SQF, Certification Levels

The SQF Codes: Three certification levels

Level 1
Food Safety Fundamentals. Indicates that prerequisite programs and fundamental food safety controls have been implemented to provide a sound foundation for the further development of the Organization’s management system.

Level 2
Food Safety Plans Incorporates all Level 1 system requirements and indicates that a food safety risk analysis of the product and its associated process has been completed to identify the hazards and the actions taken to eliminate, prevent or reduce their occurrence.

Level 3
Comprehensive Food Safety and Quality Management Systems Development. Incorporates all Level 1 and Level 2 system requirements and indicates that a food quality risk assessment of the product and its associated process have been completed, that the actions taken to prevent the incidence of poor quality and the remaining quality management systems procedures have been implemented.

* The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) is coordinated by CIES - The Food Business Forum, launched May 2000.

Safe Quality Food (SQF)

•The Safe Quality Food (SQF) is a quality program recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)*, an organization representing over 70% of food retail revenue worldwide. The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) manages the SQF program.
•Currently, there are two SQF Codes: SQF 1000 for farmers / producers and SQF 2000 for food manufacturers and distributors.
•SQF 1000 and 2000 Codes are based on the principles of Hazard Analysis at Critical Control Point (HACCP), Codex, ISO and Quality Management Systems.
•SQF Certification to these codes gives assurance to retailers that the food from suppliers has been produced, prepared and handled according to internationally recognized standards.