SQF: Protecting Consumers, Protecting Brands

The increased frequency and severity of food safety incidents across the globe has certainly tested consumer confidence in the food supply chain. How do food producers, processors, distributors, and retailers, all those responsible for getting our food from farm to fork, maximize the safety of what consumers will find on their plate during a night out to eat or on store shelves during their routine grocery shopping trip?

In response to a number of food safety scares, a group of international retailers created the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) whose simple aim has been “Safe Food for Consumers Everywhere.” GFSI, who now represents over 70% of food retail revenue worldwide, is committed to benchmarking food safety management schemes in order to enhance food safety, restore consumer confidence, and equally important, to improve the cost efficiency of food safety audits by promoting common acceptance of GFSI recognized standards by retailers worldwide.

The Safe Quality Food or SQF standard, which is managed by a division of the Food Marketing Institute, is a complete food safety and quality management system and is the only GFSI globally recognized standard based in the United States. The number of SQF registered companies has grown more than 100% in the last year alone and an increasing number of US and international food retailers are now expressing a preference for SQF-certified suppliers. Currently, SQF certificates have been issued in more than 30 countries.

Why are more suppliers and their buyers requesting SQF? SQF independent certification provides assurance that food has been produced, processed, and handled according to the highest possible standards and that it has met domestic and international food safety regulations. This leading risk analysis and prevention-based standard also serves the needs of all levels of the food supply chain and offers a host of unique features and benefits.

SQF Certification

The SQF Program includes two codes (standards) which are both based on the HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) method and principles:

• SQF 1000 Code serves primary producers including growers of produce and grains along with suppliers involved in the production and harvest of livestock and fish.



• SQF 2000 Code serves the manufacturing, processing, and distribution sectors of the food supply chain.

Each SQF code allows for certification at one of three levels, all of which incorporate continuous improvement:

• Level 1: Food Safety Fundamentals
  
  Designed primarily for suppliers of low risk products, this level requires the implementation of fundamental food safety controls.



• Level 2: Certified HACCP Food Safety Plans
  
  Designed as the minimum level for suppliers of high risk products, this level incorporates all Level 1 requirements and also requires a comprehensive HACCP based food safety risk assessment of products and processes. In addition to documenting this risk assessment, the supplier must also complete an action plan to manage food safety hazards.



• Level 3: Comprehensive Quality Management Systems Development
  
  In addition to the requirements of Levels 1 and 2, suppliers are required to identify the controls for ensuring consistent product quality, and do so by completing and documenting a food quality assessment of products and associated processes. Level 3 certified suppliers may use the SQF certification trade mark symbol.

Key Features and Benefits of SQF

• A tailored fit: The SQF food safety and quality management system can be applied to all suppliers and all product risk levels, and unique to SQF, has a quality component at the highest level of certification.



• Value-added options: SQF offers additional guidance for particular food sector categories as well as innovative optional modules for responsible social and environmental practices – increasingly in demand by consumers as food supply chains go global.



• Time and money savings: The continuous improvement and food safety management principles of SQF can improve efficiency and reduce product loss and waste. Widespread retailer acceptance can lead to a reduction in costly, inconsistent, and redundant audits.



• Trust and consistency: SQF auditors and certification bodies undergo a rigorous qualification process and must utilize SQF standardized procedures and reporting formats. Consistency and quality of audits fosters confidence for suppliers and their customers.



• Protection: Implementing the SQF standard and achieving certification helps protect the consumer, your brands, and your business.



• Business growth potential: Certification to a GFSI internationally recognized standard allows greater market access to retailers, provides a competitive advantage over non-certified competitors, and enhances public image.



• Free guidance documents may be downloaded from the SQF Institute’s website.

Could SQF be right for your company? Let us answer your questions! Please contact us at:

Perry Johnson Registrars, Inc.
755 W. Big Beaver Rd., Suite 1340
Troy, Michigan 48084
Phone: 800-800-7910 or 248-358-3388
Fax: 248-358-0882
www.pjr.com

If you are ready to receive a cost-free and obligation-free quote, please fill out our client application and one of our Project Managers will guide you through the benefits of becoming SQF certified.