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- What is SQF Certification?
- What are the Requirements?
- What are the SQF Levels/Stages?
- How do I get SQF certified?
- How Long Does SQF Certification Take?
- How Much Does SQF Certification Cost?
What is SQF Certification?
SQF (Safe Quality Food) certification is a globally recognized food safety and quality management system designed to ensure that food products are produced, processed, and handled in strict compliance with GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) standards. This certification helps businesses demonstrate regulatory compliance, build trust across the supply chain, and expand market opportunities.
As a GFSI-recognized program, SQF is widely accepted across all sectors of the food industry, including:
✅ Food and beverage manufacturing – Processed, packaged, and ready-to-eat foods
✅ Food packaging production – Safe materials for food contact
✅ Storage and distribution – Warehousing, transportation, and logistics
✅ Retail and food service – Supermarkets, restaurants, and commercial kitchens
What sets SQF apart from other food safety certifications is its comprehensive coverage—it is the only GFSI-recognized program that certifies the entire food supply chain, ensuring food safety from farm to fork.
What are the Requirements for SQF Certification?
To achieve SQF (Safe Quality Food) certification, businesses must implement a comprehensive food safety management system that includes:
The final step is passing an SQF certification audit, which includes:
🔹 Corrective actions to address any non-conformities before approval
🔹 SQF certification levels: Fundamentals, Food Safety Code, and Quality Code
To get started, businesses should complete SQF training, conduct a gap analysis, and prepare for the audit to meet GFSI-recognized food safety standards. Need help with SQF certification? Contact us today to simplify the process!
What are the SQF certification levels?
SQF certification consists of:
How do I get SQF certified?
To obtain SQF certification, follow these steps:
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Determine Scope – Identify the SQF Code that applies to your business (e.g., Food Manufacturing, Packaging, Storage & Distribution).
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Train Your Team – Take SQF training and designate an SQF Practitioner.
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Implement SQF Requirements – Develop and document food safety programs, conduct a gap analysis, and perform internal audits.
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Select an SQF Certification Body – Work with an accredited certification body to schedule an SQF audit.
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Pass the Audit – Achieve compliance and receive your SQF certificate.
How Long Does SQF Certification Take?
The time required varies based on your current food safety program and readiness. On average, it can take 6-12 months to complete implementation, train employees, and schedule an audit.
How Much Does SQF Certification Cost?
The cost of SQF certification varies based on several factors, including:
🔹 Facility size and complexity – Larger or more complex operations may require longer audits.
🔹 Audit duration and certification body fees – Costs depend on the time needed for the audit and the certifying body chosen.
🔹 Training, documentation, and implementation expenses – Includes SQF Practitioner training, developing food safety plans, and system updates.
🔹 Travel costs – If auditors need to travel to your facility, expenses such as flights, hotels, and per diem fees may apply.
Typically, businesses can expect to invest between $5,000 - $20,000 in SQF certification, including training, audits, and associated travel costs.
- What are the SQF Levels?
- What is the SQF Fundamentals Level?
- What is the SQF Food Safety Level?
- What is the SQF Food Safety and Quality Program Level?
SQF Levels Process:
There are three certification levels available, each tailored to align with the development stage of a producer’s food safety and quality management system.
The structure of these stages within the code ensures that every supplier—whether a small-scale farmer or a large-scale manufacturer—is eligible for SQF certification.
Level 1
The "Fundamentals" program is a solid starting point for managing food safety in low-risk products, but many major retailers require GFSI-recognized certifications. Upgrading ensures broader market access, stronger partnerships, and shows a higher commitment to food safety excellence.
A beginner-level program designed for new and growing businesses that covers the fundamentals of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Good Distribution Practices (GDP).
Level 2
In addition to meeting the fundamental requirements, suppliers must complete and document a comprehensive food safety hazard assessment of both the product and the process using the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) method. This assessment should be accompanied by a detailed action plan aimed at eliminating, preventing, or reducing food safety hazards to acceptable levels. Furthermore, this program is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), ensuring that businesses meet internationally accepted food safety standards and are positioned for global market access and enhanced consumer trust.
Level 3
"Food Safety and Quality" is the gold standard of SQF certification, going beyond basic requirements by addressing identified risks with targeted corrective actions. It showcases your commitment to exceptional quality and unmatched food safety, setting your brand apart in a competitive market.
Why Choose ASI for Your SQF Audit?
✔ Fast Scheduling & Reliable Turnaround – We know time is valuable. Our efficient scheduling process ensures timely audits, so you can keep operations running smoothly.
✔ Industry Experts with Practical Experience – Our auditors bring real-world knowledge of food safety and manufacturing to provide insights beyond just compliance.
