Embracing the Future of Food Safety: SQF Code Edition 10 – A Journey

Feb 28, 2025

By LeAnn Chuboff, Vice President, Technical Affairs, SQFI

I am thrilled to share an update on our journey in developing SQF Code Edition 10—a process built on collaboration, transparency, and shared industry insights.

The SQF Team is excited to host more than 700 community members next week at SQF Unites. This face-to-face gathering is a key part of our collaborative and transparent approach to shaping the new edition. 

A Collaborative and Transparent Approach

Industry input has been central to our development process. Our technical team has been hard at work engaging with a broad range of stakeholders such as industry experts, auditors, and facility practitioners, to gather real-world insights and innovative ideas. Beyond the intensive contributions from our advisory group, we are actively inviting feedback from the wider community. I am particularly grateful for the hundreds of hours from our Technical Working Groups made up of 170 volunteers.

Public comments are now open on the SQF website, giving everyone the opportunity to share their perspectives and help ensure that the updated code is both robust and responsive to today’s challenges. 

At SQF Unites next week, we will have the chance to dive deeper into the nuances of the new code and gather valuable feedback to fine-tune these changes. In addition to the SQF Unites Town Hall, our SQF Knowledge Swaps sessions will also serve as excellent forums for discussing Edition 10. These interactive events are designed to foster in-depth dialogue, answer your questions, and capture insights that will drive continuous improvement. 

Continuous Improvement  

Drawing on my years of experience in food safety, I firmly believe that true food safety goes far beyond ticking boxes—it is about embedding a continuous improvement mindset into every aspect of our operations. I have seen firsthand how rigorous record management and meaningful audits can transform facilities. It isn’t just about following a checklist; it is about understanding the story behind every process and ensuring that every step reflects our commitment to excellence. 

Your Sneak Peek into the Key Changes in SQF Edition 10

While Edition 10 includes many new features, here are some highlights shaping the new Code.

  • Strengthening Food Safety Culture: 
    We’re introducing a comprehensive Food Safety Culture Plan that sets clear objectives and performance measures. This plan is designed to instill a shared commitment to food safety—from leadership to frontline workers. 

  • Enhancing Change Management: 
    Edition 10 now includes a dedicated Change Management clause. Organizations must document procedures for managing changes in equipment, processes, or personnel, effectively mitigating associated risks. 

  • Streamlining Records and Documentation: 
    Recognizing the challenges of scattered record-keeping, we’ve consolidated documentation requirements into one clear section. This reorganization simplifies compliance and provides auditors with a more straightforward review process. 

  • Emphasizing Critical Training and Assessments: 
    The updated code mandates rigorous assessments of critical training programs, ensuring that all personnel remain competent and fully capable of upholding the highest standards of food safety. 

Get Involved: Share Your Feedback 

I invite you to actively participate in this exciting evolution. Join us at the SQF Unites Town Hall and the SQF Knowledge Swaps which serve as great forums to discuss your ideas and provide feedback on Edition 10.  

Our online public commenting system is open for your feedback. I encourage you to create an account and comment. Public comments are currently open for Part A, Appendix 1 (FSC), and Appendix 2 (Glossary). On April 1, 2025, we will open comments for all the Codes. Your input is vital to ensure that the new Code not only meets regulatory requirements but also addresses the practical realities of modern food manufacturing. 

SQF Code Edition 10 represents a forward-thinking approach to food safety—one that thrives on collaboration, transparency, and the heartfelt insights of our dedicated community.  

I am excited to continue this dialogue and work together to drive excellence in food safety. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue this journey together! 

Share Your Feedback Here

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