CSQ CERTIFICATION
The CSQ Certification Program and applicable standards were built around ISO/IEC 17067
SQF CERTIFICATION
Ensures that your product, process or service complies with regulatory, international and scientifically proven standards for safety.
What is SQF Certification?
SQF certification is part of the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and is widely recognized across all sectors of the food industry, including:
🔹 Primary production (plant and animal)
🔹 Food and beverage manufacturing
🔹 Food packaging production
🔹 Storage and distribution
🔹 Retail and food service
Unlike other food safety programs, SQF is the only certification that covers the entire food supply chain, ensuring food is safe from farm to fork.
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- SQF Stages
- SQF Fundamentals Stage
- SQF Food Safety Stage
- SQF Food Safety and Quality Program Stage
SQF Stage Process:
There are three certification stages 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.
Stage 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).
Stage 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.
Stage 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.
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.