Criteria for SQF Certification Bodies (Edition 9.1) was reissued with revisions effective April 1

Bulletin date:
Bulletin number:
2024-10

Action required

Criteria for SQF Certification Bodies (Edition 9.1) was reissued in April 2023 and comes into effect April 1, 2024. Certification bodies (CBs) shall audit their customers to the relevant criteria as of April 1, 2024.

 

Affected customers

Certification bodies, auditors and assessors working with the Safe Quality Food (SQF) scheme.

 

Background 

More information about the program is available on the SQF website.

 

New requirements 

Criteria for SQF Certification Bodies (Edition 9.1) contains the certification program rules, with some minor updates. It can be downloaded free of charge. The SQF website is the best source for the latest versions of the manuals, their status, revisions and effective dates for certification.

 

CBs accredited for SQF are required to provide evidence of the following to SCC:

  • The inclusion of the Criteria for SQF Certification Bodies (Edition 9.1) in the CB management system. 
  • Auditor training and qualification records. 
  • Evidence of management decision confirming the CB is ready for and in compliance with the Criteria for SQF Certification Bodies (Edition 9.1) requirements. 
  • Proposed scope of accreditation. 

 

Any identified deficiencies in the CB management system shall be covered by an action plan.

 

Deadline 

CBs shall transition to Criteria for SQF Certification Bodies (Edition 9.1) no later than March 31, 2024.

 

Questions? 

Please contact Abdel Kassou, Manager, Compliance and Assessment Services, Accreditation Services, at abdel.kassou@scc.ca or +1 613 238 3222 for more information.