Karine was the best part of this [SQF] course. It is clear that she is an authority in many processes based on the examples provided. I like that Karine went into detail and spoke of her own experiences. I really enjoyed how she kept everyone engaged.
SQF Edition 10: Insider Knowledge About SQF Version 10
The Safe Quality Food (SQF) Code Edition 10 is set to revolutionize food safety compliance with updated standards, enhanced security measures, and a modernized certification process. Scheduled for release in Q3 2025, SQF Edition 10 aligns with the latest food safety regulations, scientific advancements, and industry best practices to ensure the highest level of compliance and risk management.
Key Updates in SQF Version 10
- Cybersecurity in Food Defense – Strengthening digital security in food supply chains.
- Stronger Food Safety Culture Requirements – Driving a proactive compliance mindset.
- Potential Pass/Fail Audit System – A shift from numerical scoring to compliance-based ratings.
- Reintroduction of the SQF Pre-Audit – Helping sites better prepare for certification.
- Incorporation of Customer Requirements – Enhancing certification scope to meet industry demands.
Food Safety Culture
SQFI has communicated that it will provide clearer requirements for the development of a food safety culture plan. This will reinforce the attainment of food safety objectives and continuous improvement.
To prepare, sites should review their existing food safety culture metrics to demonstrate their commitment to food safety. They may use the SMART objective technique to establish goals. Food safety culture goals may be focused on training, obtaining SQF certification (SQF Practitioners), developing internal audit skills, hosting “show and tell” meetings with staff and other food safety events.
Change Management
SQF will introduce a dedicated Change Management clause in SQF 10 this year. This aligns with other QMS standards which require change management to be formalized in policies and procedures. Sites will need to define clearly how an organizational change, a change in product or material specifications, a change in equipment or process parameter will be addressed in their system elements, HACCP plan and pre-requisite programs. The ultimate objective is to better control food safety risks and protect consumers.
Document and Record Keeping
In SQF 10, an effort will be made to allow for easy document review for auditing (internal and external audit process). The SQF requirements pertaining to document and record control will be addressed in one section of the code.
Training and Risk Assessments
SQFI is also putting the emphasis on employee competencies and food safety awareness training. Sites must ensure that HACCP teams and management teams are properly trained in the HACCP methodology and SQF requirements to evaluate and control biological, chemical, physical food safety hazards. Performing robust risk assessments start with attending a HACCP class. Investing in training counts towards meeting food safety culture objectives. You may enroll in a class at this link: HACCP Training Course – 2-days – Sirocco Consulting
The announcement can be accessed at this link: SQFI | Embracing the Future of Food Safety: SQF Code Edition 10 – A Journey
Buy SQF Version 9.0 TODAY and get FREE access to SQF 10 Upgrade in July 2025
SQF 9.0 SOP Templates – Full Bundle
- Clients who have combined our coaching services with our SQF templates have been able to get certified quickly (3-6 months) and achieve scores in the 90% range.
- Other clients have passed audits on very short notice when using our SQF templates.
- Don’t wait until July to get certified. Get a FREE SQF 10 UPGRADE when you buy an SQF Bundle from TODAY.
FAQs
What is SQF?
The Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program is a globally recognized food safety and quality certification system designed to ensure that food products meet the highest standards for safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. It is managed by the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI) and is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). SQF certification helps food producers, manufacturers, and suppliers demonstrate their commitment to safe food handling, risk management, and compliance with international food safety regulations.
What are the Different Levels of SQF?
The SQF program offers three levels of certification, each providing a progressive approach to food safety and quality management:
SQF Fundamentals (Previously Level 1) – Designed for small businesses and new suppliers looking to implement basic food safety practices. This level is not recognized by GFSI.
SQF Food Safety Code (Previously Level 2) – A GFSI-recognized certification that focuses on HACCP-based food safety management systems. It ensures regulatory compliance and is widely accepted by retailers and global food markets.
SQF Food Safety & Quality Code (Previously Level 3) – The highest level of certification, incorporating both food safety and food quality management systems. It is ideal for businesses aiming to demonstrate premium product quality alongside food safety compliance.
When Does the New Edition of SQF Come Out?
SQF Edition 10 is expected to be released in Q3 2025. The updates will align with GFSI Benchmarking Requirements (2024) and incorporate changes in food safety culture, cybersecurity, pre-audits, and a potential shift to a Pass/Fail audit scoring system.
How Long Does It Take to Get SQF Certified?
The time required for SQF certification varies depending on a company’s preparedness, resources, and existing food safety systems. The process typically includes the following phases:
Preparation & Documentation – 1 to 6 months (depending on readiness).
Implementation & Internal Audit – 3 to 6 months (developing and testing food safety programs).
SQF Certification Audit – Typically conducted over 2 to 5 days.
Certification Decision & Approval – 2 to 6 weeks after the audit.
In total, SQF certification can take anywhere from 6 months to over a year depending on the organization’s starting point and complexity of operations.
