SQF implementation readiness
SQF Gap Assessment & Internal Audit Services
An SQF gap assessment shows exactly where your system stands before the certification audit. In addition, our mock audit and internal audit services find and resolve compliance issues early, so your team walks into the official audit prepared and confident.
SQF audit preparation
Why an SQF Gap Assessment Ensures Certification Success
Detect hidden non-conformities
Full SQF audit simulations uncover issues before your certification body does.
Reduce audit stress
Structured pre-audit preparation for your team, documents and facility.
Pass on the first try
Increase the likelihood of passing your SQF audit the first time.
Who this service is for
Built for Facilities Preparing for an SQF Audit
This service is ideal for facilities preparing for an SQF audit. It is conducted after the facility has accumulated at least 90 days of operational and food safety records, and before the official third-party audit.
We combine an in-depth SQF Implementation Gap Assessment with a formal Internal Audit to evaluate your SQF system’s readiness, identify non-conformances and recommend corrective actions — setting your team up for certification success.
Scope of work
Our SQF Gap Assessment & Internal Audit Process
Step 1
Pre-Assessment Planning
Define facility scope, applicable Food Sector Categories (FSCs) and SQF certification objectives; set the audit schedule and document request list.
Step 2
Documentation & Records Review
Review 90+ days of FSMS records for completeness and accuracy; evaluate procedures, forms, logs, risk assessments and management reviews.
Step 3
SQF Implementation Gap Assessment
Assess sanitation, allergen management, traceability, supplier approval, FSVP, food defense and food fraud programs against SQF Code Edition 10.
Step 4
Internal Audit (Process & GMP)
Audit all relevant SQF elements on-site or remotely through facility walkthroughs, records sampling and staff interviews, with a formal report.
Step 5
Corrective Action Plan
Prioritize gaps and non-conformities with recommended corrective actions and deadlines, and present key findings for management review.
Step 6
Final Report & Debrief
A consolidated report with non-conformance classifications, risk-based prioritization and guidance for final certification audit preparation.
Deliverables
What You Receive
SQF Implementation Gap Assessment Report
Where your system stands against the SQF Code.
Internal Audit Report
Covering the Food Safety Plan, system elements and your industry-specific SQF module.
Customized Corrective Action Plan
Prioritized actions with deadlines.
Documented Evidence Checklist
Exactly what the auditor will expect to see.
Management Review Debrief
A remote session to walk leadership through the findings.
Service fees (per facility)
SQF Mock Audit & Gap Assessment Pricing
Remote
Basic Mock Audit
$2,500
Per facility
✓ Document review
✓ Virtual walkthrough of your site
Most complete
Full Mock Audit
$4,000
Per facility
✓ On-site 2-day audit simulation
✓ Opening and closing meetings
✓ Formal findings report
On audit day
Audit Day Support
$1,500/day
In person or remote
✓ Consultant support during your certification audit
Get startedTravel, meals and lodging are excluded from the price quote. Best performed after at least 90 days of record accumulation. On-site delivery requires advance coordination for access, safety orientation and logistics.
Sample agendas
Gap Assessment & Internal Audit Agenda Samples
On-site option · 5-day engagement
Day 0: Travel to facility
Day 1: Facility tour and initial observations — operations, layout, personnel practices, production, storage, maintenance, waste and external grounds
Day 2: Remaining areas (transport, chemical storage, staff amenities); document review kick-off
Day 3: Document and record review (SQF manual, SOPs, records, logs); interviews with QA, sanitation and maintenance
Day 4: Final document review, internal audit activities, preliminary findings
Day 5: Closing meeting with observations, gaps and recommendations; return travel
Remote option
Day 1: Opening video call and virtual facility tour (videos, photos or live walkthrough)
Days 2–5: Document and record review; key programs including food safety plan, GMPs, sanitation, maintenance, training, allergens, traceability, supplier approval and FSVP
Day 6: Virtual interviews with QA, sanitation, maintenance and operations; preliminary findings
Day 7: Closing meeting with key gaps, recommended improvements and next steps
Optional add-ons
Add-On SQF Support Services
Corrective Action Support
Starts at $75 per document.
Learn more →
HACCP / Food Safety Plan Development
$2,200 per product — full HACCP plan, hazard analysis, CCPs and validation.
Learn more →
On-Site Support Visit
$1,200/day plus expenses, with in-person implementation coaching.
Learn more →
SQF Compliance Management Software
Starts at $99/month per user.
Learn more →
Gap assessment FAQs
Questions About SQF Gap Assessments
When should we schedule an SQF gap assessment?
After your facility has at least 90 days of operational and food safety records, and early enough before your certification audit to close the gaps we find.
What is the difference between a gap assessment and a mock audit?
A gap assessment compares your programs and documents against the SQF Code. A mock audit simulates the certification audit itself, including walkthroughs and staff interviews. Our service combines both.
Can the internal audit be done remotely?
Yes. The remote option uses a virtual facility tour, document and record review, and video interviews with key personnel.
Walk into your SQF audit prepared
Book a free consultation and an SQF consultant will recommend the right assessment for your facility and timeline.
Food Safety Systems is an independent consulting provider and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI). Read our disclaimer.
