Why Get SQF Certified?

This post was updated on March 31, 2026, with more updated information and data.

Walking through a grocery store, I’m impressed by the number of people who invest time to read the packaging of food or drinks before they’re added to the shopping cart. They’re studying the ingredients, certifications, and nutritional facts to determine if that particular item is a safe and healthy option for their family. This level of consumer consciousness continues to grow year over year, showing no signs of slowing pace.

Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification enhances your brand's credibility and trust, as it is increasingly a prerequisite for doing business in the food industry. It supports standardized practices and demonstrates a company’s commitment to food safety, ultimately protecting your brand and bottom line.

This particular food safety certification is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). The international organization aims to help producers abide by a reliable standard for foodservice processing across the globe. Implemented and managed by an independent, third-party certification body, SQF is used to control food safety risks within food processing facilities.

Let’s break it down in this article:

SQF offers four programs tailored to different supplier needs, from basic to advanced:

• SQF Fundamentals Program: Designed for small and medium-sized suppliers lacking a robust food safety management program.
• SQF Food Safety Program: Globally recognized, ensuring compliance with most regulations.
• SQF Food Safety and Quality Program: For suppliers with existing robust safety plans, focusing on food quality threats.
• SQF Ethical Sourcing Program: Covers environmental, social, and health and safety management for ethical product sourcing.

The Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) can help you identify the best program for your company by answering just a few questions on its website.

The certification process involves eight steps, including:

1. Learning about the SQF code
2. Registering in the SQF Assessment Database
3. Designating an SQF practitioner
4. Selecting your certification type
5. Obtaining audit proposals
6. Conducting a pre-assessment
7. Scheduling an audit
8. Completing the certification audit. 

Annual re-audits are required to maintain certification.

Deacom’s system offers full traceability and strict process controls, reducing errors and ensuring compliance with SQF standards. Its integrated approach eliminates the need for third-party systems, facilitating a smooth certification process.

Achieving SQF certification is crucial for food producers to maintain competitiveness, ensure food safety, and enhance brand credibility. With various programs and a structured certification process, companies can choose the level that suits their needs. Deacom ERP supports this journey by providing an efficient, integrated solution for maintaining compliance and enhancing operational efficiency.