What Clients Are Saying
We had the privilege of working with Karine at Sirocco Food + Wine Consulting for a gap assessment of our facility to SQF standards. Karine demonstrated exceptional expertise, provided a very thorough and insightful analysis, and really went above and beyond to take the time to clearly explain each requirement and provide suggestions. She developed a comprehensive, actionable report despite a tight timeline, and would highly recommend her services to any organization.
I have had the pleasure of working with Karine for over a year now. She helped our company pass our first SQF audit Ed. 8.1 with a score of 94. For our recertification audit, which was on SQF Ed. 9.0, Karine visited our site and performed a gap assessment. She was able to identify a lot of areas for improvement and with her help our company passed the audit and achieved a score of 96. Karine is really knowledgeable on SQF. She is easy to work with and extremely helpful.
QA Specialist/SQF Practitioner
Blue Ocean Teaz & Herbalz Inc.
We successfully passed our initial HACCP certification audit, without a single finding! While this seemed quite surprising, I then realized that this was due to the thorough gap assessment provided by Sean Xia at Sirocco Consulting, along with additional documentation support.
Sean inspected our facility and dug through all of our systems and records in such detail as to be able to expose all of our issues. We were then provided with our initial HACCP plan and a set of GMP documentation that we were able to edit and integrate with our existing documentation. But these documents were not just provided to us, they were each individually reviewed in a handover that provided further insights. And Sean also made himself available for future questions – such amazing support!
As we proceeded to work through implementation of the new GMP’s and to address all items in the gap assessment, I felt quite confident – albeit a bit trepidatious – about the pending audit. However, on the audit date, things went so much more smoothly than I ever could have imagined.
Thank you, Sirocco!
My company needed to create a more robust Preventative Control Plan than what we had, and I am so thankful to have found Sirocco Food + Wine Consulting. Their templates were just what I needed, and Karine and Sean were readily available to answer my questions and provide guidance when necessary. Karine and her team are highly competent, knowledgeable, friendly, and prompt to respond with help. I can’t recommend them enough!
Oceanside Brands
Karine is such a wonderful teacher. As a student for the PCQI hybrid course I learned a lot from the virtual course but was left with a lot of questions. I was looking forward to the instructor-led course to get some more practice and answers to my questions. Karine was clear and thorough in her explanations. Her consulting business experience gave her a plethora of examples to draw from. I was impressed by her ability to address my questions and give me resources to continue my study. She is very well versed in the regulations required and is up to date on any changes or new publications that may influence your business. She was very accommodating to my needs. I highly recommend taking a class from Karine. She is an expert in her field. I left the class feeling confident in my ability to act as a PCQI and make a positive impact on my company.
Graduate Student
Utah State University
I have been very pleased and satisfied with the SQF Bundle edition 9 developed by Karine Lawrence from Sirocco Food + Wine Consulting.
All procedures (templates) are professionally and beautifully written, saved us a tremendous amount of time, and enabled us to achieve our goal of gaining an excellent score in the audit.
Karine is very knowledgeable, and it has been a pleasure working with her. I highly recommend the SQF Bundle and her consulting services.
Quality Systems Manager
California Packaging Centers
“Karine taught the PCQI course clearly, and at a good pace that didn’t feel too fast. She asked insightful questions that sparked discussions and helped broaden the expertise of those involved in the class, I would recommend it to others.”
Food Safety and Compliance Specialist (Leafy Green Industry)
We have been using the expertise of Karine in the implementation of the SQF program and have always been completely satisfied with her help and guidance. She did an excellent job by directing us to the right resources and to obtain an excellent score in the SQF audit. We have also used the SQF templates available with Sirocco Food Safety Consulting to write our SOPs to comply with the SQF codes. The Spanish templates were very useful in creating SOPs in Spanish to cater most of our employees. I’m happy to recommend the services of Sirocco Food Safety Consulting for your SQF certification needs.
DIRECTOR OF QUALITY
AEGLE NUTRITION LLC
“As a Faculty Instructor in the area of Food Technology, a key course taught in the BCIT programme, is sensory evaluation. Most of it is a hands-on approach with physically applying and calculating the correct statistics associated with the testing. When Karine reached out to me with the opportunity to try out a sensory software programme from Tastelweb©, it enabled the students to look at tests such as QDA and Pivot Profiling Tests in more detail. Its ease of use, ability to conduct on a smartphone and automatic calculation of statistical analysis was a winner with the students! This programme also created very good impactful visuals for easy interpretation even for the non-scientist. Karine was also available to provide backup support for set up and interpretation of the results. This programme provides the flexibility of usage without a contract, especially to a smaller business where cost is a big factor. In addition, exposure to software programmes like Tastelweb© helps build a good portfolio for students graduating in a competitive industry.”
FACULTY INSTRUCTOR, FOOD TECHNOLOGY
BC INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY