Suppliers
The SQF (Safe Quality Food) Program is a leading, global food safety and quality certification program and management system designed to meet the needs of buyers and suppliers worldwide. It provides independent certification that a supplier's food safety and quality management system complies with international and domestic food safety regulations. This enables suppliers to assure their customers that food has been produced, processed, prepared and handled according to the highest possible standards, at all levels of the supply chain.
SQF is designed as a food safety program, but it also covers product quality, a feature that is unique to a certification program of this type. Assuring consistent quality and meeting buyer specifications are important aspects of the buyer-supplier relationship.
How to Achieve Certification:
- Register Your Company in the SQF Quickfire Database
- Choose Your Level of Certification
- Designate an internal SQF Practitioner
- Hire an external SQF Consultant (optional)
- Identify Training Needs
- Develop, Document and Implement Your System
- Choose a Certification Body (CB)
- Schedule an SQF audit with your chosen CB
The SQF Program provides two standards based on the type of food supplier: The SQF 1000 Code for primary producers and growers and the SQF 2000 Code for the manufacturing, processing and distribution sectors. Both are based on the HACCP method and principles.
Click on the globe that most appropriately describes your type of company. Suppliers, please note that your facility may fall into both categories for example if you are both a grower and packer of primary produce.