What does SQF cover?
The SQF programme uses different codes for different supply-chain activities. A site should select the code and scope that match its operations. The food safety and quality programmes have distinct purposes and should not be treated as interchangeable.
Who it is for
Food-chain businesses selecting the SQF code appropriate to their activities.
Key areas to understand
Start with these areas. Identify which requirements apply to your activities and who is responsible for them.
- 1Select the relevant code and operational scope.
- 2Implement HACCP-based food safety and sector controls.
- 3Review verification, competence and corrective-action effectiveness.
Evidence to prepare
This list is a starting point. Check the standard for all required documents. For each item, record who is responsible, the activity or site it relates to, and a recent example showing how it works.
- Applicable code and scope record
- Food safety plan
- Sector-specific operational checks
- Training and competence evidence
- Verification, internal audit and action records
Keep records that explain what was checked, which requirement was used and who checked it. Include any action taken when a requirement was not met. Link each record to the work it supports.
An internal audit example
Suggested checks from 4Auditee
Compare the site’s activities with its selected code and scope. Choose one processing step and follow the hazard-control evidence, then check who reviews recurring deviations and what they changed in response.
Choose a sample that suits your activities and risks. If you find a gap, record the requirement, the evidence and what was missing. Check more examples if the first results suggest a wider problem.
A common problem to check
A certificate name alone does not tell you which activities and code are covered. Check scope before making customer or product claims.
Prepare for assessment
The assessment type for this guide is food safety certification scheme. Confirm the requirements, what will be assessed and how the assessment will work with the responsible body or customer. These steps help you prepare. You must also follow the scheme’s official rules.
- Define what is covered. List the products, services, activities and sites. Record the standard edition, additional scheme rules and customer requirements.
- Find what is missing. Compare the requirements with current work. Prioritise gaps by risk. Assign someone responsible and a completion date.
- Keep records of everyday work. Check a sample of actual records and speak with the people involved. Make sure they understand their responsibilities.
- Check the results. Complete internal reviews and audits. Check that corrective actions worked before closing problems.
From one site to many
Make it easy to find who is responsible at each site. Keep company policies separate from records of local work. Link each site’s records to its activities, risks and requirements so you can spot gaps at individual sites.
Sites that share a management system do not automatically qualify for one certificate or assessment. Confirm which sites can be included and how they will be checked with the assessment body.
About this guide and its sources
4Auditee wrote this guide using the public source below. The evidence list, audit example and preparation steps are our suggestions. Read the official standard and scheme rules for the full requirements. This guide does not include the standard’s full text or provide certification.
DNV: SQF reference information