The SQF Code is the backbone of the certification process.
Understanding its structure and purpose is essential for implementing a successful food safety system tailored to your business.
The SQF Code is divided into two key components: the Food Safety Code and the Quality Code.
The Food Safety Code is mandatory and includes all the required elements to ensure food is produced, processed, and handled safely.
The Quality Code, which is optional, focuses on managing quality and reducing variability in finished products.
Within the Food Safety Code, the most critical parts are the System Elements (Module 2) and the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), which vary by industry sector.
Module 2 – System Elements:
This module outlines the overarching policies and procedures required to build a robust food safety system.
These include management responsibility, document control, food safety plans based on HACCP principles, internal audits, corrective actions, and training.
Industry-Specific Modules:
In addition to Module 2, each sector of the food supply chain has its own GMP module.
For example:
- Module 11: Food Manufacturing
- Module 12: Storage and Distribution
- Module 13: Packaging Materials
- Module 7: Primary Production
These modules cover the operational controls specific to your facility’s activities and risks.
The SQF Code ensures these controls are practical, sector-specific, and focused on preventing contamination and ensuring traceability.
The Quality Code:
For businesses seeking to go beyond safety and focus on quality attributes such as taste, texture, appearance, or compliance with customer specifications, the Quality Code offers a framework for quality management.
It incorporates risk assessments for quality, complaint trending, and performance reviews.
When selecting the appropriate SQF modules, businesses should assess their operations and determine which modules align with their products and processes.
SQFI provides detailed guidance and decision trees to assist with this step.
Understanding and applying the SQF Code builds the foundation for a successful certification.
More importantly, it creates a consistent and proactive system for delivering safe, high-quality food to customers.
