SQF Certification
The Safe Quality Foods (SQF) certification, was established on Australian shores in 1994 and since 2003 has been owned & managed by the Food Marketing Institute. Since 2004 it it has been recognised by Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) as a rigorous international standard. It incorporates comprehensive certification covering all types of food processing, manufacturing, storage, distribution, and even your dogs food. Developed with input from retail stakeholders, SQF helps food manufacturers and production companies achieve high safety standards. The standard’s modular structure allows for flexibility while maintaining consistent safety practices. Companies preparing for an SQF audit must appoint a full-time SQF practitioner, trained in HACCP, to oversee compliance and pre-audit assessments, ensuring proper manufacturing processes are upheld.
Achieving SQF certification can be hugely advantageous for companies entering new domestic & international markets. The certification signals product quality and safety to prospective clients and facilitates integration into supply chains. Internally, it fosters transparent systems and operational efficiency, enhancing quality control and reducing risks. The latest edition covers eleven codes in the food supply chain sector, including bakery and snack food processing, fruit and vegetable processing, confectionery manufacturing, recipe meals manufacturing, animal feed manufacturing, storage and distribution, food retailing, and quality management systems.
SQF certification offers numerous financial and reputational benefits to certified companies. It enhances financial performance and increases the potential for securing new contracts by being the only globally recognised GFSI program that covers the entire production supply chain. This benefits manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers entering new markets while reducing the likelihood of product recalls, thus protecting revenue and reputation. Additionally, the standard fosters trust among customers by demonstrating a company’s commitment to product safety, making the company more appealing to health-conscious consumers. Internally, SQF certification promotes continuous improvement and a positive work culture, motivating employees and allowing senior management to recognise and reward dedicated staff, thereby enhancing company loyalty and reputation.
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What happens next?
Once this audit has been completed, your auditor will issue you with a report which will highlight any non-conformances.
Benefits of an SQF Certification
Meet External Requirements
With a SQF certification, demonstrate your commitment to meeting industry standards, enhancing trust, and remaining competitive in the market.
Improve your processes
Elevate your business operations by focusing on process improvement. Streamline workflows, enhance efficiency, and optimise resource utilisation to drive better results.
Help secure new tenders
SQF certification empowers your business to enhance its capabilities, gain a competitive edge, build trust with potential clients, and improve your chances of winning lucrative contracts by showcasing your commitment to food safety through SQF certification.
Recognised by GFSI
GFSI was created to improve the overall standard of food safety throughout the world. In 2004 the SQF Food Safety Program was recognised by GFSI, and is the only GFSI program to cover the whole food process, from farm to fork.
Stand out from your competitors
Set yourself apart from the competition by showcasing your commitment to compliance. This will be looked favourably upon by external stakeholders, including your valued customers, competitors, as well as government and external regulatory bodies.
Grow your business
SQF Certification helps your business perform better. Drive efficiency, eliminate waste, and achieve consistency with a food safety management plan.
Need to Know More?
What is SQF certification?
The SQF standard is the globally recognised food safety standard that meets the needs of all farmers, suppliers and distributors in the food industry through an internationally recognised system. This system has an emphasis on the systematic approach of HACCP for the control of food safety hazards.
Why do I need SQF certification?
Establishing why you need an SQF Food Safety Standard is easy for businesses who priorities growth and/or wants to supply the safest product possible. This standard is for companies who are seeking to elevate the standard of their entire industry. Providing a platform for enhancing procedures across the whole industry which leads to a safer and superior product for all.
What are the benefits of achieving SQF certification?
Consumers expect companies with a SQF certification to produce a safer and superior product. Additionally, the standard is the only internationally recognised GFSI program that covers the whole supply chain and is a huge advantage to companies entering new markets, both on our shores and overseas. For companies wanting to progress to the next level, the SQF standard could prove an invaluable tool.
How can I achieve SQF certification?
Getting an SQF Food Safety Standard is a lot easier than you might think, We take you through the easy audit process from your initial enquiry to the final certification decision.
SQF Certification Throughout Australia
Compass Assurance Services have offices and certification staff located throughout Australia including Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and Adelaide.
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Contact Us
Contact us and speak to one of our helpful team about your ISO certification needs. We can offer certification to smaller, niche standards and to other non-accredited (non ISO) standards as well.
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