SQFI Info Sheets

SQF Food Safety Code: Food Manufacturing

Strengthen Food Safety, Build Buyer Trust

The SQF Food Manufacturing Code helps food and beverage manufacturers implement a rigorous, GFSI-recognized food safety management system that protects consumers, brands, and operations.

Benefits

Certification to the SQF Food Safety Code: Food Manufacturing delivers measurable value across food safety, compliance, and operational performance.

Earn your manufacturing site certification to:

Enhance brand credibility with globally recognized GFSI-benchmarked certification
Reduce food safety risk via HACCP-based food safety plan, risk assessments, and continuous improvement
Streamline compliance and audit readiness with documented, standardized processes
Improve supply chain access by meeting buyer requirements for approved supplier status
Drive operational efficiency through clearer procedures, training, and corrective action tracking

Eligibility

Companies eligible for SQF Food Manufacturing certification include food and beverage manufacturers that operate a HACCP-based food safety system supported by prerequisite programs such as GMPs, sanitation, allergen control, and traceability. Eligible operations include branded, private-label, and co-manufacturers across categories such as bakery, dairy, confectionery, and beverages, and must be able to undergo third-party certification audits.

Costs

SQF certification is an investment in consistent, compliant, and auditable food safety operations. Costs vary based on site size, complexity of the operation, and audit duration.

Estimated costs include:

SQFI Registration Fee: $650–$800 annually, per site.
Third-Party Audit Fees: Costs vary depending on facility size, complexity, and location. Please contact your Certification Body for specific pricing.

Certification Process

SQF recommends a minimum of three months of documentation to demonstrate implementation. Please contact your Certification Body for specific timing.

Selecting and Customizing Your SQF Code:

Use the SQF Code Selector to ensure your site applies the right food safety requirements.
Identify your operation and products.
Select the Food Sector Category (FSC) that matches your products and activities.
Prepare for certification using the selected code.

Steps to Certification

1. Learn about the SQF Code.

2. Register for SQF Certification.

3. Prepare for your audit.

Define scope, conduct GAP assessment, and plan implementation
Implement HACCP, prerequisite programs, and documentation
Verify readiness through internal audits and training

4. Schedule and conduct the audit.

5. Renew your certification.

Training

To achieve and sustain SQF certification, your team must be trained to consistently apply a HACCP-based food safety system, strong GMPs, and documented practices that stand up to an external audit. Training should focus on understanding the SQF Code, executing procedures on the floor, and demonstrating competency through records, internal audits, and corrective actions.

Courses include:

The SQF Code: Understand the SQF Code, methodology, changes, and requirements.
Internal Auditing: Learn how to implement a robust SQF internal audit program.
Food Safety Culture: Address food safety culture expectations for SQF-certified sites.
Approved Supplier Program: Explore how to implement an approved supplier program.
Root Cause Analysis: Walk through the RCA process with tools.
Corrective and Preventive Actions: An in-depth overview of the CAPA process and tools.
Risk Assessment: Identify and mitigate food safety, food fraud, and food defense risk.