The Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program is a thorough and reliable food safety and quality program that is conducted by the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI). Not only is it recognized by retailers, brand owners, and food service providers world-wide but it is also the only one of its kind that is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). The goal of being SQF certified is to consistently apply standards of food safety and quality on a global level and is a measurement by which everyone can be assured of safe, quality food products. SQF Certification effectively ensures a higher degree of trust and acceptance in the global marketplace.

What are the levels of SQF Certification?

Level 1 is the fundamentals or introduction of food safety and requires producers to be aware of and to execute fundamental food-safety controls. This was created for producers with low-risk food products or for the first step toward SQF certification for new or developing businesses. It covers Good Agricultural Practices (GAPS), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and Good Distribution Practices (GDPs).

Level 2 is known as the “Certified HACCP-Based Food Safety Plan.” It incorporates all of the Level 1 requirements and adds Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) risk assessment and execution. It is a food-safety plan.

Level 3 is a “Comprehensive Food Safety and Quality Management System.” In addition to everything from Level 1 and Level 2, this last level ensures that action has been taken to improve or prevent poor quality or contamination through the HACCP process. In other terms, this level raises the bar by focusing on food quality, as well as safety.