Edition 10: Frequently Asked Questions
As we launch Edition 10, we know there will be questions. This list of frequently asked questions and answers is designed to orient you to Edition 10. Click to expand each question and reveal the answer.
Edition 10 Frequently Asked Questions
Answer: SQFI has digitized the SQF Food Safety Edition 10 Codes for an enhanced user experience. This new application will:
- Allow users to go directly to an interactive interface on our Code Selector to identify the correct Code based on their scope. For sites operating under multiple food sector categories and Codes, the Code Selector enables them to generate a single, consolidated Code that aligns with all applicable products and processes.
- Provides useful links embedded in the Code for quick access to useful resources.
- Generates real-time translations to the Edition 10 Food Safety and Quality Codes.
- Provides a printer‑friendly version of the generated Code that can be printed or downloaded as a PDF.
Answer: It is anticipated that audits to Edition 10 will begin on January 2, 2027. This date is dependent on the progress of the GFSI Benchmarking application and may need to change to a later date. However, it should be noted that audits to Edition 10 will not commence any earlier than January 2, 2027.
Answer: The appendices have been separated from the Code and are posted as their own webpages to support the Edition 10 Food Safety and Quality Codes. All resources and supporting documents are located on www.sqfi.com. Use the following links to access these resources.
Answer: Edition 10 supporting materials are available on www.sqfi.com. This includes the Guidance & Checklist. The guidance documents were updated to reflect Edition 9 and the Edition 10 changes. Code change documents are available and can be found on the Code Selector and respective Code landing pages.
Answer: Yes. The Code is printable and can be downloaded as a PDF. Please click on the green printer icon on the right-hand side of the screen to get a printable version of the Code and follow the instructions to either print or save to PDF.
Answer: The unannounced audit requirement has not changed. The three-year timeframe is not disrupted by the release of Edition 10. Contact your Certification Body to understand which audit cycle your unannounced audit is in.
Answer: SQF does not require the site’s policies and procedures, or other relevant programs, to be aligned with the numbering of the SQF Code. If you build your policies and procedures based on the numbering in the SQF Code, you may need to review and revise them to align with Edition 10.
Answer: SQF added a new requirement to all Edition 10 SQF Food Safety Codes that requires all sites to have a food safety culture assessment plan in place. A Guidance Document on Food Safety Culture Assessment Plan was created to provide interpretations to this requirement and is available on www.sqfi.com.
Answer: SQF is entering the benchmarking application process for recognition by GFSI against the Edition 10 Food Safety Codes. Until Edition 10 is recognized by GFSI, Edition 9 will be the only GFSI recognized program. Audits for Edition 10 will not begin until benchmarking is completed and the Edition 10 SQF Food Safety Codes are recognized by GFSI.
Answer: SQF has created an Edition 10 Conversion Course as a tool to better understand the new Code requirements and their application. The online version of the course is available in English and Spanish. Additionally, all licensed SQF Training Centers are available to train against the changes to Edition 10 in all designated languages. Visit Our Courses to find a training solution that fits your needs. You’ll find that the SQF online training courses are fully aligned to Edition 10 requirements, including updated scoring, food safety culture expectations, risk assessment protocols, and documentation controls.
Answer: Yes. The Edition 9 Codes are available in our Library of Codes.
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