Which Code Edition Should I Use?

If you’re unsure whether to use Edition 9 or Edition 10, you’re in good company. Transitions between Code editions are a normal part of continuous improvement and can naturally raise questions about audits, certification timing, and scoring expectations. The good news is that clear guidance is available—and here’s what you need to know.

Short Answer: Which Code Edition Should I Use? 

The date audits are to start with the Edition 10 SQF Food Safety and Quality Codes is expected to be January 2, 2027. Audits scheduled on or after this date will be to Edition 10. This date is contingent upon the GFSI benchmarking application process. Any changes will be communicated. 

Use Edition 9

 

If your audit occurs before the mandatory Edition 10 implementation date, you will be audited to Edition 9.

 

Use Edition 10

 

If your audit occurs on or after the mandatory implementation date, you will be audited to Edition 10.

 

If you had an audit under Edition 9 that resulted in a surveillance audit, and that audit is scheduled after the mandatory audit date to Edition 10, your surveillance audit would be against the Edition 9 Code requirements. 

Certification Bodies will not mix requirements from both editions in a single audit.

 

Transitioning to Edition 10

What Changes with Edition 10?

Edition 10 introduces structural and scoring refinements designed to strengthen audit credibility, improve risk weighting, and reinforce food safety culture.

What Should I Do If I'm Still Unsure Which Edition To Use?

If you are still not certain which edition applies to your site, contact:
  • Your Certification Body.
  • Your SQF representative.
  • The SQFI Technical Team.
They can confirm your audit cycle and required Code edition.


 

When Should You Transition to Edition 10?

You should prepare for Edition 10 if:
  • Your next audit falls after the mandatory implementation date.
  • You are scheduling a new certification audit during the transition window.
  • You want to align training and internal systems early.
You may remain on Edition 9 only if:
  • Your audit is completed before the official Edition 10 enforcement date.
Early adoption can reduce last-minute implementation risk.

Scoring Changes with Edition 10

Edition 9 Scoring Overview

Under Edition 9, each finding receives a point deduction:

  • Minor Non-Conformance: 1 point
  • Major Non-Conformance: 5 points
  • Critical Non-Conformance: 50 points

The overall score is calculated as 100 minus total deductions

Industry feedback identified concerns that high scores did not always reflect actual site risk or performance

Edition 10 Scoring Overview

Edition 10 retains the 100 minus deduction model, but introduces Core Clauses with elevated scoring impact.

  • Minor: 1 point
  • Core Clause Minor: 2 points
  • Major: 5 points
  • Core Clause Major: 7 points
  • Critical: 50 points

Core Clauses are unique to each Code and are identified in the relevant clauses. They  represent foundational, high-risk system elements such as:

  • Management Commitment
  • Approved Supplier Program
  • Food Safety Plan
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Corrective and Preventative Action
  • Product Identification
  • Allergen Management
  • Sanitation
  • Foreign Material Control

These changes respond directly to concerns that scoring needed stronger alignment with real food safety risk.

What Can We Do to Prepare for Edition 10?

Here are practical, operational steps a site can take during the transition window while waiting for the mandatory Edition 10 implementation date. Expand each item for additional details.

How to Prepare for Edition 10

Bottom Line on Edition 10 Transition

Use the transition window as a system improvement period, not a waiting period. Sites that treat this as operational strengthening rather than compliance adjustment will experience smoother audits and more credible outcomes under Edition 10.

See the self-paced, online SQF Edition 10 Conversion Course. Prepare your site for a smooth and confident transition to SQF Edition 10 with our comprehensive SQF Edition 10 Conversion Course, downloadable resources, and Q&A sessions. $299.