As one of a handful of companies accredited under the Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program worldwide, Silliker Global Certification Services has the expertise and resources to audit suppliers and certify they meet SQF standards.
A subsidiary of Silliker Group Corp., Silliker Global Certification Services operates independently from Silliker, Inc. and is accredited through the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JAS-ANZ) for SQF 1000 and SQF 2000. We are currently licensed to offer SQF certification in North America, Australia, China and New Zealand. In the near future, we will expand our services into Europe and South America.
Global Initiative
Across the globe, meals have largely become an "international affair" for consumers. During a typical dinner, a family on either side of the equator can dine on beef from Argentina, lettuce from Columbia, strawberries from Mexico, mushrooms from China, cheese from New Zealand, and seasoned spices from Turkey.
In todayıs global marketplace, consumers are demanding assurances they are purchasing safe and quality food products. Wanting the same assurances, retailers are requiring suppliers to demonstrate their commitment to safe and quality products by adhering to an internationally accepted food management system.
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Increasingly, retail buyers are turning to Safe Quality Food (SQF) audits, a fully integrated safety and quality management protocol designed specifically for the food sector. As one of a handful of companies licensed under SQFI worldwide, Silliker Global Certification Services has the expertise and resources to audit suppliers and certify they meet SQF standards.
Codes and Standards
Implementing and maintaining an SQF program varies based on the type of products that are being grown, produced or manufactured as well as the process and level of certification requested.
SQF offers two different standards or "codes" — SQF 1000 for primary producers and SQF 2000 for manufacturers. Within each code, there are three levels ranging from the achievement of fundamental food safety, through HACCP-based food safety plans, to sustainable quality management systems. This allows every supplier, from the smallest farmer to the largest manufacturer, to be eligible for SQF certification.
Set Apart
Compared to more traditional industry audits, SQF is more rigorous as it requires a strict approval process for auditors, classification of auditors by food sector and identification of a SQF trained expert by the company undergoing certification. The assessment process is also more rigorous, since in addition to the certification audit a preliminary review of system documentation and a program of routine surveillance audits is required.
Auditors must be affiliated with an accredited certification body that complies with ISO Guide 65 standards on product and process certification. This degree of accreditation and certification are unique features not found in many other programs. The SQF process is more comprehensive and designed to ensure companies maintain high standards for food safety certification.
Crossing International Boundaries
Under SQF, all regulatory standards for exporting and importing countries must be fully met. However, SQF is not intended to replace the role of government requirement and standards. It provides independent verification that product specifications and regulatory requirements have been realized. SQF certification is a voluntary global standard that crosses international boundaries. Currently, the SQF Program has issued more than 9,000 certificates to producers, manufacturers and processors in 20 countries.
Forging Stronger Buyer, Seller Relations
Reducing costs and improving profitability in our global economy is a goal for companies that are seeking to expand and fortify their brand. For suppliers who are tired of costly and redundant audits, SQF certification holds a number of benefits, including:
- Time and cost efficiencies — SQF reduces the need for inconsistent, costly and multiple audits
- Recognition — SQF certification is accepted and endorsed by major U.S. and international retailers
- Adaptability — The SQF Program is suitable for all types of food suppliers operating in both domestic and global markets
- Increased Profits — The SQF system promotes product loss and waste reduction
- Comprehensive — Farm-to-retail solution for all levels of the supply chain
- Competitive Advantages — Over non-certified producers and enhanced market access
Certification Path
Owned and operated by the Food Marketing Institute, the SQF program is managed by the Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI). Launched in 1994, the program is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), a group of major international retailers committed to strengthening consumer confidence in the food sold by retail outlets.
Please log on to http://www.sqfi.com to learn more about SQF program. From guidance documents to frequently asked questions, this helpful website provides a wealth of information to start you down the path to SQF certification. To learn more about how Silliker Global Certification Services can facilitate the certification of your Food Safety program, please log on to http://www.silliker.com/certification/audits.htm.
Through our commitment to providing practical solutions we can provide you with a cohesive approach to ensure you meet the SQF system requirements. These include:
Auditing and Certification
- Optional Analysis of current your Food Safety Programs to SQF (GAP Analysis)
- Documentation Review
- On-Site Certification Audit
- Surveillance Audit Programs
- Annual Re-certification
Consulting
Though Silliker, Inc. operates independently from our Certification Services, a range of consulting services are available encompassing:
- SQF program development, validation, verification
- HACCP program development
- GAP assessment
- Ongoing management and monitoring of your SQF system
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