The Safe Quality Food Institute’s (SQFI) SQF Code is a standard recognized by Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). This standard offers a credible food safety management system for companies in the food industry. This code basically SQF aligns primary production certification to food manufacturing, distribution and retail certification. The certification is administered by the FMI – The Food Industry Association, which is based in the US.
This standard is emphasizes on not just food safety but also quality, and offers specific guidelines for the same. This is an internationally recognized standard and is accepted by consumers all over the world as proof of food safety and quality.
- Features and Benefits
- Applicability
- Consulting Methodology
The Safe Quality Food Institute’s (SQFI) SQF Code, edition 8 has been updated and redesigned in 2017 for use by all sectors of the food industry from primary production to storage and distribution and now includes a food safety code for retailers. It replaces the SQF Code, edition 7.
The SQF Code is a site-specific, process and product certification standard with an emphasis on the systematic application of CODEX Alimentarius Commission HACCP principles and guidelines for control of food safety and food quality hazards.
Certification to the SQF Code supports industry- or company-branded product and offers benefits to certified sites and their customers. The implementation of an SQF System addresses a buyer’s food safety and quality requirements and provides a solution for businesses supplying local and global food markets. Products produced and manufactured under SQF Code certification retain a high degree of acceptance in global markets.
First developed in Australia in 1994, the SQF program has been owned and managed by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) since 2003, and was first recognized in 2004 by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)* as a standard that meets its benchmark requirements.
Certification of a site’s SQF System by a Safe Quality Food Institute licensed certification body is not a statement of guarantee of the safety of the site’s product, or that it meets all food safety regulations at all times. However, it is an assurance that the site’s food safety plans have been implemented under the CODEX HACCP method as well as applicable regulatory requirements and that the System has been verified and determined effective to manage food safety. Further, it is a statement of the site’s commitment to
- Produce safe & Quality food
- Comply with the requirements of the SQF Code
- Comply with applicable food legislation
Gaining a recognized certification indeed takes an investment of both, time and money. However, with reliable certifications comes to the tangible and intangible benefits.
This is visible with SQF standard and this translates into many benefits for suppliers, retailers as well as end-consumer in the food industry. For manufacturers and retailers, a supplier having this certification is preferable since there is uniformity in guidelines. Similar benefits are seen with manufacturer and retailers that have this certification. Some of the many advantages of this certification include:
- Consistent standards throughout processes
- Reduce the risk of hazards & food-related health issues
- Regular review of processes
- Reliable quality of product
- Protecting your brand image
- Build a trustworthy image
- Gain a competitive edge
- Retain clients & gain new ones
- Have an international certification to tap into markets overseas
- Improve market standing & profitability
The certification applies to any company in any sector of the food chain. Making the changes effectively during the certification process will ensure a company’s shift towards sustainable growth.
Technocrat Consultants helps companies acquire this certification and also maintain it to build an assured brand image.