SQF Code Edition 8.1
What is the SQF Program?
SQF (Safe Quality Food) is a program of food safety and quality that is recognized worldwide by retailers, brand owners, and food service providers. All the way from farm to store shelf, SQF codes are designed to meet requirements for all sectors of the food supply chain. Recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), the SQF Program is an excellent way to demonstrate a dedication to food quality and safety.
Edition 8.1
As of July 2, 2019, the newest edition of the SQF code has been released – Edition 8.1. The changes made are not groundbreaking, and rather focus on correction of typos, grammar, formatting, numbering issues or incorrect references, wording, or terminology within the standard. There are no changes that will require sites to implement new programs or policies.
Here are some of the updates from 8.0 to 8.1:
- Corrected and aligned correct Code references
- Reworded requirements for clarity and to align with other modules
- Removed irrelevant wording
- Removed incorrect word references to align with industry language
- Changed numbering when the numbering was not aligned
- Changed module headers to remove reference to “Food Safety Fundamentals”
- Added two new requirements for multi-sites
- Quality Code: Removed reference to “statistical” and focused on process controls
- Quality Code: Removed surveillance requirements
- The Summary of Food Safety Code Changes
- The Quality Code Changes Document
- A Copy of the SQF Codes Edition 8.1
GFSI: Safe Food for Consumers Everywhere
Food safety is more than an option – it’s a necessity. A recent increase in food safety incidents has shaken consumer confidence in the food supply chain, leading to a paradigm shift in the way food safety is managed in the food supply chain both nationally and globally. Consumer food safety education is at an all-time high, and their scrutiny of the food chain – and its management – has never been keener. How, then, to assure consumers that their food is safe and well-managed from farm to fork?
The Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) is an industry-driven initiative providing leadership and guidance on food safety management systems necessary for safety along the supply chain. This is accomplished through collaboration between the world’s leading food safety experts from retail, manufacturing and food service companies, as well as international organizations, governments, academics, and service providers to the global food industry.
GFSI’s collaborative approach brings together international food safety experts from the entire supply chain at Technical Working Group and Stakeholder meetings, conferences and regional events. This shared knowledge and harmonized approach creates a vision of “safe food for consumers everywhere”.
In addition to bringing together some of the greatest minds in the field of food safety, GFSI also publishes documents to provide guidance on food safety requirements and management. Scientifically-based and aligned with the internationally-recognized CODEX food safety standards, these documents outline GFSI’s benchmarking process by creating equivalency between food safety management schemes. In the fall of 2016, GFSI will release a new edition of its landmark Guidance Document, which will be published under the new name “GFSI Benchmarking Requirements.”
SQF: One world. One standard.
With consumers becoming more educated about the foods they consume and provide for their families, being able to provide quality and safety assurance is more important than ever. These high expectations impact not only retailers, but suppliers and processors as well; consumers demand verifiable proof that effective food safety control systems are in place to protect them and their families. This is where the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program makes its mark.
Recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), retailers, and food service providers worldwide, SQF certification helps reduce assessment inconsistencies and the costs associated with multiple assessment standards. SQF is known as a rigorous, credible food safety management system and benefits from continual feedback from retailers regarding consumer concerns. This information is passed on to SQF-certified suppliers, which allows them to keep a step ahead of competition.
SQF’s ultimate vision – “To be the single most trusted source for global food safety and quality certification” – is reflected in its unique feedback system as well as its exclusive integration of a quality component alongside food safety in its scheme.
