Individual consumers, consumer advocate groups, and governments are demanding safe, quality food. So, in increasing numbers, retailers, and food service providers are mandating that their suppliers receive third-party certification with a Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) approved scheme.
Unique among the GFSI benchmarked standards, SQF is only program based outside of the EU, and offers complete “farm to fork” supply chain management from primary production to manufacturing and distribution. With SQF, every type of product and process can be evaluated, and the certification that results is internationally recognized. The SQF 1000 Code is designed for primary producers/farmers, and the SQF 2000 code is for manufacturers, distributors, exporters, brokers, and retailers. Each code is divided into 3 levels of certification, indicating the level of development of a supplier’s safety and quality systems. The 3 levels allow the opportunity for continuous improvement and for all sizes of companies to participate. SQF Level 2 is the standard that is benchmarked as meeting the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). SQF third party certification protects brand integrity and assures customers and buyers that the certificate holder has achieved a high degree of competence in critical areas, is monitoring and continually improving product quality, safety, and legality. Should a challenge ever be made against a product, the SQF audit report will be one of the documents an enforcement authority would require to demonstrate that the supplier is competent to produce a safe and legal product. The Standard provides benefits not only for the retail industry but also benefits food manufacturers, importers, caterers, ingredient suppliers, and the food service industry. It is currently used by suppliers in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the Far East, North and South America, and Australasia. SQF is an international mark of excellence for the certificate holder. If you have questions about how you can obtain a SQF Food Safety certification, contact CERT ID Services - a division of CERT ID LC. 641-209-1899 or via email at info@cert-id.com
