“Food Safety for Small Food Operators – Getting Started with SQF FVA” is presented by the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) in collaboration with EAGLE Certification Group. The session introduces the SQF Fundamentals Verification Assessment (FVA), a remote, cost-effective food safety verification program specifically designed for small food manufacturers and startups at the beginning of their food safety journey.
You’ll learn why FVA was developed, how it works, who is eligible, and how small suppliers can use it as a stepping stone toward more advanced SQF certification and GFSI-recognized programs.
Why the SQF FVA Program Was Developed
Small food operators often face significant barriers to market entry, including limited food safety knowledge, high audit costs, and difficulty meeting retailer supplier verification requirements. SQFI developed the SQF Fundamentals Verification Assessment to address these challenges by:
- Improving food safety awareness and risk management for small businesses
- Providing a lower-cost, accessible alternative to traditional on-site audits
- Supporting retailers and brand owners seeking to work with local and emerging suppliers
- Helping small food businesses establish strong food safety foundations early, enabling future growth and scalability
What Is the SQF Fundamentals Verification Assessment (FVA)?
The SQF FVA is a remote, half-day verification assessment, not a full certification audit. It verifies a site’s self-assessment against the SQF Fundamentals Basic or Intermediate Code and confirms that core food safety programs are in place.
Key characteristics include:
- Conducted fully online with document review, interviews, and a live virtual facility tour
- Results in a Verification Declaration, not an SQF certificate
- Declaration is valid for one year, product-specific, and site-specific
- Designed exclusively for small food manufacturers meeting the FDA definition of a Qualified Facility or Very Small Business under FSMA
Eligibility Criteria for SQF FVA
The program is intended for food manufacturers that qualify as small businesses under FSMA, generally defined as operations with:
- Less than $1 million in average annual sales plus inventory value over a three-year period
This makes FVA particularly relevant for startups, co-manufacturers, and local food producers supplying retailers for the first time.
How the SQF FVA Works
The seminar outlines a structured, step-by-step assessment process:
The site conducts an internal audit using the free SQF Fundamentals Basic or Intermediate checklists, evaluating food safety programs, hazard controls, and documentation.
An SQF-qualified assessor reviews the submitted self-assessment, food safety plan, risk assessments, process flows, and facility information.
3. Remote Online Assessment
A live virtual meeting includes:
4. Corrective Actions
Any gaps or discrepancies identified are issued as corrective actions and must be resolved before completion.
5. Verification Declaration
Once corrective actions are closed, the site receives an SQF Fundamentals Verification Declaration.
The full process typically takes 4–6 hours, depending on preparedness and complexity.
Benefits of SQF FVA for Small Food Businesses
The seminar highlights several advantages of the FVA model:
- Cost-effective alternative to traditional audits with no assessor travel costs
- Improved access for businesses in rural or remote locations
- Increased assessor availability, helping address industry auditor shortages
- Retailer acceptance, supporting supplier approval programs for local and emerging brands
- Builds confidence and readiness for future SQF Fundamentals or full SQF certification
Common Challenges and Best Practices
The most common challenge identified is lack of preparedness. Many sites underestimate the importance of:
- Completing a thorough self-assessment
- Maintaining documented evidence of implemented programs
- Providing regulatory inspection reports and records
The seminar emphasizes that strong preparation directly impacts assessment efficiency and outcomes.
Assessor Qualifications
SQF FVA assessments are conducted by SQF-certified auditors with:
- A minimum of five years of SQF auditing experience
- Specific training and witnessing requirements for remote assessments
This ensures consistency, credibility, and alignment with SQF program expectations.
FVA as a Stepping Stone to SQF Certification
The SQF Fundamentals Verification Assessment is positioned as a starting point, not an endpoint. It helps small food operators build food safety competence, gain retailer confidence, and prepare for future advancement into SQF Fundamentals certification or full GFSI-recognized SQF certification.
In Summary
The SQF Fundamentals Verification Assessment (FVA) provides small food operators with an accessible, practical entry point into structured food safety systems. By combining remote assessment, risk-based verification, and clear corrective guidance, FVA empowers emerging food businesses to meet retailer expectations, improve compliance, and confidently grow.
To learn more, here are some more resources from SQFI:
