SQF Launch of Tokyo Sustainability Addendum

Fifty Industry leaders from Japan’s retail, manufacturing and supply chain industries attended the launch of SQF’s Tokyo Sustainability Addendum (TSA) In Shinagawa on Friday 5th April.  The purpose of the reception was to introduce developments in the SQF program, explain the Tokyo Sustainability Addendum (TSA) , and to introduce SQF’s point of contact in Japan, Mr. Masayoshi (Mark) Shinohara.

Attendees were welcomed by Mr. Robert Garfield and Ms. LeAnn Chuboff via video.  An introductory presentation on SQF developments was followed by four stakeholder case studies presented by AEON Top Valu, SGS Japan, Nippon Ham, and TUV-SUD, and finally a presentation on the objectives, content and process of the Tokyo Sustainability Addendum.  All attendees received a copy of the TSA.

The following day, sixteen auditors from three SQF Licensed Certification Bodies attended TSA auditor training in Yokohama.  All auditors sat the TSA examination at the completion and all bar one passed.

The TSA applies to primary producers who are already certified to the SQF Food Safety Code for Primary Production, or are undergoing certification.  It applies only to the production of livestock, fruit & vegetables, and rice.

The SQF Food Safety Code for Primary Production with the Tokyo Sustainability Addendum, has been recognized as a procurement standard for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.