SQF 1000 for Primary Producers

• What is SQF 1000?
• Benefits
• Getting Started
• Training
• Developing Your System
• Auditing & Certification
• Costs
• Code and Guidance
• E-Audits
• Voluntary Modules
• FAQs

Stage Four: Auditing & Certification

An SQF licensed, accredited Certification Body (CB) must conduct a certification audit in order for you to gain SQF certification at the level for which you applied. You will be prompted to select a CB during the online E-Audit process, which also gives you the option to request information from several CBs so that you may select the one that best fits your needs.

SQF 1000 certificates are valid for one year, and successful completion of an annual recertification audit is necessary to retain SQF 1000 certification. Audit frequency is determined by the supplier's SQF system rating. More information can be found in the SQF 1000 Code.

SQF Auditors are registered in specific food categories through a rigorous process and are only permitted to audit food industry sectors in which they are qualified. SQF Auditors must work for a Certification Body that is licensed by SQFI/FMI and accredited to international standards by an Accreditation Body also licensed by SQFI/FMI.

• What is an audit?
  
  An audit is an independent assessment of your SQF system to determine if you comply with the SQF 1000 standard.



• How do I prepare for an audit?
  
  Conduct an internal audit of your SQF system to check that your system is ready for your certification audit.
  
  
• How often are audits conducted?
  
  After the first certification audit, re-certification audits for SQF 1000 systems are conducted annually on or around the anniversary date of the initial audit. Audits should be conducted during peak periods of production activity.



• Who can audit and certify my SQF system?
  
  Independent third-party Certification Bodies (audit companies) licensed by the SQF Institute conduct the SQF 1000 audit and issues the SQF certification. They are required to use SQF Auditors registered by the SQF Institute and suitably qualified to audit a specific food industry sector. Certification Bodies are subject to regular audits of their certification and audit activities by international Accreditation Bodies licensed by SQFI. Certification Bodies are accredited to international standards, meaning SQF 1000 certificates are internationally recognized.



• How do I choose a Certification Body?
  
  By registering in the SQF Quickfire E-Audit database you will have access to a list of Certification Bodies that are licensed by SQF to carry out SQF audits. Select as many of them as you wish and automatically request information about their company and rates. You will then be required to choose one of the companies to perform the audit. You can also download a copy of the Certification Body list and contact them individually.



• The Audit Process
  
  The first audit is called the Certification Audit and is composed of four parts:



1. The Document Review (desk audit): Prior to the on-site audit, the Certification Body reviews your SQF 1000 system documentation to confirm that it complies with the requirements of the SQF 1000 Code and notifies you of any areas that require improvement.



2. The Audit and Audit Review (on-site): Auditors use a checklist to guide them through the audit and create a record of the results. After reviewing information collected during the audit, and noting any deficiencies, the Auditor will prepare for an exit meeting with management.



3. Exit Meeting: The Auditor presents the findings of the audit to the producer at the exit meeting. The Auditor will explain whether you need to make any improvements and whether they recommend certification or recertification. The producer is expected to take prompt action to correct any deficiencies.



4. Recertification and Surveillance Audits: These are similar to the Certification Audit without the desk audit (unless there have been major changes to your SQF system). The Auditor is required to prepare for these audits by reviewing past audit reports and corrective actions.
• Certification



• If no critical or major non-conformities are found and the audit result indicates an acceptable rating, the Auditor will recommend certification.



• The Certification Body Review Council makes the final decision and the SQF certificate and audit report are issued.



• Re-certification audits are conducted annually and within 30 days of the audit anniversary date.