Safe Quality Food Code

SQFI / FMI — GFSI benchmarked · Food manufacturing, storage & distribution, primary production

The SQF Code is a GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme built around a documented food safety management system. Edition 9 splits requirements into System Elements (Module 2) and Good Manufacturing Practices for the relevant food sector category, and adds an explicit Food Safety Culture requirement under senior management commitment.

Key points

Certification requires a designated SQF Practitioner who is employed full time, has completed HACCP training, and understands the SQF Code.
The food safety plan must be validated, verified, and reviewed at least annually or when any process change occurs.
Unannounced audits are part of the recertification cycle; a score of 96-100 = Excellent, 86-95 = Good, 70-85 = Complies, <70 = Fails.
Any critical non-conformance results in immediate failure of the audit and suspension of certification.

Official source

Module 2 — SQF Food Safety System Elements

The management system requirements applied to every site regardless of food sector category.

Module 11 — GMPs for Food Manufacturing

Prerequisite good manufacturing practices for processing of food products.

Forms referencing SQF

HACCP & Food Safety PlanHACCP Plan Worksheet Monitoring & VerificationCooling / Stabilization Log Monitoring & VerificationCooler / Freezer Temperature Log Monitoring & VerificationMetal Detector / X-Ray Verification Monitoring & VerificationEquipment Calibration Log Sanitation & GMPPre-Operational Sanitation Inspection Sanitation & GMPMaster Sanitation Schedule & Record Sanitation & GMPSanitation Verification (ATP / Swab) Record Sanitation & GMPGMP / Facility Walkthrough Inspection Sanitation & GMPAllergen Changeover & Label Verification Monitoring & VerificationEnvironmental Monitoring Program Record Monitoring & VerificationWater & Sanitizer Concentration Log Supplier & ReceivingReceiving Inspection Record Supplier & ReceivingSupplier Approval & Verification Questionnaire Supplier & ReceivingCertificate of Analysis Review Traceability & RecallTraceability / Mock Recall Exercise Traceability & RecallProduct Hold & Release Record Traceability & RecallRecall / Withdrawal Notification Record Non-Conformance & CAPACorrective & Preventive Action (CAPA) Report Non-Conformance & CAPACustomer Complaint Investigation Audit & ComplianceInternal Audit Report Audit & ComplianceManagement Review Minutes Audit & ComplianceFood Defense Vulnerability Assessment Audit & ComplianceFood Fraud Vulnerability Assessment Training & PersonnelTraining Attendance & Competency Record Training & PersonnelEmployee Health & Illness Reporting Agreement Training & PersonnelVisitor & Contractor GMP Log Sanitation & GMPPest Control Inspection Log Sanitation & GMPGlass & Brittle Plastic Register / Inspection Monitoring & VerificationFinished Product Quality Inspection Supplier & ReceivingShipping / Truck Inspection Record Audit & ComplianceDocument Control Register Quality Management SystemStandard Operating Procedure (SOP)

Module 2 — SQF Food Safety System Elements

2.1.1Management Policy & Commitment

2.1.2Management Responsibility

2.1.4Management Review

2.1.5Complaint Management

2.1.6Business Continuity Planning

2.2.1Food Safety Manual

2.2.2Document Control

2.2.3Records

2.3.2Approved Supplier Program

2.4.2Food Legislation

2.4.3Food Safety Plan (HACCP)

2.4.8Allergen Management

2.5.1Validation & Effectiveness

2.5.2Verification Activities

2.5.3Corrective & Preventive Action

2.5.4Product Sampling, Inspection & Analysis

2.5.5Internal Audits & Inspections

2.6.1Product Identification & Traceability

2.6.2Product Withdrawal & Recall

2.7.1Food Defense Plan

2.7.2Food Fraud

2.9.2Training Program

Module 11 — GMPs for Food Manufacturing

11.1Site Location & Construction

11.2Personnel Hygiene & Welfare

11.3Personnel Processing Practices

11.5Cleaning & Sanitation

11.6Water, Ice & Air Quality

11.7Storage & Transport

11.8Separation of Functions / Product Flow

11.9Laboratory Facilities

11.10Waste Disposal & Pest Management

Forms referencing SQF