The release of SQF Code Edition 10 has been delayed due to an extension in the GFSI benchmarking application timeline, 
which now runs through March 2026. As part of this process, GFSI has reconvened its Benchmarking and Harmonization Working Group to review and potentially revise the benchmarking requirements.
Because SQF, like all Certification Program Owners, must submit through this process, this extension has impacted our release plans for SQF Code Edition 10.
Edition 9 is the recognized Edition of the SQF Code at this time. Audits will continue with Edition 9. Sites will have a minimum six-month transition period before audits begin under Edition 10.
While we had initially targeted a September release, the new benchmarking timeline will depend on the outcome of GFSI’s review, which means that the release date for Edition 10 is undetermined.
What You Can Expect Now
Even though we cannot publish Edition 10 until after the revised benchmarking requirements are released, we want to help sites prepare for what’s coming.
The new Edition represents a strategic evolution in food safety management, focusing on three critical areas: food safety culture, change management, and environmental monitoring. These changes reflect the industry’s growing understanding that food safety is not just about compliance, but about creating a holistic, proactive approach to protecting consumers.
Food Safety Culture Takes Center Stage — As it Should
Edition 10 mandates robust food safety culture plans that go beyond traditional checklists. Organizations must now demonstrate comprehensive strategies for:
- Effective communication
- Comprehensive employee training
- Systematic feedback mechanisms
- Continuous improvement processes
This approach transforms food safety from a procedural requirement to an organizational mindset, empowering employees at every level to become active guardians of food safety.
Introducing Mandatory Change Management
The new change management requirement is a groundbreaking addition. Organizations must now develop documented procedures for handling all types of changes, from equipment modifications to vendor transitions. This proactive approach helps prevent potential risks before they escalate, potentially reducing recall incidents.
Environmental Monitoring: A Risk-Based Approach
A key update is that conducting a risk-based assessment to determine environmental monitoring needs is now mandatory. This shift moves away from uniform protocols, enabling sites to develop monitoring strategies that are specifically tailored to their operational risks and environments.
New Digitized Code as a Web Experience
Edition 10 will be presented on sqfi.com, and users will be able to use our Code Selector to get an HTML version of the Code that is translated into all nine languages supported by our website. Code-specific landing pages will also feature HTML versions of each Code that are translated and can be turned into PDF documents for download and printing. Checklists, change documents, and guidance documents will also be available, with any resources also translated and downloadable.
Your Pathway to Compliance: The SQF Edition 10 Conversion Course
Even though the release of Edition 10 is on a new timeline, your readiness doesn’t have to wait. The SQF Edition 10 Conversion Course equips you with the resources, tools, and guidance to move forward with confidence—and we’re building in even more support to help you succeed.
This November, those who pre-order the course will be invited to an exclusive digital seminar focused on strengthening food safety culture and managing change effectively. It’s a chance to get ahead, stay prepared, and lead your team through the transition with clarity.
Join the pre-sale today and lock in your Edition 10 training support!
Next Steps
Edition 9 remains valid and fully recognized worldwide. SQF remains in close communication with GFSI and fellow standard owners, and we will provide timely updates as soon as the benchmarking process advances and a clearer release date for Edition 10 emerges.
Thank you for your patience and continued commitment to food safety. We look forward to supporting you through this transition and ensuring you have the resources you need to succeed.
Please contact info@sqfi.com if we can address your questions.
