Why the SQF Agents and Brokers Code Matters, and Why Industry Input Is Essential

Food safety decisions are not limited to the places where food is produced, stored, or transported. Increasingly, some of the most important decisions happen earlier in the supply chain. Brokers and agents play a central role in sourcing products, approving suppliers, managing specifications, and coordinating product movement across complex global networks.

Yet many of these organizations never physically handle food.

That creates a gap.

While manufacturers, processors, and distributors operate within well-defined food safety frameworks, the governance and oversight responsibilities managed by brokers and agents have not been held to a consistent, auditable standard. The result is a variability in how supplier risks are assessed, how specifications are controlled, and how traceability and recall readiness are managed across trading partners.

The SQF Agents and Brokers Code was developed to address that gap.

The Code establishes clear expectations for how brokers and agents manage supplier approval, documentation, traceability, complaints, and risk-based decision making. It brings structure and accountability to the critical control points that exist outside of physical operations but still have a direct impact on food safety outcomes.

For retailers and brand owners, this represents an important step forward. It provides greater confidence that the sourcing decisions made on their behalf are supported by consistent, verifiable practices. For brokers and agents, it offers a framework to demonstrate that their role in the supply chain is governed by the same level of rigor expected across the SQF program.

Now, industry input is essential.

Brokers, agents, retailers, manufacturers, and certification bodies each bring a different perspective on how these responsibilities are carried out in practice. Public commenting ensures the Code reflects real-world supply chain dynamics, remains practical to implement, and delivers meaningful value across the industry.

SQFI invites stakeholders from across the food system to review the draft and provide feedback. Your insights will help shape a Code that strengthens transparency, builds trust, and supports a more reliable global food supply.

Now is the time to contribute. Review the draft and submit your comments today. An SQFI account is required to access the commenting system.

Comment on the Code