Why The Food Industry Should Engage with Edition 10 of the SQF Code

By LeAnn Chuboff, Vice President, Technical Affairs, SQFI

Food safety remains a top priority for the food industry. SQF Code Edition 10 represents a critical step forward in ensuring rigorous yet practical food safety management across the supply chain. Food retailers and suppliers play a pivotal role in shaping these standards, and we need your input to ensure that Edition 10 reflects the realities of today's marketplace.

A Code Built on Food Industry Collaboration

The development of SQF Edition 10 has been a highly collaborative process. We have worked closely with industry experts, auditors, and food safety practitioners to gather real-world insights. Our Technical Working Groups, made up of 170 dedicated volunteers, have spent hundreds of hours refining the updates to ensure the Code remains relevant and practical for the industry. Now the draft Edition 10 Code is posted until May 9, 2025 for public commenting.

Food retailers and suppliers are uniquely positioned to provide critical feedback. You understand the challenges of ensuring food safety from supplier to shelf, and your perspective is essential in refining a program that benefits the entire food supply chain.

Key Updates in SQF Code Edition 10

Here's a preview of significant enhancements in Edition 10:

• Strengthening Food Safety Culture: A new Food Safety Culture Plan requires organizations to establish clear objectives and performance measures, reinforcing a top-down commitment to food safety.
• Enhancing Change Management: A dedicated Change Management clause now requires companies to document procedures for equipment, processes, or personnel changes to better manage risk.
• Streamlining Records and Documentation: Documentation requirements have been reorganized into a single, structured section, simplifying compliance and improving auditor efficiency.
• Emphasizing Critical Training and Assessments: Enhanced training and competency assessments ensure that personnel at all levels are fully equipped to maintain food safety standards.

Your Voice Matters: Help Shape the Future of Food Safety

Public comments are now open on the SQF website, and we encourage you to share your feedback. Comments are currently open for our Edition 10 Codes, Part A, and Appendices. 

Create an account with SQFI or log into your existing account to provide your feedback today — public commenting closes on May 9!

Provide Your Feedback