A globally recognized food safety and quality certification for food manufacturers and handlers.
SQF (Safe Quality Food) is a rigorous, internationally recognized food safety management standard and certification program, operated under the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). For warehouses and 3PLs handling food and beverage products, SQF Certification (particularly SQF Edition 9, Storage & Distribution Code) is one of the strongest indicators of food safety compliance.
SQF certification requires third-party audits by an accredited certification body (CB) against a detailed set of requirements covering: food safety management systems, Good Distribution Practices (GDP), pest control, cleaning and sanitation, temperature management, traceability, and allergen management. SQF sites are audited annually.
For food and supplement brands, requiring SQF (or equivalent — AIB, BRC, FSSC 22000) from a 3PL significantly reduces supply chain risk. It demonstrates that an independent auditor has verified the facility meets documented food safety standards — not just the 3PL's self-assessment.
cGMP (21 CFR) is an FDA regulatory requirement — mandatory for certain product categories (supplements, drugs, infant formula). SQF is a voluntary third-party certification that often goes beyond the minimum cGMP requirements. Having SQF certification is evidence that a facility meets or exceeds cGMP standards as verified by an independent auditor.
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