Food is one of the most important parts of our lives. We eat it to stay alive, and we eat it to enjoy life. Unfortunately, foodborne illnesses are a major issue in Canada, taking a toll on our health and economy.
One way to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses is to certify your food as safe. There are a number of ways you can do this, from using compliant labelling to using independent certification services.
This blog post will explore the different food safety certifications and how they can benefit your business.
What is SQF Certification?
Safe Quality Food Certification is a program that establishes and maintains food safety standards. This certification is specific to the manufacturing of safe food products, according to the SQF website.
To obtain SQF certification, a company must meet certain safety and quality standards set by the organization. These standards cover everything from production processes and handling of ingredients to storage and packaging. Companies that meet these requirements can display the SQF logo on their products.
SQF certification is important because it assures consumers that the food, they buy is safe and of high quality. It can also help companies attract new customers and increase profits.
How to get SQF Certification?
If you want to get certified as a safe quality food producer, the Safe Quality Food Certification (SQF) program is one of the options available to you. SQF certification is an internationally recognized standard that regulates the production and handling of food products.
To become certified, you must first pass an audit that covers topics such as food safety management systems, hazard identification and analysis, and cleaning and sanitation practices. Once you have passed the audit, you will be issued an SQF certification certificate.
Need help with your GFSI or SQF Certification process?
If you are interested in becoming certified, there are several things to keep in mind. First, ensure your business can meet the standards required for certification. Second, make sure your food safety management system is properly implemented. Finally, make sure your cleanliness and sanitation practices are up to par. If you can meet all these requirements, becoming certified with SQF should not be too difficult.
What is the SQF Certification Process?
The World Health Organization developed the Safe Quality Food Certification (SQF) program to help ensure the safety and quality of food products. The SQF program is a system for monitoring food quality and safety. The program is divided into three phases: pre-certification, certification, and re-certification.
Pre-certification involves verifying that a company has met certain standards and requirements related to food safety management. To be eligible for pre-certification, a company must have an adequate food safety management system.
Certification is the first step in the SQF process. Companies must pass a comprehensive audit that tests their compliance with established food safety standards. After the audit, companies are designated with an “SQF Level 1” or “SQF Level 2” certification.
Re-certification is required every five years for all companies certified at SQF Levels 1 or 2. Re-certification allows companies to demonstrate their continued compliance with established food safety standards. Companies must submit documentation demonstrating their adherence to current regulations and plans for continuous improvement in food safety management procedures.
The SQF certification process can be time-consuming and costly, but it assures that the food products you purchase are safe and high-quality.
What are the benefits of SQF Certification?
SQF certification is a globally accepted quality system that ensures food products’ safety, quality, and environmental compliance. SQF certification is mandatory for many companies in the food industry and has been found to be beneficial in terms of product safety, quality assurance, and market share.
The benefits of SQF certification can be summarized as follows:
- Improves product safety.
- Enhances quality assurance.
- Increases market share.
SQF Certification Cost
Certification costs vary depending on the certification body and program. The Safe Quality Food Certification (SQF) is a global, voluntary program administered by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and offers certification to organizations that meet specific quality requirements. SQF certification is valid for five years and requires annual renewal. Organizations with SQF certification can use the certified logo on their products and promotional materials.
The SQF program has two levels: Level 1 certification recognizes organizations that have implemented specific quality management systems (QMSs) in their operations, while Level 2 certification identifies organizations that have excelled in implementing QMSs across all aspects of their business. Organizations may also become certified in more than one area, such as safety and environmental responsibility.
To qualify for Level 1 or Level 2 certification, an organization must meet ISO/IEC 17025:2005 standards for QMSs. To maintain certification, an organization must continue compliance with its QMSs through periodic audits or other forms of oversight.
In order to be eligible for SQF certification, an organization must also comply with ISO 9001:2008 standards for quality management systems. In addition, most organizations seeking Level 1 or Level 2 certification must also comply with ISO 14001:2004 environmental management standards.
The cost of becoming certified varies according to the type of program desired and the number of areas in which the organization wishes to certify itself.
What are SQF Facility Certifications?
Safe Quality Food (SQF) Facility Certifications are the global standard for identifying and certifying organizations that produce safe food. SQF is a voluntary, non-profit organization developing globally accepted principles and practices to help improve food safety.
The SQF Foundation works with member companies that meet rigorous criteria to certify their facilities. Facilities must complete an extensive assessment process, including documentation and sampling of production processes. Certification can be earned by either Member Companies or Third-Party Assessors, depending on the type of facility being certified.
Third, Party Assessors can issue certificates for various operations such as slaughterhouses, agriculture production, processing plants, bakery production, and cold storage facilities. Member Companies certify their entire operations or specific areas, such as product safety, environmental management, or quality control procedures.
There are over 900 SQF Certified Organizations in more than 100 countries worldwide.
Conclusion
As business owners, it’s important to ensure your food is of safe and quality variety. Food certification can help you achieve this goal by assessing the production process for your food items and ensuring that they meet specific safety standards.
How can Quality Smart Solutions serve you?
Firstly, QSS can help with formula review, product labeling, and nutrition facts creation (for Canada and the USA).
Secondly, we can also help with registering supplemented foods with TMALs (Temporary Market Authorization License) or reviewing when the new Supplemented Food Regulations are published.
Thirdly, we help with Safe Foods for Canadians Regulations (HACCP, PCP, Import Licensing, and GRAS Notifications).
Help with facility registration, FSVP agent, and US Agent.
