SQF Food Sector Categories (FSC) - Edition 10

SQF offers a range of food safety codes tailored to various types of food production businesses. By selecting the manufacturing business needs and industry scope, you can easily discover the relevant codes, modules, and more that align with your operations.

The below is applicable to Edition 10 and posted March, 2026.

Translations are provided as a service to SQF customers and are provided "as is." No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, or correctness of any translations made from English into any other language.

Which SQF Food Sector Categories (FSC) is right for me?

FSC 1

Category (Site Scope of Certification):	Production, Capture, and Harvesting of Livestock and Game Animals and Apiculture
GFSI Industry Scopes:	Al: Farming of Animals for Meat / Milk / Eggs / Honey
Applicable SQF Codes and Modules:	The SQF Food Safety Code: Primary Animal Production: System Elements Module 5: GPP for Farming of Animal Products
Description:	Applies to the raising of animals used for meat, egg, milk or honey production and includes the capture, transport, holding, intensive animal husbandry, and free-range farming of animals, but does not include seafood. Includes: Free-range and intensive animal production Dairy farming Game animals Egg production Egg hatching Apiculture Trapping and hunting and slaughter at point of hunting
Examples of Products	Includes, but is not limited to: Cattle Lamb Pigs Poultry Eggs Milk Honey

FSC 2

Category (Site Scope of Certification):	Indoor Growing and Harvesting of Fresh Produce and Sprouted Seed Crops
GFSI Industry Scopes:	BI: Farming of Plants (other than grains and pulses)
Applicable SQF Codes and Modules:	The SQF Food Safety Code: Primary Plant Production System Elements Module 18: GAP for Indoor Farming of Plant Products
Description:	Applies to the production, harvesting, preparation, packaging, and on-site storage of plant products under controlled environment agriculture (CEA). Includes all raw agricultural commodities (rac) grown in indoor growing operations, greenhouses, mushroom farms, and sprout operations.
Example of Products:	Includes but is not limited to: All varieties of microgreens All varieties of sprouted seed Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and lettuce Mushrooms Horticultural products and Hydrophytes for food

FSC 3

Category (Site Scope of Certification):	Growing and Production of Fresh Produce and Nuts
GFSI Industry Scopes:	BI: Farming of Plants (other than grains and pulses)
Applicable SQF Codes and Modules:	The SQF Food Safety Code: Primary Plant Production System Elements Module 7: GAP for Outdoor Farming of Plant Products
Description:	Applies to the production, harvesting, preparation, field packing, and onsite storage of fresh whole fruit, vegetables, and nuts and raw agricultural commodities (rac). Includes all produce grown under broad acre and intensive horticulture production system, including orchards, viticulture, aquaponics, and external nursery operations.
Example of Products:	All fresh fruit and vegetable and nut varieties that are ready-to-eat (RTE) or for further processing including: Tropical and temperate tree fruits, carrots, beets, potatoes, wine grapes Table grapes, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, all forms of leafy greens, spring mix, tomatoes, peppers, herbs and spices and tomatoes, green onions, baby spinach, lettuce, melons, etc. Horticultural products and Hydrophytes for food

FSC 4

Category (Site Scope of Certification):	Fresh Produce, Grain and Nut Pack House Operations
GFSI Industry Scopes:	BIII: Pre-process Handling of Plant Products
Applicable SQF Codes and Modules:	The SQF Food Safety Code: Primary Plant Production System Elements Module 10: GMP for Pre-processing of Plant Products
Description:	Applies to the cleaning, shelling, washing, rinsing, fluming, trimming, bundling, hydrocooling, waxing, drenching, packing, repacking, staging, sorting, grading, loading, and on-site storage (including controlled atmosphere storage) of fresh and pre-packaged whole unprocessed fruits, vegetables and nuts, and the cleaning and packing of grain and pulse products.
Example of Products:	Includes all fruit, vegetable, grain, and nut varieties that are packed in pack houses and that may undergo controlled atmosphere storage or any other handling activity that does not significantly transform the product from its original harvested form.

FSC 5

Category (Site Scope of Certification):	Extensive Broad Acre Agricultural Operations
GFSI Industry Scopes:	BII: Farming of Grains and Pulses
Applicable SQF Codes and Modules:	The SQF Food Safety Code: Primary Plant Production System Elements Module 8: GAP for Farming of Grains and Pulses
Description:	Applies to the production, harvesting, preparation, transport, and storage of broad-acre crops including pulses, cereal, and other grains. Also includes growing and harvesting of animal feed crops.
Example of Products:	All grain and cereal varieties for human consumption and animal feed including but not limited to wheat, oats, rice, pulse crops, hemp (where legally permitted), soy, legumes, maize, corn, cotton, pasture, silage, and hay.

FSC 6

Category (Site Scope of Certification):	Intensive Farming of Seafood
GFSI Industry Scopes:	AII: Farming of Fish and Seafood
Applicable SQF Codes and Modules:	The SQF Food Safety Code: Aquaculture System Elements Module 6: GAP for Farming of Seafood
Description:	Applies to the intensive farming of freshwater fishes and shellfish, including purification, growing, trapping, and fishing at point of capture, transport, and storage and extends to gilling, gutting, shucking, chilling operations. Also includes temporary farm packing without modification of the product.
Example of Products:	All farmed fresh fish and shellfish species including: Tuna, salmon, trout, and other farmed fish spp. Oysters, mussels, shrimp, lobster, crab, and other farmed shellfish spp.

FSC 7

Category (Site Scope of Certification):	Slaughtering Boning, Butchery, and Evisceration
GFSI Industry Scopes:	C0: Animal Primary Conversion
Applicable SQF Codes and Modules:	The SQF Food Safety Code: Animal Product Manufacturing System Elements Module 9: GMP for Processing of Animal Products
Description:	Applies to the lairage, slaughtering, dressing, processing, evisceration, on-site storage, chilling, freezing, and wholesaling of all animal species and game animals for consumption and extends to all meat cuts. Includes gutting, bulk freezing of fish.
Example of Products:	Includes uncooked poultry, pork, and red meat animal species prepared in retail butcher shops, boning rooms, and meat wholesale markets, including ground (minced) meats. Bone-in and whole muscle fillet for pork and red meat species including ground (minced) red meat. Bone-in and whole muscle poultry fillet and ground (minced) poultry meat.

FSC 8

Category (Site Scope of Certification):	Manufactured Meats and Poultry
GFSI Industry Scopes:	CI: Processing of Perishable Animal Products
Applicable SQF Codes and Modules:	The SQF Food Safety Code: Animal Product Manufacturing System Elements Module 9: GMP for Pre-processing of Animal Products
Description:	Applies to the processing, manufacture, transport, and on-site storage operations where meat (all red meat species and poultry) is the major ingredient including all value-adding operations (i.e. cook-chill, deboning, crumbing, curing, smoking, cooking, drying, fermenting, and vacuum packing) and chilling and freezing operations, but not canning of meat or poultry product.
Examples of Products:	Includes poultry, pork, and red meats blends and raw heat-treated, pasteurized, and fermented poultry, pork, and red meats, including salami, hot dogs, sausages, bacon, pepperoni, and meat pastes etc.

FSC 9

Category (Site Scope of Certification):	Seafood Processing
GFSI Industry Scopes:	CI: Processing of Perishable Animal Products
Applicable SQF Codes and Modules:	The SQF Food Safety Code: Animal Product Manufacturing System Elements Module 9: GMP for Pre-processing of Animal Products
Description:	Applies to the processing, manufacture, transport, and on-site storage of all fish and seafood species and extends to value-adding operations, including dismembering, fermenting, deboning, crumbing, smoking, cooking, freezing, chilling, drying, and vacuum packing, but not canning of seafood product.
Examples of Products:	Includes: Whole fish, fish fillets, reformed fish cakes, coated fish portions uncooked fish product, sashimi, sushi, surimi, smoked, cooked, pasteurized fish products chilled or frozen that require no further cooking prior to consumption.

FSC 10

Category (Site Scope of Certification):	Dairy Food Processing
GFSI Industry Scopes:	CI: Processing of Perishable Animal Products
Applicable SQF Codes and Modules:	The SQF Food Safety Code: Food Manufacturing System Elements Module 11: GMP for Processing of Food Products
Description:	Applies to the processing, transport, and storage of food products from all species used for milk collection and extends to all value-adding operations, including freezing, pasteurizing, ultra-filtration, evaporation/concentration, fermentation, clarification, culturing, and spray drying of milk but not UHT operations (refer to FSC 15).
Example of Products:	Includes milk and cream, butter, cottage cheese, sour cream, all forms of cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and dried milk. and infant formula.

FSC 11

Not applicable:	Honey manufacturing is included in FSC 18.

FSC 12

Category (Site Scope of Certification):	Egg Processing
GFSI Industry Scopes:	CI: Processing of Perishable Animal Products
Applicable SQF Codes and Modules:	The SQF Food Safety Code: Food Manufacturing System Elements Module 11: GMP for Processing of Food Products
Description	Applies to the, grading, cleaning, processing, transport, and on-site storage of food products from all species used for egg collection and processing.
Example of Products:	Graded, cleaned eggs and value-added products where egg is the major ingredient, such as liquid eggs, powdered eggs, egg substitutes, or pre-cooked eggs.

FSC 13

Category (Site Scope of Certification):	Bakery and Snack Food Processing
GFSI Industry Scopes:	CIV: Processing of Ambient Stable Animal and Plant Products (mixed products)
Applicable SQF Codes and Modules:	The SQF Food Safety Code: Food Manufacturing System Elements Module 11: GMP for Processing of Food Products
Description:	Applies to the processing, packaging, and on-site storage of extruded snack foods and cake mix formulations and extends to all bakery operations of food products from any source that are stored and sold at ambient temperature.
Example of Products:	Includes baked items such as meat pies, custard pies, bread, cookies, cakes, and mixes and all varieties of snack food, including waffles, pancakes, and crackers. All forms of granola.

FSC 14

Category (Site Scope of Certification):	Fruit, Vegetable, and Nut Processing, Fruit Juices, and plant-based food
GFSI Industry Scopes:	CII: Processing or Perishable Plant Products
Applicable SQF Codes and Modules:	The SQF Food Safety Code: Food Manufacturing System Elements Module 11: GMP for Processing of Food Products
Description:	Applies to the processing, packaging, and on-site storage of all processed fruit, vegetable, and nut varieties, including freezing, fermenting drying, slicing, dicing, cutting, and modified atmosphere processing of all fruits and vegetables, and the roasting, drying, and cutting of nuts. Does not include canning of fruits and vegetables.
Example of Products:	Includes frozen. fermented, dried, sliced, diced, peeled, cut, and modified atmosphere packaged (MAP) fruit, vegetable, and nut products, including prepared and deli salads. Washing, slicing, dicing, cutting, shredding, peeling, grading, pasteurization, cooking, chilling, juicing, pressing, freezing, packing in modified atmosphere, packed in vacuum packing or any other activity that significantly transforms the product from its original whole state. Includes fresh and pasteurized fruit and vegetable and other plant based juices and plant based products including milk substitutes (soymilk), and other meat alternatives (tofu) and plant based beverages where the technology is essentially the same. Production of plant products, including fruits and fresh juices, vegetables, grains, nuts, including nut butter, pulses and perishable pet food from plant products only.

FSC 15

Category (Site Scope of Certification):	Canning, UHT, and Aseptic Operations
GFSI Industry Scopes: CIV:	Processing of Ambient Stable Animal and Plant Products (mixed products)
Applicable SQF Codes and Modules:	The SQF Food Safety Code: Food Manufacturing System Elements Module 11: GMP for Processing of Food Products
Description:	Applies to the processing of low- acid canned foods and sterilization (retorting) UHT, or other high- temperature or high-pressure processes (HPP) not covered elsewhere and the manufacture of the associated hermetically sealed containers.
Example of Products:	Includes: The commercial sterilization of fish, meats, fruits and vegetables, and other low-acid soups and sauces in metal or glass containers or retort pouches. Does not include pasteurization of dairy, fruit, or vegetable juices, but does include UHT treatment of Milk or milk products; or Egg or egg products; or Fruit or vegetable juices. Canned pet food (refer to FSC 32)

FSC 16

Category (Site Scope of Certification):	Ice, Drink, and Beverage Processing
GFSI Industry Scopes:	CIV: Processing of Ambient Stable Animal and Plant Products (mixed products)
Applicable SQF Codes and Modules:	The SQF Food Safety Code: Food Manufacturing System Elements Module 11: GMP for Processing of Food Products
Description:	Applies to fermentation, concentration aseptic filling, or drying operations processes. Does not include powdered milk and pasteurization and UHT treatment of milk or milk products or fruit and vegetable juicing operations. Does not apply to dry beverage ingredients (e.g. tea, coffee).
Example of Products:	Includes carbonated soft drinks, carbonated and non-carbonated waters, mineral and flavored water, ice, liquid tea and coffee, energy drinks, wine, beer, and other alcoholic beverages.

FSC 17

Category (Site Scope of Certification):	Confectionary and Candy Manufacturing
GFSI Industry Scopes:	CIV: Processing of Ambient Stable Animal and Plant Products (mixed products)
Applicable SQF Codes and Modules:	The SQF Food Safety Code: Food Manufacturing System Elements Module 11: GMP for Processing of Food Products
Description:	Applies to the processing, packaging, and on-site storage of all types of confectionary, candy and sweets, and extends to all chocolate and imitation chocolate-based processing.
Example of Products:	Includes all confectionary products that undergo refining, conching, starch molding, freeze-dried, compression, extrusion, and vacuum cooking. caramel apples, gummies, chocolate, nougat, candy, toffee.

FSC 18

Category (Site Scope of Certification):	Preserved Foods and Food Ingredient Manufacturing
GFSI Industry Scopes:	CIV: Processing of Ambient Stable Animal and Plant Products (mixed products)
Applicable SQF Codes and Modules:	The SQF Food Safety Code: Food Manufacturing System Elements Module 11: GMP for Processing of Food Products
Description:	Applies to the processing, packaging, and onsite storage of all foods preserved under high temperature processes not covered elsewhere, compositionally preserved foods that are not high- temperature processed or other alternative acceptable methods not covered elsewhere.
Example of Products:	Includes dressings, mayonnaise, sauces, marinades, pickled foods, peanut butter, mustards, jams, and fillings. Products includes honey, honeycomb, pollen, and royal jelly, nut butters, peanut butter and other nut butter paste, salt, sugar, spices, and other condiment, soup mixes.

FSC 19

Category (Site Scope of Certification):	Food Additive Manufacturing
GFSI Industry Scopes:	K: Production of Bio-chemicals or Bio-cultures used as Food Ingredients or Processing Aids in Food Production
Applicable SQF Codes and Modules:	The SQF Food Safety Code: Food Manufacturing System Elements Module 11: GMP for Processing of Food Products
Description:	Applies to the processing, blending, re-packaging, and on-site storage of dry food ingredients, cultures, and yeast, but does not include dairy products, fermented meats, or other fermented products mentioned elsewhere.
Example of Products:	Includes starter cultures used in cheese, yogurt, and wine manufacture and cultures used in the baking industry and other products used for the preservation of foods. Other additional products include food and feed additives, preservatives, flavorings, colorings, dehydrated culinary products (e.g. powdered cultures or flavoring). Applies to dried tea, drink mixes, and coffee products.

FSC 20

Category (Site Scope of Certification):	Recipe Meals Manufacturing
GFSI Industry Scopes:	CIII: Processing of Perishable Animal and Plant Products (mixed products)
Applicable SQF Codes and Modules:	The SQF Food Safety Code: Food Manufacturing System Elements Module 11: GMP for Processing of Food Products
Description:	Applies to the processing, receipt, controlled temperature on-site storage of foods prepared from a range of ingredients (mixed foods) that require cooking, heating, freezing, or refrigerated storage prior to serving.
Example of Products:	Includes ready-to-eat (RTE) chilled meals and deserts, frozen meals, pizza, frozen pasta, soups, and meal solutions, sous vide products, and freeze-dried and dehydrated meals. Includes sandwiches, wraps, plated or boxed meals, and high-risk desserts for distribution to food service, commissaries, meal kit subscription preparation and packing.

FSC 21

Category (Site Scope of Certification):	Oils, Fats, and the Manufacturing of Oil or Fat-based Spreads
GFSI Industry Scopes:	CIII: Processing of Perishable Animal and Plant Products (mixed products)
Applicable SQF Codes and Modules:	The SQF Food Safety Code: Food Manufacturing System Elements Module 11: GMP for Processing of Food Products
Description:	Applies to the processing, receipt, controlled temperature on-site storage of foods prepared from a range of ingredients (mixed foods) that require cooking, heating, freezing, or refrigerated storage prior to serving.
Example of Products:	Includes shortening (animal and vegetable), oils - olive, peanut, corn, vegetable, sunflower, palm, soybean, safflower, canola, nut, seed, hemp (where legally permitted), and oil-based spreads such as margarine and oil-based spreads.

FSC 22

Category (Site Scope of Certification):	Processing of Grains and Flours
GFSI Industry Scopes:	CII: Processing of Perishable Plant Products
Applicable SQF Codes and Modules:	The SQF Food Safety Code: Food Manufacturing System Elements Module 11: GMP for Processing of Food Products
Description:	Applies to the processing of cereal, grains and flours of all varieties, including sorting, grading, picking, handling of bulk grains, milling, and extruding.
Example of Products:	Includes wheat, maize, rice, barley, oats, millet, pasta, hemp (where legally permitted), and breakfast cereals and, other non-traditional plant based grains and flours such as, watermelon seed, nut flours.

FSC 23

Category (Site Scope of Certification):	Food Catering and Foodservice
GFSI Industry Scopes:	E: Catering
Applicable SQF Codes and Modules:	The SQF Food Safety Code: Foodservice System Elements Module 16: GRP for Foodservice
Description:	Applies to all on-site food preparation and service activities, including, storage, and distribution undertaken with mixed foods that are ready-to-eat and do not require further treatment or processing by the consumer. Only applies to products prepared on site that are ready to eat, ready to serve.
Example of Products:	Includes food service caterers, retail delicatessen/self-serve facilities, restaurants, fast food outlets, delicatessens, school cafeterias (canteens), hospital/institution meal services, childcare centers, and mobile and home delivery food services. Includes sandwiches, wraps, and high-risk desserts that are prepared on-site.

FSC 24

Category (Site Scope of Certification):	Food Retailing
GFSI Industry Scopes:	FI: Retail / Wholesale
Applicable SQF Codes and Modules:	The SQF Food Safety Code: Food Retail System Elements Module 15: GRP for Retail
Description:	Applies to the receipt, handling, storage, and display at retail level of stable or pre-processed and packaged foods and/or food intended for further preparation by the consumer. Retailers that prepare ready-to-eat (RTE) foods must include FSC23 also.
Example of Products:	Includes all foods distributed and sold through retail outlets. Does not include foods that are prepared on-site.

FSC 25

Category (Site Scope of Certification):	Repackaging of Products not Manufactured on Site
GFSI Industry Scopes:	CIV: Processing of Ambient Stable Animal and Plant Products (mixed products)
Applicable SQF Codes and Modules:	The SQF Food Safety Code: Food Manufacturing System Elements Module 11: GMP for Processing of Food Products
Description:	Assembling of whole produce and packaged products (e.g. nuts, hard candy, dried fruit, and beef jerky) that are manufactured elsewhere. Applies to products not covered elsewhere.
Example of Products:	Includes gift packs and baskets, festive hampers, bulk candy, and presentation packs, meal kit subscription assembly.

FSC 26

Category (Site Scope of Certification):	Storage and Distribution
GFSI Industry Scopes:	G: Provision of Storage and Distribution Services
Applicable SQF Codes and Modules:	The SQF Food Safety Code: Storage and Distribution System Elements Module 12: GDP for Transport and Distribution of Food Products
Description:	Applies to dedicated distribution centers, warehouses, and transport operators involved in the receipt, storage, consolidation, and distribution of perishable fresh produce and general food lines, including chilled, frozen, dry goods, stable or pre-processed and packaged foods, food packaging and/or food intended for further preparation by the consumer at wholesale level.
Example of Products:	Includes all transportation, storage, and delivery of perishable and shelf-stable foods sold through markets, retail, and foodservice facilities. Off-site storage for manufacturing sites. Includes transportation, storage, and delivery of all varieties of fresh unprocessed fruit, vegetable, and nut products.

FSC 27

Category (Site Scope of Certification):	Manufacture of Food Packaging
GFSI Industry Scopes:	I: Production of Food Packaging
Applicable SQF Codes and Modules:	The SQF Food Safety Code: Manufacture of Food Packaging System Elements Module 13: GMP for Manufacture of Food Packaging
Description:	Applies to the manufacture and on-site storage of food sector packaging materials. Includes items that may be used in food manufacturing or food service facilities, including paper towels, napkins, disposable food containers, straws, stirrers.
Example of Products:	All food-grade packaging materials, including flexible films, paperboard-based containers, metal containers, flexible pouches, glass containers, plastic and foam containers (PET, polystyrene, etc.), IBC totes, drums / barrels and smaller containers and single-use foodservice products (e.g., paper towels, napkins, disposable food containers, straws, stirrers).

FSC 31

Category (Site Scope of Certification):	Dietary Supplements Manufacturing
GFSI Industry Scopes:	K: Production of Bio-chemicals or Bio-cultures used as Food Ingredients or Processing Aids in Food Production
Applicable SQF Codes and Modules:	The SQF Food Safety Code: Dietary Supplements Manufacturing System Elements Module 17: GMP for Processing of Dietary Supplements
Description:	Applies to the manufacture, blending, packaging, and on-site storage of dietary supplements.
Example of Products:	Includes vitamins, probiotics, natural health products, protein blends, and label supplements.

FSC 32

Category (Site Scope of Certification):	Pet Food Manufacturing
GFSI Industry Scopes:	CI, CII, CIII, or CIV as applicable
Applicable SQF Codes and Modules:	The SQF Food Safety Code: Pet Food Manufacturing System Elements Module 4: GMP for Processing of Pet Food Products
Description:	Applies to the manufacture of pet food intended for consumption by domestic animals and specialty pets.
Example of Products:	Includes dry and moist pet foods and treats, semi-raw, chilled, or frozen product. Does not include canned pet food (refer to FSC 15).

FSC 33

Category (Site Scope of Certification):	Food Processing Aides Manufacturing
GFSI Industry Scopes:	K: Production of Bio-chemicals or Bio-cultures used as Food Ingredients or Processing Aids in Food Production
Applicable SQF Codes and Modules:	The SQF Food Safety Code: Food Manufacturing System Elements Module 11: GMP for Processing of Food Products
Description:	Applies to the manufacture, storage, and transport of chemicals and aides used in the food processing sectors.
Example of Products:	Includes food-grade lubricants, processing aides, and chemicals for clean-in-place systems.

FSC 34

Category (Site Scope of Certification):	Animal Feed Manufacturing
GFSI Industry Scopes:	D: Production of Feed
Applicable SQF Codes and Modules:	The SQF Food Safety Code: Animal Feed Manufacturing System Elements Module 3: GMP for Animal Feed Production
Description:	Applies to the Cooking, milling, mixing, blending, extrusion, transport, and storage of animal feeds.
Example of Products:	Includes single ingredient, compounded (pellets or crumbles), concentrates (feeds that supply nutrients like protein, fats, and carbohydrates), silage (fermented feed), blended feeds (mix of single feeds).