to improve the efficiency, consistency and effectiveness of audits while containing costs.
• SQF offers comprehensive and consistent training that upholds the integrity of the Program

For more information on what makes the SQF Program unique, please click here.

The SQF Institute provides helpful How-To Guides which give suppliers step by step instructions on how to implement the SQF program. There are 3 useful booklets that you can download:

• The SQF Program: A Brief Guide
• Implementing the SQF 1000 System: A How-To Guide for Primary Producers
• Implementing the SQF 2000 System: A How-To Guide for Manufacturers, Distributors and Brokers

SQF offers two different standards, or Codes - SQF 1000 for primary producers and SQF 2000 for manufacturers, processors and distributors. The Codes recognize that risk management can be applied to all products, but not all processes lend themselves to a complete HACCP system. Therefore, SQF 1000 is based on the principles of HACCP whereas the SQF 2000 Code is a complete HACCP system.

Within each Code there are three levels - fundamental food safety, HACCP based food safety plans, and comprehensive food safety and quality management systems. This allows every supplier, from the smallest farmer to the largest manufacturer, to be eligible for SQF certification.

The cost for implementing and maintaining an SQF program varies on the type of products that are being grown, produced or manufactured, the complexity of the process and the level of certification that is being requested.

To acquire a price estimate for a training course, contact one of our licensed Training Centers.

To acquire a price quote for an audit, contact an SQF licensed Certification Body.

To find out under which food category you fall, please download the list Food Sector Categories and descriptions.

Food sector categories 7, 8, 9, 10, 15 and 23 are all considered high risk. For category descriptions, download the list of food sector categories.

Audits are conducted by Certification Bodies, licensed by the SQF Institute to carry out SQF audits on our behalf. In order to request an audit from a licensed Certification Body, we recommend that you first register in our Quickfire database. Once registered, you will be able to send an electronic request for information and pricing to a Certification Bodies that can perform an audit in your country or region. Registration will also allow you to select and deselect a Certification Body to carry out the audit once you have reviewed individual proposals.

You can also contact a licensed Certification Body directly by downloading a contact list.

Due to the growing demand for SQF certification, please be prepared to request an audit at least 6 months in advance.

The timeframe for certification varies depending on the complexity and size of the operation and the level of certification requested. Most food manufacturing companies are already undergoing some type of food safety auditing either internally, or by third party inspections, which require them to have existing policies and procedures. In many cases a company may only need to designate an SQF Practitioner to validate and verify its current food safety controls to ensure effectiveness, and continue to update their food safety and quality system as necessary.

Again, this depends on the nature and size of the organization and the level of certification requested. For example, a vegetable growing and packing audit at SQF 1000 Level 1 (Food Safety Fundamentals) may take less than one day, whereas a complex manufacturing facility audit at SQF 2000 Level 3 (Comprehensive Food Safety and Quality Management Systems) may take 2-3 days to complete.

An SQF Consultant is someone who has undergone a rigorous application process to provide you with expert counseling on how to implement the SQF program within your facility. SQF Consultants are also a great industry resource should you have any questions that arise during your implementation of the SQF system.

The self-assessment checklist is now available for purchase for a minimal charge of $25.00. The checklist is only available electronically and we are unable to send hard copies in the mail. The fee includes both the SQF Desk Audit checklist and the SQF Onsite Audit checklist. Click here to purchase.