SQF Resources
SQF Code Requirements: Compliance Guides for Every System Element
Our SQF Code requirements guides explain each system element in plain language: what it means, how to implement it and the evidence auditors expect. In addition, we help food businesses prepare for certification; however, we are not a certification body.
SQF compliance topics
SQF Code Requirements by System Element
Choose a topic to see what the SQF Code expects and how to implement it.
Leadership & Food Safety Culture
✓ Senior management commitment to food safety
✓ A proactive, safety-first workplace culture
✓ Leadership reviews and accountability
SQF guides: Management commitment · Food safety policy · Roles & responsibilities · Management reviews
Document Control & Records
✓ Controlled documentation workflows
✓ Secure, organized, audit-ready records
✓ Version control and procedural updates
SQF guides: Document control · Record retention
Product Development & Specifications
✓ Product and ingredient specifications
✓ Formulation aligned with food safety goals
✓ Packaging, shelf-life and quality attributes
SQF guides: Product development
Supplier Approval & Sourcing
✓ Supplier evaluation and verification protocols
✓ Supplier agreements and compliance checklists
✓ Supplier performance monitoring
SQF guides: Approved supplier program · Specification verification · COA verification · Supplier regulatory compliance
Training & Competency
✓ Training needs and role-specific competencies
✓ Training templates and tracking tools
✓ GMP, allergen and sanitation principles
SQF guides: Training needs assessment · Training program · Training records
Facility Standards & Sanitation
✓ Prerequisite programs (PRPs)
✓ GMP-based layout and hygiene controls
✓ Sanitation SOPs and environmental monitoring
SQF guides: Facility & pest control · Hygiene & sanitation · GMPs · Water, air & ice
Allergen Management
✓ Allergen and cross-contact risk mapping
✓ Cleaning verification protocols
✓ Allergen labeling, training and audit prep
SQF guides: Allergen identification · Allergen controls · Allergen verification
Food Fraud & Food Defense
✓ Food fraud vulnerability assessments
✓ Mitigation strategy planning
✓ Foundational food defense plans
SQF guides: Food fraud assessment · Fraud mitigation · Food defense plan
Crisis & Recall Management
✓ Crisis response and recall procedures
✓ Traceability reviews and mock recalls
✓ Communication and emergency templates
SQF guides: Crisis management plan · Recall & withdrawal · Annual mock recalls
Monitoring, Verification & Validation
✓ Internal gap assessments and readiness reviews
✓ Validation of CCPs, PRPs and control points
✓ Third-party audit preparation
SQF guides: Internal audits · Third-party audits · Validation & verification
Continuous Improvement
✓ CAPA workflows
✓ KPIs that support food safety objectives
✓ Log and trend reviews
SQF guides: CAPA process · Food safety KPIs
More SQF resources
More SQF Code Requirements Resources
SQF codes by sector
Requirements for manufacturing, primary production, storage and more.
Learn more →
SQF Edition 10
What changed and how to prepare.
Learn more →
Free SQF training
Weekly familiarization sessions with a certificate.
Learn more →
Audit-ready guide
Build a scalable, audit-ready SQF system.
Learn more →
Need help meeting the SQF Code?
Our consultants turn these requirements into a working, audit-ready system. Book a free gap assessment.
Food Safety Systems is an independent consulting provider and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI). SQF® is a registered trademark of SQFI, a division of FMI – The Food Industry Association. Guides are for internal guidance; for official requirements, visit sqfi.com. Read our disclaimer.
