SQF Implementation Readiness - Gap Assessment and Internal Audit Services

Ensure Your SQF Certification Success with Confidence

SQF-Aligned Audit Preparation Services by Food Safety Systems

Facing an upcoming third-party certification audit, such as Safe Quality Food (SQF)? Our Mock Audit & Support Services help identify and resolve compliance issues before your official audit—so you can walk into your inspection fully prepared and confident.

We help you:

✓ Detect hidden non-conformities with full audit simulations

✓ Reduce stress with structured pre-audit preparation

✓ Increase the likelihood of passing your audit on the first try

Who this service is for?

  • This service is ideal for facilities preparing for an SQF Audit. It is intended to be conducted after the facility has accumulated at least 90 days of operational and food safety records and prior to the official third-party audit.

    We combine an in-depth Implementation Gap Assessment with a formal Internal Audit to comprehensively evaluate your SQF System’s readiness, identify any non-conformances, and recommend corrective actions—setting your team up for certification success.

Scope of Work:

1. Pre-Assessment Planning and Consultation

  • • Define facility scope, applicable Food Sector Categories (FSCs), and SQF certification objectives.

    • Establish audit schedule and document request list.

2. Documentation and Records Review

  • • Review 90+ days of FSMS records for completeness and accuracy.

    • Evaluate procedures, forms, logs, risk assessments, and management reviews for SQF compliance.

3. SQF Implementation Gap Assessment

  • • Assess conformance of your programs (e.g., sanitation, allergen management, traceability, supplier approval, FSVP) to SQF Code Edition 10.

    • Identify areas of partial or non-compliance.

    • Evaluate the facility’s food defense, food fraud, and risk assessment documentation.

4. Internal Audit Execution (Process and GMP)

  • • Conduct an Internal Audit covering all relevant SQF Elements.

    • Assess operational practices on-site or remotely via live facility walkthrough, records sampling, and staff interviews.

    • Document internal audit findings in a formal report aligned with SQF Internal Audit Program expectations.

5. Corrective Action Plan Development

  • • Prioritize identified gaps and non-conformities with recommended corrective actions and deadlines.

    • Support client management review by presenting key findings.

6. Final Report and Debrief

  • • Deliver a consolidated Gap Assessment and Internal Audit Report with non-conformance classifications and risk-based prioritization.

    • Provide strategic guidance for final certification audit preparations.

Deliverables:

  • • SQF Implementation Gap Assessment Report

    • Internal Audit Report (covering Food Safety Plan, System Elements, and industry-specific SQF Code)

    • Customized Corrective Action Plan (CAP)

    • Documented Evidence Checklist

    • Management Review Debrief (remote)

Service Fee (Per Facility)

Service Description Investment Action
Basic Mock Audit Document review + virtual walkthrough of your site $2,500 Subscribe
Full Mock Audit On-site 2-day audit simulation w/ opening & closing meetings $4,000 Subscribe
Audit Day Support Consultant support on audit day (in person or remote) $1,500/day Subscribe

Notes:

  • • Miscellaneous fees (i.e., travel, meals, lodging) are excluded from the price quote.

    • Recommended to be performed after at least 90 days of record accumulation to ensure meaningful assessment.

    • Onsite delivery will require advance coordination for access, safety orientation, and logistical arrangements.

Gap Assessment and Internal Audit Agenda Samples

  • Itinerary for facilities availing the Onsite Tour option — 5-day Engagement:

Day Agenda Coverage
0 Travel to Facility
1 Facility Tour and Initial Observations (General Operations, Plant Layout, Infrastructure, Personnel Practices, Production Areas, Storage, Maintenance Areas, Waste Management, External Grounds)
2 Facility Observation Conclusion (Transport Areas, Chemical Storage, Staff Amenities), Document Review Kick-off
3 Document and Record Review (SQF Manual, SOPs, Records, Logs), Interviews with Key Personnel (QA, Sanitation, Maintenance)
4 Final Document Review, Internal Audit Activities, Preparation of Preliminary Findings
5 Closing Meeting (Discussion of Observations, Notable Gaps, and Improvement Recommendations); Return from Facility

  • Itinerary for facilities availing the Remote option — 5-day Engagement:

Day Agenda Coverage
1 Opening Meeting via Video Call (Scope confirmation, introduction to assessment process); Virtual Facility Tour Review (Client-provided videos, photos, or live virtual walkthrough: facility layout, processing, quality control, storage, receiving, dispatch areas, and staff amenities)
2 – 5 Document and Record Review (SQF Manual, Procedures, SOPs, Forms, Logs); Review of Key Operational Programs (Food Safety Plan, GMPs, Sanitation, Maintenance, Training, Allergen, Traceability, Supplier Approval, FSVP Documentation)
6 Virtual Interviews (QA personnel, Sanitation, Maintenance, Operations Managers); Preliminary Findings Discussion
7 Closing Meeting (Summary of key gaps, recommended improvements, next steps)

Optional Add-Ons

  • • Gap Assessment Corrective Action Support – starts at $75.00 per document

    • HACCP/Food Safety Plan Development – $2,200.00 per product (Includes full HACCP plan, hazard analysis, CCPs, and validation)

    • On-Site Support Visit (w/ in-person implementation coaching) – $1,200.00/day + miscellaneous

    • SQF Compliance Management System Software – starts at $99/mo per user

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