✔ Transparent & Competitive Pricing – No hidden fees. Our cost-effective approach ensures you receive affordable certification services without surprises.
✔ Customer-First Approach – We believe audits should be collaborative, not stressful. ASI provides support at every stage to make certification easier and more manageable.
✔ Minimize Audit Fatigue – SQF certification may reduce the need for multiple audits, helping streamline compliance while maintaining food safety integrity.

SQF AUDITS AND SQF CERTIFICATION
ASI can assist your company in achieving SQF certification.
SQF Certification with ASI
Achieve SQF Certification with an Experienced, Customer-Focused Partner
SQF (Safe Quality Food) certification is a globally recognized food safety and quality program designed to help businesses meet the highest industry standards. While not legally required, many major retailers, foodservice providers, and distributors demand SQF certification from their suppliers, making it essential for companies looking to expand market opportunities and build consumer trust.
At ASI Food Safety, we make the SQF certification process seamless, efficient, and cost-effective. Our experienced team provides expert guidance, flexible scheduling, and transparent pricing to ensure you achieve certification without unnecessary delays or stress.
SQF CODES AND CHECKLIST:
The SQF Code is the starting point for getting SQF certification. It lays out a detailed plan that shows how to create, put into action, and keep a strong food safety management system in place. The SQF Code includes clear guidelines and requirements that are customized for different areas of the food industry. This means it’s relevant and useful for a variety of sectors, making it easier for producers to ensure food safety in their specific situations.
FOOD SAFETY CODE: PRIMARY PLANT PRODUCTION
The Food Safety Code: Primary Plant Production encompasses indoor cultivation of fresh produce and sprouted seeds, production of fresh produce and nuts, packhouse operations for fresh produce, grain, and nuts, as well as broad-acre agricultural activities.
FOOD SAFETY CODE: PRIMARY ANIMAL PRODUCTION
The Food Safety Code for Primary Animal Production encompasses raising livestock for meat, milk, and eggs; breeding and hatching poultry and other animals; fishing, aquaculture, and seafood farming; and managing feed and water systems for animals.
FOOD SAFETY CODE: AQUACULTURE
The Food Safety Code for Aquaculture covers raising fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants in controlled environments; managing water quality and feeding systems; harvesting and processing farmed seafood; and ensuring biosecurity and disease prevention in aquaculture operations.
FOOD SAFETY CODE: FOOD MANUFACTURING
The Food Safety Code for Food Manufacturing addresses processing raw materials into finished food products, packaging and labeling, managing food safety hazards during production, and ensuring sanitation and hygiene in manufacturing facilities.
FOOD SAFETY CODE: ANIMAL PRODUCT MANUFACTURING
The Food Safety Code for Animal Product Manufacturing encompasses processing meat, dairy, and egg products; ensuring proper handling and storage; managing food safety risks during production; and packaging and labeling animal-based products.
FOOD SAFETY CODE: DIETARY SUPPLEMENT MANUFACTURING
The Food Safety Code for Dietary Supplement Manufacturing covers formulating and processing supplements from raw ingredients, ensuring quality control and safety during production, packaging and labeling for consumer use, and managing compliance with regulatory standards.
FOOD SAFETY CODE: PET FOOD MANUFACTURING
The Food Safety Code for Pet Food Manufacturing includes formulating and processing pet food from quality ingredients, ensuring safety and nutritional standards during production, packaging and labeling products for consumer sale, and managing quality control and regulatory compliance.
FOOD SAFETY CODE: ANIMAL FEED MANUFACTURING
The Food Safety Code for Animal Feed Manufacturing covers formulating and processing feed from raw materials, ensuring safety and nutritional standards during production, packaging and labeling feed products for livestock and pets, and managing regulatory compliance and quality control.
FOOD SAFETY CODE: STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION
The Food Safety Code for Storage and Distribution includes storing food products under appropriate conditions, managing inventory to prevent spoilage and contamination, packaging and labeling for safe transport, and ensuring compliance with transportation safety regulations.
FOOD SAFETY CODE: MANUFACTURING OF FOOD PACKAGING
The Food Safety Code for Manufacturing of Food Packaging involves producing food-grade materials that ensure safety and compliance, maintaining hygiene and sanitation during manufacturing, testing for chemical and physical safety, and managing labeling and traceability of packaging materials.
ASI: SQF CERTIFICATION SERVICES
ASI Food Safety can support in preparation for SQF certification in several ways:
THE SQF PROCESSS
The process of obtaining Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification typically involves several key steps:
Download, your FOOD SAFETY CODE below, and understand SQF requirements